Oxfordshire Arts are re-introducing our Silver Clay (PMC) workshops, taught by tutor Lynne Fisher.
What is silver clay?
Silver clay, sometimes known as precious metal clay (PMC), is a mixture of fine silver particles in an organic binder which allows it to be used as a ‘clay’ or as a paste. It was originally developed by Mitsubishi using silver which was a by-product of its industrial processes. Now there are many brands of clay, all with slightly different properties. The silver clay is great for picking up textures and you only need a few simple tools to give it a go. Once you have formed your piece, the binder is burnt off (by torch or in a kiln) and you are left with the metal! An amazing transformational process.
What level of course is suitable?
Beginner level – suitable if you are an absolute beginner or if you have used silver clay a few times and want to be guided through new projects and techniques.
Intermediate level – you are familiar with handling silver clay and want to make more complex pieces and/or learn more advanced techniques.
| Saturday Mar 29th from 10:00 to 13:00 | Taster Workshop in Silver Clay | £65 |
| Saturday Apr 26th from 10:00 to 17:00 | Silver Clay Mandala | £155 |
The picture shows you an example of what you can make in the workshop. There will be a selection of textures and cutters to use, including the skeleton leaf texture used in the example. 5g of silver clay is enough to make one or two pendants or a pendant and two dangle earrings. We will be aiming to achieve well finished pieces with a high mirror shine.
Workshop Details
During this Workshop you will learn about silver clay, what it is and how to handle it. We will make a piece focusing on:
- how to roll out silver clay
- how to add a delicate texture
- use of cutters
- how to add a hole for jump rings
- how to refine your piece
- how to achieve a mirror shine
- torch firing
- polishing fired piece
A sterling silver jump ring and 1.3mm sterling silver Trace chain and/or silver ear hooks are included in the price of the Workshop.
NB: There is no option in this Workshop to make stud earrings or rings. These involve more advanced techniques and may be covered in future Workshops.
Directions and Parking
The Workshop is held at The Studio, Muster Point, Featherbed Lane, East Hendred, Oxfordshire OX12 8JF. For accurate direction off Featherbed Lane, do NOT use our Postcode as it will take you to a large farm building. For those of you who are aware of What3words – our front door is in the 3 metre square: lunges.ages.paces Alternatively, look out for the Google Maps Pin for “Oxfordshire Arts”.
Please park in our main car-park. If this is full, there will be spaces on our overflow car-park near the house.
Workshop Timing
We will start the Workshop at 10:00, but please aim to arrive 10 minutes before the start to give yourself time to make yourself comfortable. The Workshop is due to finish at 13:00.
Materials and Equipment
All the materials and equipment you need for this Workshop will be available for use on the day.
Refreshments
Refreshments (tea, coffee, biscuits, etc.) will be provided. There will be time to have a break while your pieces dry. Please note: lunch is not provided on half-day Workshops.
General
Please make sure your clothing is both comfortable and suitable for the Workshop. We will be firing our pieces using a small kitchen butane torch, so avoid loose sleeves etc. and bring something to tie your hair back with. If you need corrective glasses for close work, please bring them!
The picture shown gives you an example of what you will make in the workshop. There is flexibility for you to select textures and colour of nanogem.
Workshop Details
During this Workshop you will make a piece using the following skills:
- how to roll out and texture silver clay
- how to free cut round a texture using a needle tool
- how to refine your pieces
- how to assemble pieces
- how to make a bail
- how to set a nanogem
A 1.3mm sterling silver Trace chain, a 2mm nanogem and 10g of silver clay is included in the price of the Workshop. A polishing kit consisting of a 5cm x 5cm square of 6 grits of 3M polishing cloths and a small silver polishing cloth is also included in the cost.
Directions and Parking
The Workshop is held at The Studio, Muster Point, Featherbed Lane, East Hendred, Oxfordshire OX12 8JF. For accurate direction off Featherbed Lane, do NOT use our Postcode as it will take you to a large farm building. For those of you who are aware of What3words – our front door is in the 3 metre square: lunges.ages.paces Alternatively, look out for the Google Maps Pin for “Oxfordshire Arts”.
Please park in our main car-park. If this is full, there will be spaces on our overflow car-park near the house.
Workshop Timing
We will start the Workshop at 10:00am, but please aim to arrive 10 minutes before the start to give yourself time to make yourself comfortable. The Workshop is due to finish at 17:00. The pieces can be wire-brushed and polished before the end of the Workshop and taken home.
Materials and Equipment
All the materials and equipment you need for this Workshop will be available for use on the day.
Refreshments
Refreshments (tea, coffee, biscuits, etc.) will be provided. Lunch will be provided – please let us know when you book if you have any special dietary requirements.
General
Please make sure your clothing is both comfortable and suitable for the Workshop. If you need corrective glasses for close work, please bring them!