Full day beginners stud earrings silver clay workshop, Southampton

Learn the art of fine silver jewellery making, using the alchemy of silver clay, combined traditional silversmithing techniques to solder silver posts to the back. Take inspiration from the textures found in nature to make beautiful and truly unique stud earrings. With no more than 4 people in this  class, all skill levels are catered for, and you’ll get as much guidance as you need.  

Silver clay is a relatively new product that can be worked like clay and yet is made of pure silver particles, with a binder and water. When it is fired the result is a pure silver piece which is of fine silver hallmark quality. 

This is a small class is held in Rebecca Oxenham's jewellery making studio with a maximum of 4 attendees to allow for lots of individual attention. At the end of the day you will celebrate with a glass of Prosecco or non alcoholic alternative. 

For pictures and testimonials from past workshops go to https://www.rebeccaoxenham.com/workshop-testimonials     

WHO SHOULD ATTEND    

This course is suitable for learners with no previous knowledge of working with silver clay or those with experience with other forms of jewellery making. It is also suitable for those with no experience yet of crafts or creative activities. Most important is a desire to learn and experiment with the materials.     

WHAT'S INCLUDED    

- 7g silver clay (99% silver recycled silver).  This is enough to make 1-3 pairs of stud earrings depending on the size        

- Sterling silver (92.5% recycled silver) earring posts 

- Easy solder and flux

- Use of all equipment needed from the studio           

- A step by step detailed instruction booklet (which you can take home)           

- Tea, coffee and biscuits           

- A glass of prosecco or non alcoholic alternative to celebrate the day at the end 

- Access to all the silversmithing and silver clay tools you will need from the studio. 

- Maximum numbers for this workshop is 4    

WHAT HAPPENS ON THE DAY  

You’ll spend the morning learning about silver clay, designing your piece, texturing, filing and sanding then leaving it to dry, and firing your pieces before eating your picnic. In the afternoon, you will learn to solder, and polish your earrings.  

ITINARY 

10.00 Arrival with tea or coffee we will introduce ourselves, discuss the itinerary and have a look and talk through the examples of jewellery that can be made.

 

10.30 Students are talked through the tools in the studio and told a bit about the history of silver clay, its eco-friendly properties, shrinkage and how it all works. The tutor demonstrates what to look for when creating replica leaf jewellery and which types of leaves are best and does a demonstration of how to use moulds of acorns or shells.

 

11.00 students then start working on their own designs, from rough sketching and making models before starting work crafting their own designs.

 

13.00 The pieces will be dried before students learn to fire their pieces using a gas torch. This is the magical bit where the clay like substance transforms to 99.9% fine silver. After firing, a wire brush is used to brush off the white clay binder residue revealing the solid fine silver beneath.

13.30 Students break for lunch

14.30 Students learn to solder silver posts to the backs of their pieces and polish thier pieces.

15.30 Students finish off with a glass of prosecco or non-alcoholic alternative while they admire everyone’s jewellery made in the class. Students leave for the day.       

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING  

 

 - A packed lunch and any extra drinks           

- An apron is optiona but fluffy jumpers of silk clothing is not recommended       

 - Closed toe shoes (We want to avoid dropping hot metal on your feet!)         

 - Hairband (to tie hair back while firing)           

- Glasses - there is some fine detailed work.  

PARTICIPANT GUIDELINES 

 

- Minimum age: 12 (under 18s must be accompanied by a participating adult)           

- There is no wheelchair access to the workroom which is at the end of the garden          

 - There is parking on the road (if it gets busy there is also a car park close by on Manor Farm Road 

 - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts. 

- Minimum numbers to run: 2

- Maximum numbers: 6       

ABOUT YOUR TUTOR - REBECCA OXENHAM     

Rebecca works out of her studio at the end of her garden in Hampshire, England. The jewellery created is inspired by her passion for nature and she is committed to supporting biodiversity and protecting the environment. She uses recycled materials such as silver clay which is an 100% recycled product made from recycled silver which is ground up to a fine powder and mixed with a binder. When fired it becomes solid fine silver. Using recycled silver helps to limit the use of child labour in mines as well as the amount of metals that must be produced. This leads to less waste in landfills and helps to slow the consumption and deterioration of natural resources. 

 

Rebecca studied at the Cornwall School for Art Craft and Jewellery for her Art Clay Diploma Certification in Silver Clay. This is a world-wide, recognised qualification, administered by the official distributors of Art Clay in Europe. She is also a tutor member of AMCAW (Association of Metal Clay Artists Worldwide) and GOJD (Guild of Jewellery Designers) and ACJ (Association of Contemporary Jewellers).     

LOCATION  

The course is held at Rebecca's Garden Studio in Bitterne Park, Southampton. The workshop is held in the studio at the end of my garden on Oaktree Road, Southampton. Please knock on the front door on arrival and I will take you through to the studio. If you are late I will leave the side gate open so you can walk down and join us then.

DRIVING

Use SO18 1PH in your satnav or if using google maps just type in Rebecca Oxenham Jewellery. 

PARKING

There is sometimes parking on Oaktree Road (if it gets busy there is also a free car park close by on Manor Farm Road, near the junction of Dimond Road and next to Riverside Park).

TRAIN

Nearest train stations are Swathling, Bitterne, Southampton Parkway and Southampton Central. (If you are coming by train I can sometimes arrange pick up and drop off depending on availability - contact me in advance).

BUS

Blue Star 20 stops on the road a few yards from the venue and runs approx every 10 minutes from the centre of Southampton.

Full joining instructions will be sent a week in advance of the course.

Cancellations of workshop places and private tuition bookings within 14 days of the event will forfeit the workshop/private tuition fee. Please let me know as soon as possible if you are unable to attend. See my Workshop Terms & Conditions