Sea glass rockpool pendant - stone setting with silver clay

Spend a day learning the art of fine silver jewellery making and stone setting using the alchemy of silver clay, an eco-friendly and fun way to make silver jewellery. You will be setting sea glass stones (either your own or of mine) in your silver clay to make your own truly unique sea glass pendant necklace. You can choose to either texture the silver clay or keep it plain or decorate with little silver clay embellishments such as pebbles or little shells to make a rock pool pendant.

Sea glass is also known as mermaid tears or sea jewels. They are pieces of glass that has become smooth and frosty from being in the sea for at least 25 years. Over this time, they have become lovely gems of softly coloured glass nuggets. 

Although slightly more advanced than my Beginners workshop, you will have lots of individual attention and so it is also suitable for beginners. You are welcome to bring your own sea glass which you have collected or a flat backed stone. This may be something which has sentimental meaning, perhaps from a special holiday or found by one of your children. Ideally you want to find a stone around about 1cm in diameter and as thin and flat as possible. Alternatively, I do have a large selection of sea glass available for those who haven’t made it to the beach yet.  

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

WHO SHOULD ATTEND 

This course is most suitable for those who have attended either the half day or full day beginners workshop.  It is also suitable for learners with no previous knowledge of working with silver clay but would like to push themselves a little. 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 IS INCLUDED? 

I like to include everything you are likely to need in the price to keep things simple and so if you buy this as a gift your recipient will not have to be paying out on the day for the silver clay or a chain or other bits and pieces. You know exactly how much this one day course will cost you. This includes: 

- Homemade vegetarian lunch (please make us aware of dietary requirements in advance)

- 10g of silver clay/ 99% silver - enough to make your pendant.

- A selection of herbal and breakfast teas and freshly ground coffee as well as delicious homemade cake

- A light home cooked lunch

- Findings for your pieces that you make (ie jump rings, wire for drop earrings)

- Fine silver bezel wire to set the stone

- An 18 inch silver snake chain (additional, longer or fancy chains are available as an upgrade purchase on the day)

- Sea glass

- A detailed step by step instruction booklet detailing everything you need to know.

- A pdf of links on where to buy all equipment is available to students who want it.

- A special 15% student discount will be provided after the workshop for your next three purchases of Art Clay silver with metalclay.co.uk if you want to have a go at home.

ABOUT YOUR TUTOR - REBECCA OXENHAM     

You'll be guided by a qualified and experienced teacher with all 5 star reviews on Google, Facebook, Trip Advisor, Virgin Experiences and Craft Courses. Rebecca is also a Gold rated tutor with Craft Courses. She holds the Art Clay Diploma in Silver Clay. This is a world-wide, recognised qualification, administered by the official distributors of Art Clay in Europe. She is also an instructor member of AMCAW (Association of Metal Clay Artists Worldwide) and is a member of GOJD (Guild of Jewellery Designers) and ACJ (Association of Contemporary Jewellers).

The jewellery Rebecca creates 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. 

WHAT HAPPENS ON THE DAY   

You’ll spend the morning learning about silver clay, choosing your sea glass, designing your piece, texturing, learning to create the setting in the clay, filing and sanding then leaving it to dry, before eating your picnic. In the afternoon, you will fire your piece using a jewellers torch then you will learn to set the sea glass stone, polishing and finish it by attaching it to a chain.  Please note - only if there is time, students can use  up any spare silver clay to make silver clay charms using my tools and equipment. You will be welcome to take home any spare clay you havent used if there is any left. 

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 and choosing the sea glass stones.   

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 how to use micro moulds to make tiny shells, starfish and balls to decorate your pieces.  Students are encouraged to have a go at using the micro moulds. Rebecca will also demonstrate how to create the setting using fine silver bezel strip, sizing the setting for the stone and embedding it in the clay.   

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

11.30 Students take a tea/ coffee break and home made cake will be served. Rebecca will demonstrate how to create the setting using fine silver bezel strip, sizing the setting for the stone and embedding it in the clay.   

12.00 Students make their own pieces under Rebecca's careful supervision.

13.00 A home cooked vegetarian lunch will be served while the pieces dry.  Note that sometimes this break is cut short to allow for extra making time).  

14.00 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.   

15.00 Students then learn to set their sea glass stones in the silver, create highlights using liver of sulpher. 

16.00 The pieces are polished in the barrell polisher.  Students are shown how to attach their pendant to chain or neck cord.  

17.00  Students leave for the day.         

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING  

- Glasses - there is some fine detailed work.

- An apron is optional (fluffy jumpers or silk clothing is not advised)           

- Closed toe shoes (we will be using hot metal so we need to protect feet incase anything is dropped).            

- Hairband (to tie hair back while firing)  

 

PARTICIPANT GUIDELINES    

- Minimum age: 16 (under 18s must be accompanied by a participating adult)                    

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

 

ABOUT THE VENUE – THE SANCTUARY CORNWALL

The Sanctuary Cornwall is an award winning eco lodge that offers an idyllic venue for making nature inspired jewellery. It is located in the picturesque village of Golant just two miles from the town of Fowey. In an area of outstanding beauty, it is set high up a hill nestled among 12 acres of lush woodland and pastureland with stunning views over the Fowey Estuary. The Sanctuary Cornwall provides a comfortable and sustainable zero carbon workshop venue. The large workshop space itself has floor to ceiling windows with breathtaking estuary views and is light, bright and airy. The doors open out directly to the beautiful outdoor areas and is just a few yards from beautiful woodland.

GETTING THERE & PARKING

Public transport

he nearest railway station is Par on the main West Coast trainline which has a direct services to and from London Paddington - the fastest takes just under 4 hours.  It is also on the line to Penzance and Newquay. Par station is then just a two-mile taxi, cycle, bus or walk away from the workshop venue.

By car

Please note that there is plenty of parking at The Sanctuary Cornwall for this workshop as there are no guests but for those who dont want to drive up the steep hill there is also parking in the village car park. There is some limited free parking in and around the village. There is also a paid for car park in Golant Village.

From the A30 take the Lostwithiel exit at Bodmin and follow signs to Lostwithiel. You will join the A390 to St Austell, and then take the sign to Fowey – B3269. After about 4 miles you will see a crossroads, and Golant is the left turn.

From the St Austell side of A390, follow signs to Liskeard/Bodmin, until you see the turning to Fowey at a mini roundabout, also signposted Par market. Follow this to Fowey. At the top of the hill at the petrol station turn left, marked Bodmin. After several miles you will see a crossroads and Golant is the right turn.

 

CANCELLATION POLICY

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

EXTRAS

Enough silver clay, bezel wire, sea glass and one standard 18 inch silver chain is included.  I also sell a selection of fancy and different length sterling silver chains if you wish to buy more or upgrade.  In addition I sell art clay silver for a discounted price during the class and a silverclay starter kit and torch firing kit if you wish to continue to make your own jewellery at home.

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