Silver cockle shell Workshop

THIS WORKSHOP IS AVAILABLE TO BOOK ON www.lilyboocornwall.co.uk. TO BOOK GO TO THEIR WEBSITE OR POP IN THE SHOP.

Make your own fine silver cockle shell pendant necklace or little shell drop earrings

Date: 26th April 2025 TBC 

Timings: 10am – 2pm.

At this workshop you will have a wonderful time learning the skills you need to design and handcraft your very own piece of shell jewellery that you get to take home and treasure.

You will be using the alchemy of silver clay - a magical and eco-friendly material: Real silver in clay form that can be modelled and then fired to turn it into pure fine silver. It has taken the crafting world by storm in the past 20 years and its versatility and accessibility means it can be used by professional jewellery makers and hobbyists alike.

You will be using a real shell for this project. With simple step by step instructions your tutor Rebecca Oxenham will guide you through the process including what to look for in a shell to mould in terms of size and complexity, as well as how to make your own mould to capture the shape and texture of the shell. The shell could be your own shell that you have collected from a holiday or have special meaning or you are welcome to use the shells collected from local beaches in Cornwall. (Please note that while we welcome you to bring your own shell not all shells will be suitable).

At this workshop you will have a wonderful time learning the skills you need to design and handcraft your very own piece of shell jewellery that you get to take home and treasure.

Who should attend

This workshop is suitable for people with no previous knowledge of working with silver clay or those with experience with other forms of jewellery making. It is even 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 you will learn

At this workshop you will learn;

- What to look for in a shell

- How to make your own mould using a shell

- How to work with the clay.

- How to make holes for a jump ring or how to use embedded eyelets

- Sand and file to get a good finish prior to filing

- Fire your pieces

- Polish and get a good finish

- Attach a jump ring to a chain for a pendant or earrings

What is included?

- Silver clay - enough to make a pendant and/or drop earrings (depending on the size of your shells)

- Findings (jump rings and ear wires)

- A selection of shells most of which have been collected from local Cornish beaches

- All equipment needed to make your jewellery

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

- Tea and coffee

- An 18inch chain.

You can upgrade your chain on the day to a larger size – contact Rebecca in advance of the workshop. There will be also a limited range of other styles available for upgrades subject to availability

What you need to bring

- Glasses if you wear them - there is fine detailed work.

- Closed toe shoes to protect your toes in case you drop hot metal!

- Hairband or something to tie hair back while firing

- An apron. Alternatively wear clothes that you are happy to get dusty. Please avoid fluffy jumpers

- Any additional drinks or snacks that you might need during the morning

About your tutor - Rebecca Oxenham

Hosted by Rebecca Oxenham, owner of Rebecca Oxenham Jewellery and before moving to Cornwall was a finalist for the Muddy Stilletoes Award for best Jewellery in Hampshire and IOW in 2023 and 2022.  Rebecca is 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).

Rebecca runs her own small sustainable jewellery business (Rebecca Oxenham Jewellery). Her jewellery evokes the timeless beauty found across the Cornish coast and surrounding countryside. Often using natural objects, the jewellery designs capture the exquisite and unique shapes and textures of seeds, twigs, leaves, and seashells.

As a brand inspired by the abundance of nature, Rebecca is careful to protect the environment. She uses recycled silver, and eco-friendly packaging. To reinforce her commitment to the environment, she is a partner of One Tree Planted who plant a tree for every jewellery sale she makes.

In addition to making her own jewellery and running jewellery making workshops, Rebecca launched a starter silver clay jewellery making kit which in 2020 appeared on Channel 4's Steph's Packed lunch.  It comes with a beautiful full colour step by step instruction guide and is perfect for those wanting to start making their own bespoke eco-friendly fine silver jewellery at home.

For more information go to www.rebeccaoxenham.com

Participant guidelines:

- Minimum age: 15 (under 18's must be accompanied by a participating adult).

- The workshop is on the upstairs floor. There is a steep flight of stairs up to the workshop area but once there you will have everything you need, from a small kitchen for tea and coffee along with a bathroom.

- There is some fine detailed work so we recommend bringing glasses if you need to wear them.

WHAT HAPPENS ON THE DAY

10.00 On arrival we will introduce ourselves, discuss the itinerary and have a look and talk through the examples of jewellery that can be made. You tutor will explain about the history of silver clay, its eco-friendly properties, shrinkage and how it all works.

10.40 The tutor will demonstrate how to make a mould of a cockle shell before students make their own mould using a shell (shells are provided or you could bring your own).

11.00 While the moulds are curing the tutor will demonstrate the next stage of how to use the mould to create a replica cockle shell

11.20 Students create models using practice modelling clay

11.40 Students create their designs using the silver clay and dry the clay on the drying tray.

12.10 While the clay is drying students take a tea/ coffee break.

12.30 Students learn to fire their pieces using a gas torch. This is the magical bit where the clay-like substance transforms to solid 99.9% fine silver. The tutor will demonstrate and supervise each student fire their first piece before allowing them to go into groups of two to fire without supervision for additional pieces.

13.00 After firing, a wire brush is used to brush off the white clay binder residue revealing the solid fine silver beneath. Students then finish their pieces to get the look they desire– if required applying a patina effect or polishing to a high shine.

13.45 Students are shown how to attach their shell charms to ear wires or a chain

14.00 Students leave wearing their own silver replica shell jewellery that they hand crafted themselves ready to show to friends and family.