Southampton - Half day beginners fine silver leaf replica workshop

PLEASE NOTE If this workshop needs to canceled for Covid related reasons or you experience Covid symptoms, and so canot attend, we offer you the choice to transfer to an alternative date or receive a full refund. All social distancing and the necessary safety precautions and processes will be followed. More information about this will be provided prior to your attendance.

This is a small and relaxed class with no more than 5 students. During this workshop you will create a beautiful replica solid fine silver leaf or sycamore seed from Art Clay Silver paste, which you can then add a sterling silver chain to take away and wear. All materials, including the chain are provided on the day, and you will go home with a beautiful piece of solid silver replica leaf necklace hand made by you. Choose a leaf from the selection I provide or from a variety of nearby plants, in my back garden, and the area around my workshop; or you can bring a sycamore seed or leaf of your own from your garden or from a particular tree or somewhere that has meaning to you.

You will be using silver clay paste which is made up of recycled fine silver powder, an organic binder and water. The making involves a mindful process where layers of the paste are caewfully painted against the veins of the leaf to capture the beautiful vein textures.  After thoroughly drying the piece  it will be fired and the binder and original leaf then burn away and your piece is transformed into a piece of fine silver jewellery. (Fine silver is composed of 99.9% pure silver, rather than sterling silver which is 97.5% pure silver).

I will show you how to select the perfect leaf by feeling the texture of the veins.  Some suitable leaves include Verbina, Oak, Beech, Blackberry, Sage, Strawberry and Hazel. Unsuitable leaves dont have much vein texture and include Ivy, Holly and and waxy leaves.  If you are not sure, you can always bring a few along and I’ll tell you which will work well.

You do not need any previous experience, I will guide you through the whole process from beginning to end. The workshop includes all materials necessary to create one pendant necklace.  Refreshments will be served during the workshop. Please note, some leaves may not be suitable.

What is included;

- 10g of silver clay paste (enough to make one small replica leaf)

- Jump ring to attach your leaf to the chain

- 16 inch Sterling silver chain

- All equipment needed in my studio to make your piece

- An instruction sheet (which you can take home)

- As much tea and coffee as you can drink

- A velvet pouch to take away your piece

What you need to bring;

- An apron if you have one

- Closed toe shoes

- Hairband (to tie hair back while firing)

- A mask (however this may change depending on Government rules).