Jewellery: Metal Clay

This course is designed for learners with no previous knowledge of making jewellery with metal clay. Beginning jewellery makers are welcome as are those with experience with silver clay or other forms of jewellery making. Most important is a desire to learn and make pieces from these materials.

There are a number of different metal clays available. On this course we will experiment with both bronze clay and copper clay to make jewellery (although silver clay will be available to buy at cost price for any finished pieces).
These metal clays are substantially cheaper than silver clay meaning that larger pieces can be made and you can afford to be more experimental!

You will learn how to:
- Roll out, texture and cut out the clay consistently
- Dry and file the clay before firing
- How the different clays are fired (note bronze has to be kiln fired, there are some types of copper clay that can be fired with a butane torch)
- Polish your piece and add a jump ring, ready to wear

Teaching methods:
- Visual demonstration and verbal explanation
- Written handouts with visual diagrams
- One-to-one teaching
- Group discussions
Learning methods:
- Hands on practical experience
- Reading handouts and following instructions
- One-to-one and group discussion

How will I be assessed?
At the start: Self assessment questionnaire

On the course: Through self assessment, peer assessment and tutor assessment

At the end: Through self assessment, peer assessment and tutor assessment

Some clay will be provided by the centre. It is possible that you will need to buy additional bronze or copper clay (it depends on how large the pieces you make are). You can purchase more silver clay from your tutor at cost price.

You may choose to study another metal clay course, for example introduction to silver clay jewellery and silver clay and fused glass jewellery. Alternatively you may want to try a different jewellery making technique or it may inspire you to study other Art, Design or the Performing Arts courses at the Mary Ward Centre (see prospectus).