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This course is designed for learners with no previous knowledge of working with silver clay.
Beginning jewellery makers are welcome as are those with experience with other forms of jewellery making, and those with no experience yet of crafts or creative activities.
Most important is a desire to learn, experiment with the materials and create jewellery.
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 (which can be done with an inexpensive butane torch at home) the result is a pure silver piece which is of hallmark quality. On this course you will learn about silver clay and make your own unique pieces of solid silver jewellery that you can take home and wear.
Students will work through three projects - a pendant, a pair of earrings, and a charm bracelet, designed to introduce these skills and allow time to practice and experiment with the key techniques - although these are set projects there will be flexibility to allow students' own design ideas can be used.
Through the set projects, you will learn how to:
- Roll out, texture (add surface pattern) and cut flat sections of clay consistently
- Make and use silicone rubber moulds with the clay to replicate found or natural objects
- Dry and file / refine or join the clay elements before firing
- Fire your own pieces using a hand-held butane torch
- Polish your piece and add a jump ring or other attachments, ready to wear
- Set small fireable CZ stones into the clay to add extra colour and sparkle
As well as starting to design your own pieces, and many more tips and tricks besides.
Students will learn to select and obtain materials for future projects, including what they might need to continue working at home (if desired).
We will discuss selecting appropriate tools, equipment and techniques to execute simple designs from idea to completion, as well as covering key safety considerations when working with these tools and materials
Teaching methods:
-Visual practical 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
Continuous evaluation is an integral part of the course.
This is achieved through one-to-one discussion between tutor and student, students' self assessments, and group discussions, which take place informally throughout the course.
20g of clay will be provided by the centre included in your course fee. It is possible that you may decide to buy additional silver clay (it depends on how large the pieces you design are, or if you work particularly quickly) and your tutor will direct you to suitable suppliers.
It could be useful to bring a notebook and pen / pencil to record ideas, make any notes and to experiment with design ideas, but this is not essential.
Closed shoes need to be worn at all times when participating in a jewellery class.
Students may choose to continue their work at home (particulalry design work / ideas) between the classes but this is not essential.
You may choose to study further jewellery making, by moving on to other courses offered by the centre throughout the year - including different silver clay courses, or to continue making jewellery at home. This course may also inspire you to study other Art, Design or the Performing Arts courses at the Mary Ward Centre (see prospectus).
There is detailed information in Reception about all our courses at the Mary Ward Centre and a library of prospectuses for other London colleges to help you continue your studies. If you need more detailed advice, please ask a member of reception staff, and a half-hour guidance interview can be arranged for you.
Information about other learning opportunities can be obtained from Learn Direct: www.learndirect.co.uk tel: 0800 101 901, and from the following websites: www.floodlight.co.uk; www.hotcourses.com; www.citylit.ac.uk; www.wmcollege.ac.uk; www.morleycollege.ac.uk
Explore a range of techniques working with silver clay, and learn how to shape, refine and complete your own unique silver jewellery pieces. Ideal for beginners and those with some jewellery experience wishing to learn a new skill.
Create jewellery and small objects using wireworking techniques. Ideal for beginners or those with some jewellery experience wishing to learn a new skill. Come and join us to learn in this supportive and friendly environment.
The 'Silver Jewellery Workshop' provides an opportunity for students of all levels to come along to create their own jewellery under the tuition of experienced jeweller Sally Lees. Students will benefit from Sally's extensive knowledge of jewellery making including her skills in jewellery making techniques using aluminium, silver, brass and copper to complete projects and start new ones. Students can bring their own silver or use the silver making techniques on copper or brass that is provided. Advanced students can bring their projects from previous classes to complete with close guidance and advice.
Resin jewellery making is a fun and inexpensive way to be creative. You will learn techniques to add colour and mould your resin into unique shapes that can be made up into basic jewellery pieces.
For more information contact The Departmental Administrator at admin@marywardcentre.ac.uk
See how long it will take you to get to college. Please select the campus of the course you wish to study.