Precious metal clay: weekend workshop

What is the course about?

This course is designed for both the complete novice and the experienced jeweller and offers the chance to explore the exciting possibilities of metal clay.

You will be introduced to the work area and the safe use of equipment, after which the tutor will demonstrate a whole range of techniques to use metal clay effectively in jewellery design. Once the basic techniques have been covered, you will be encouraged to develop your creative ideas and designs, and work directly with the metal clay, exploring the vast possibilities of this magical jewellery material.

What will we cover?

- How to set up a work area
- Basic tools and what they do
- The techniques of rolling, making holes, creating texture, wrapping clay, firing, polishing, and patinas
- How to make stamping tools and basic tools
- How to make moulds using polymer clay

You will be encouraged to design and make several pieces in the practice medium of polymer clay, thus allowing you to develop and refine your ideas before making your designs in metal clay.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Recognise the properties of the different types of metal clay, and how best to handle them
- Use a range of equipment and tools to make a metal clay piece
- Fire a metal clay piece with a hand torch
- Use textures to create a design on metal clay
- Colour metal clay using a patina
- Sand and polish metal clay
- Consider design techniques suitable for metal clay.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is for everyone, from beginners to experienced jewellers who want to incorporate metal clay into their mainstream jewellery designs. The course will also appeal to bead makers and clay artists.

You must be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand outs and health and safety information, and be prepared to take part in group discussions. You should be happy using numbers and able to do simple measurements and calculations.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Through demonstrations, practical work, advice and guidance. You will be provided with examples of jewellery made from metal clay and technical notes as appropriate.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

General tools and equipment, polymer clay for practice pieces, copper clay, and metal clay slip will be supplied.

Please bring the following:
- An apron
- An empty film case or clean pill bottle
- Plastic-coated playing cards
- Note book and pencils etc.
- Cheap, fine tipped paintbrushes.

Optional extras (if you're feeling keen): clay shapers, badger balm, small cookie cutters, items for texture such as leaf skeleton, lace or textured wallpaper.

You may wish to purchase extra metal clay. You will be advised where you can find it on the first day of thecourse.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

City Lit offer a wide range of short and year-long courses in Jewellery design and making, from beginners to advanced, and for professional development.

Browse our current online offer for complementary courses.Your tutor will also be able to advise you on your course.