Try it out: precious metal clay jewellery

What is the course about?

The course is designed for both the complete novice and the experienced jeweller, and offers the chance to explore the exciting possibilities of adding stones into metal clay (known by the brand names of PMC and Art Clay Silver). Whether you are a complete novice or an experienced jeweller, learn the basic techniques of working with this material as well as more innovative uses, to create original items of jewellery.

The course will begin with an introduction to the work area and the safe use of equipment. The tutor will demonstrate how to use metal clay effectively in jewellery design. Once the basic techniques have been covered, you will be encouraged to try the different methods of putting textures into the clay. This will be done with pre-made mats, using mould compound or bring in your own. This will develop your ideas and designs by working directly with the metal clay.

What previous students loved about the course:

"Discovering a potential new way to design with new materials."
"Producing a real piece of jewellery."

What will we cover?

- How to set up a work area
- Basic tools and what they do
- Techniques of rolling, making holes, creating texture, wrapping clay, firing, polishing, and patinas

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?

This course is suitable for all levels of ability, 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, 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 and 10g of metal clay (art 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 paint brushes

Optional extras (if you're feeling keen): clay shapers, badger balm, small cookie cutters, items for texture.

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.

Suitable follow-on courses may include:

VV976 - Precious metal clay: weekend workshop
VV526 - Precious metal clay: make a ring
VV616 - Precious metal clay: setting stones

Your tutor will be able to advise you on your course.