On Saturday 22nd October, back by popular demand, we’re kicking off round two of our newest workshop at Silver Works Dublin, the Metal Clay Charm Class. We spoke to our resident Metal Clay expert, Jane to fill you in on everything you need to know about the Metal Charm Class.
Get ready to have some fun and let your playful side shine in this workshop. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for Saturday 22nd October. We guarantee you won’t want to miss this and we know how many of you had FOMO last time.
First up, what is metal clay?
- Metal clay is a really magical medium to work with. Through heat, it turns from clay that can be shaped and stamped into solid silver.
- You will start the class playing with a practice clay so you’ll have plenty of time to play and practice for your final design.
- Then we move on to the metal clay itself and you will begin working on your two charms.
- At each step along the way, we will explain the process of turning your design into a final product you get to take home with you.
- You get to pick what textures and stamps to add to your charms. Then, when the clay is dry, you will sand the pieces ready for the teacher to fire. You can watch the firing process and learn how to do this crucial part of the process. Once the piece has cooled down you will be handed back your final design that has now transformed into metal.
- After that, we work on filing and polishing your charms, so they are ready to wear.
What do you love most about working with metal clay?
Metal clay is truly magical. It starts life as a soft clay and then you can turn it into fine silver metal before your very eyes. I never get tired of that process. The possibilities of working with metal clay are endless – you can shape by hand, cut out shapes using templates and cutters, add textures from so many things including natural things such as leaves, you can set stones directly in the clay, you can carve out a design in the dried clay – honestly, this is only the tip of the iceberg. There is always something new to learn.
I love the fact that there is no waste and every piece of dry clay even the clay dust can be recycled and made into fresh clay. It is relatively easy to do at home too and doesn’t require any large expensive equipment.
Even though the medium is playful and exciting the final product is a fine silver (999) piece that is hallmark quality.
Who is the class best suited to?
The class is suitable for beginners who have an interest in learning the basic steps of working with metal clay. It just takes an open mind to be playful and a bit of patience to finesse your piece. It’s a great class to do with friends too or as a group as you can personalise your piece and it is something you will all remember doing together.
What are you most excited about teaching the class?
I am most excited about spreading the word for metal clay and introducing new people to this craft. Whether you are a complete beginner who wants to make the charms for yourself or are already a jeweller who is intrigued to learn a new skill I can’t wait to meet everyone.
There aren’t many places in Ireland that teach metal clay so it’s exciting to add this class to Silverworks already packed programme of classes.
What advice would you give to someone on the fence about booking a class?
Give it a go you won’t be disappointed. The class is a 3-hour experience so not a massive investment time wise or financial.
Plus, at the end of the class, you will have two charms that will be ready to wear that you make yourself from scratch and who wouldn’t want that?
If you’d like to find out more or secure your place at the Metal Clay Workshop (happening Saturday 22nd October), you can find out more here.