Come and connect with nature, and learn a new skill. At this full day workshop you will discover the alchemy of silver clay to create beautiful 3D replicas of seeds such as acorns, sycamore, daisies, leaves and other foraged items. £110 per person including all materials, chain, teas and coffee, lunch, prosecco and cake.
In this beginners workshop at The Sanctuary Cornwall, an award-winning off-grid eco lodge, you'll learn to make fine silver jewellery using eco-friendly silver clay, with stunning views over the Fowey Estuary.
This one-day creative workshop includes a 10-minute mindful woodland walk for foraging natural items to create unique jewellery. You'll learn to make moulds and cast them into solid fine silver. A delicious seasonal vegetarian lunch is provided. If you prefer not to join the walk, you can enjoy tea or coffee and use pre-collected nature items for your jewellery.
Silver clay is a modern material that can be molded like traditional clay but consists of pure silver particles, along with a binder and water. Upon firing, it transforms into a fine silver piece that meets hallmark quality standards.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This course is ideal for adult learners who have no prior experience with silver clay or have experience in other types of jewellery making. It's also appropriate for those who are new to crafts or creative activities. The key requirement is a willingness to learn and experiment with the materials.
YOUR TUTOR
You will be guided by a skilled and experienced teacher with 5-star reviews on Google, Facebook, Trip Advisor, Virgin Experiences, and Craft Courses. Rebecca is a Gold-rated tutor with Craft Courses and holds the Art Clay Diploma in Silver Clay, a globally recognized qualification managed by the official Art Clay distributors in Europe. She is also an instructor member of AMCAW (Association of Metal Clay Artists Worldwide) and a member of GOJD (Guild of Jewellery Designers) and ACJ (Association of Contemporary Jewellers).
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- A tasty homemade vegetarian lunch (please inform us of any dietary needs in advance)
- A mindful woodland walk on the grounds of The Sanctuary Cornwall to start the day and gather seeds, acorns, leaves, or other items for your jewellery making
- All necessary materials, including 7g of silver clay/99% silver (sufficient for one or two jewellery pieces), liver of sulphur for enhancing textures, jewellery fixings, and an 18-inch silver snake chain.
- Plenty of tea and coffee, homemade cake, and a glass of bubbly or non-alcoholic fizz to celebrate the day's end
- Access to all my specialized equipment and materials required for creating your jewellery pieces
- A comprehensive step-by-step instruction booklet covering everything you learn in the class, along with a document containing links to purchase supplies so you can continue making at home.
- A shuttle service at the beginning and end of the day to transport you down the steep and narrow hill to the village car park.
- A special 15% student discount will be offered after the workshop for your next three Art Clay silver purchases from metalclay.co.uk if you wish to try it at home.
If you really enjoyed the workshop and would like to continue your silver clay journey, why not join us on another workshop. Or you can practice your new skills in the comfort of your home with our Beginner Silver Clay kits (which appeared on Channel 4s Steph's Packed Lunch), available to buy at a discounted price on the day of the workshop or on the website.
Please note that accommodation is not included and is separately bookable. There is a 10% discount If you are attending this workshop and book directly with
https://thesanctuarycornwall.co.uk using the discount code: Silver10
WHAT HAPPENS ON THE DAY
10.00 A shuttle service from Golant village car park will take you up to The Sanctuary Cornwall where your will be served tea or coffee and home made cake. We will introduce ourselves, discuss the itinerary and have a look and talk through the examples of jewellery that can be made. You tutor will explain about the history of silver clay, its eco-friendly properties, shrinkage and how it all works. The tutor will explain what to look for in nature items when creating replica leaf jewellery.
10.30 Students then go out on a 15 minute nature walk of the grounds and explore the surrounding woodland collecting any leaves, seeds and other items found to make jewellery.
10.50 The tutor will demonstrate how to make moulds and students are given to make their own mould from an item from nature that they have collected.
11.15 The tutor will then do some demonstrations using textures of leaves and the moulds. Students then start working on their own designs and will create a model of their design using practice modelling clay.
11.50 Students create their designs using the silver clay and dry the clay on the drying tray.
13.15 While the clay is drying students take a break to have lunch.
14.15 Students learn to fire their pieces using a gas torch. This is the magical bit where the clay-like substance transforms to solid 99.9% fine silver. After firing, a wire brush is used to brush off the white clay binder residue revealing the solid fine silver beneath.
15.00 Students then finish their pieces to get the look they desire– if required applying a patina effect or polishing to a high shine.
15.30 Students are shown how to attach their charms to ear wires or a chain or neck cord.
16.30 Students finish the day off with a glass of prosecco or non-alcoholic alternative while they admire everyone’s jewellery made in the class. Rebecca then explains how to care for the jewellery.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
- Glasses if you wear them (there is some fine detailed work).
- Closed-toe shoes (you will be handling hot metal).
- Hairband (to tie hair back while firing).
- Any items to mould from nature or for inspiration.
- An apron is optional. Silver clay produces a fine white dust which comes off in the washing machine. Fluffy jumpers or dry clean only clothes are not recommended.
PARTICIPANT GUIDELINES
- Minimum age: 16 (under 18's must be accompanied by a participating adult).
- Accommodation is not included but it can be booked separately subject to availability on
https://thesanctuarycornwall.co.uk. (Don’t forget your 10% discount if attending this workshop and book direct using the voucher code: Silver10
- We ask that you park in the village. A shuttle bus from the village car park will be provided to take people up the very steep and narrow hill to the workshop if you don't fancy the steep walk.
- The workshop room is wheelchair friendly. The bathroom is accessible as are the doors. There is parking right outside for a wheelchair user if required. Please contact rebecca@rebeccaoxenham in advance to discuss your needs.
- Full joining instructions will be sent one week in advance of the workshop.
- Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts. See my terms and conditions.
- Additional chains and upgrades will be available to purchase on the day at an additional cost.
ABOUT THE VENUE – THE SANCTUARY CORNWALL
The Sanctuary Cornwall is an award winning eco lodge that offers an idyllic venue for making nature inspired jewellery. It is located in the picturesque village of Golant just two miles from the town of Fowey. In an area of outstanding beauty, it is set high up a hill nestled among 12 acres of lush woodland and pastureland with stunning views over the Fowey Estuary. The Sanctuary Cornwall provides a comfortable and sustainable zero carbon workshop venue as well as accommodation for those that stay over. The large workshop space itself has floor to ceiling windows with breath-taking estuary views and is light, bright and airy. The doors open out directly to the beautiful outdoor areas and is just a few yards from beautiful woodland.
For those seeking overnight accommodation onsite this is separately bookable at
https://thesanctuarycornwall.co.uk/ and it is subject to availability. There are three comfortable twin or king ensuite bedrooms within the eco-lodge, each benefitting from its own private outdoor seating area and with views overlooking the estuary. In addition, there is one off grid pod within the grounds of the site for guests wanting to be even closer to nature.
The Sanctuary Cornwall does not cater for children so guests can expect a tranquil and quiet setting with only the sounds are birdsong or surrounding wildlife.
GETTING THERE & PARKING
Public transport
The nearest railway station is Par on the main West Coast trainline which has a direct services to and from London Paddington - the fastest takes just under 4 hours. It is also on the line to Penzance as well as Newquay. Par station is then just a two-mile taxi, cycle, bus or walk away from the workshop venue.
By car
Please note that parking at The Sanctuary Cornwall is reserved for guests. We will be offering a shuttle service from the village car park. There is some limited free parking in and around the village. The Golant village has a car park.
From the A30 take the Lostwithiel exit at Bodmin and follow signs to Lostwithiel. You will join the A390 to St Austell, and then take the sign to Fowey – B3269. After about 4 miles you will see a crossroads, and Golant is the left turn. Please make your way to the meeting point which is the village car park where there will be a shuttle service up to The Sanctuary Cornwall.
From the St Austell side of A390, follow signs to Liskeard/Bodmin, until you see the turning to Fowey at a mini roundabout, also signposted Par market. Follow this to Fowey. At the top of the hill at the petrol station turn left, marked Bodmin. After several miles you will see a crossroads and Golant is the right turn. Please make your way to the meeting point which is the village car park where there will be a shuttle service up to The Sanctuary Cornwall.
Also check out other Workshops in Par, Arts events in Par, Meetups in Par.
