Jewellery Making Weekend: Enamelling and Silver Clay

• Day 1 Enamelling –glass jewellery,or enamelled picture
• Day 2 Silver clay (made from recycled silver) -jewellery including embedding fireable stones and adding patina

Enamelling is an ancient artform which once mastered will enable you to produce beautiful glass jewellery by fusing glass to copper. Whether you are new to enamelling or have been to a class before, there are always more techniques to master. Silver clay is a modern material made from recycled silver from the car manufacturing industry. It combines the flexibility of moulding clay into the shape and design you desire, whilst offering you the beauty of pure silver once fired, it is also good for your conscience as the silver used has been recycled. This time around Toni is also going to teach you how to embed fireable stones into your silver jewellery and also show you how to add patina. We will spend a day on each craft so you will have plenty of time to create something beautiful. This weekend is for beginners and those wishing to develop their skills further.

This weekend is great value as it covers two courses in one: the skills of enamelling and those of making jewellery from silver clay. On the first evening of this course, Toni will give you an overview of enamelling, looking at a variety of techniques to give you an idea on what you might like to try, she will also discuss furthering techniques for those who have been before. We will then spend a day looking at enamelling on copper – that is fusing glass powder (enamel) to metal at high temperatures. Toni will explain about counter-enamelling, sifting, wet-packing and applying media, but don’t worry if you’ve already taken part in Toni’s beginner’s enamelling class; there will be plenty of opportunity to learn further techniques such as swirling and applying wire.

In the evening we will start to think about working with silver clay, Toni will explain and demonstrate how you can achieve assorted designs using a variety of tools and she will also introduce embedding fireable stones and adding patinato those who want to try something a little more advanced.You will start the second day by making prototypes which can then be used to try out your design for your silver jewellery. Once the prototype stage is finished you will go on to using the silver clay. The clay is made of tiny silver particles and a binder, so once the binder burns away –either by firing in a kiln or using a butane torch –you are left with pure silver.

Expect to make 1 to 2 pieces of silver jewellery using your 10g of silver clay (unfortunately there will not be time to make sealed rings in this class but a bypass ring may be possible). Toni will explain about different types and brands of clay (e.g.syringe) but you will be using the 10g clay packs during the class. By the end of the weekend you will have made around 4 enamelled pieces on copper plus a further 1 to 2 silver pieces of jewellery (10g of silver clay will be provided in the course). Toni will bring some extra clay to purchase should you decide you want to make more or bigger pieces, time allowing.

Toni Peers has been teaching crafts at a variety of venues for over 15 years as part of her craft business called Curly Girly Crafts. She has achieved the level 3 Education and Training Award for teaching. During lockdown Toni completed level 1 to 3 of the Mitsubishi PMC Certification (silver clay) as well as the Camp PMC 101 qualification and she is now a PMC ® Instructor. Toni is also working towards an art therapy introduction certification as she has found art and good mental health to be natural partners. Toni has vast experience in running a variety of classes including, Encaustic Art, Enamelling, Felt Making, Flamework (making glass beads) and Silver Clay. Toni enjoys teaching tailored classes at her home studio in Colchester,as well as working with larger groups at venues such as Flatford Mill where students can take inspiration from the beautiful surroundings. Toni has been accepted into the Guild of Essex Craftsmen for her skills in Enamelling and Encaustic Art, she is also part of the Encaustic art teaching network and the Enameller’s Guild.Where possible Toni promotes being as eco-friendly as she can, using recycled silver (PMC and Art clay), lead-free enamels and FSC friendly card, tissues and packaging for her work. Her website is www.cgcrafts.co.uk

We have four buildings that are used for visitor accommodation. Whilst most rooms are either en-suite or have a dedicated bathroom, there are some rooms in The Mill that share showers and toilets at the end of the hall. If this is un-suitable for you please make the office staff aware upon booking or as soon as possible. Please be aware that you are visiting a Field Centre that caters in the main for school parties; the accommodation is basic and dormitory style, but warm and comfortable.

Day 1 will cover enamelling –glass jewellery,or enamelled picture
Day 2 will cover silver clay (made from recycled silver) - jewellery including embedding fireable stones and adding patina

Arrival Day

Check-in is between 1400-1800, if you are arriving after 1800 please advise us, so we can ensure you are advised of access codes, room key location, and room location.

You will meet the tutor at dinner, and you will have your first session after dinner.

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  Expert Tuition
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  Free Wi-Fi
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  Full Board Accommodation
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  Hot and Cold Drinks
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  Picnic Lunch

Full board accommodation and picnic lunch are for resident bookings only.

What to Bring

Toni will supply everything you need to enamel and make silver pieces. Toni will bring some findings for you to purchase if required to complete a piece of jewellery, or she can advise you of where to buy them.Toni will also bring a limited amount of extra silver clay in case students want to make more pieces –the clay costs £25 for 10g.