An Introduction to Metal Clay Jewellery (16+)
The Metal Clay Jewellery 6-week Course is suitable for beginners, or those with some jewellery making experience who’d like to learn how to work with a different material. In this 6 week course you’ll have an introduction to working with metal clay, learning how to create jewellery in this fascinating material which is then fired in a kiln to transform it into a metal piece of jewellery.
Pieces are fired outside the course times, ready to work on the following week.
Week 1: Introduction to working with metal clay, best practices for using the material, tools and equipment, how to roll and texture the clay with natural/found materials and cutting techniques.
Week 2: How to tidy up dried clay pieces, repairing and fixing any problems that may occur before being fired. After this we’ll explore more cutting and texturing techniques using different tools such as stamps and found objects.
Week 3: Introduction to sculpting with metal clay using a scalpel and various other tools. You’ll learn how to attach different sculpted elements together and how to make and use slip.
Week 4: Learn how to add stones to your designs using a few different techniques for both faceted and cabochon shaped stones.
Week 5: Introduction to making beads using a variety of materials to create a hollow form.
Week 6: How to finish fired clay pieces and attach jewellery making findings to complete your projects, transforming them into jewellery to wear.
Lindsay Forbes is a jewellery designer/Goldsmith with over 15 years industry experience. After moving to County Durham, Lindsay became involved with community arts projects to begin teaching workshops which led to delivering ‘arts on prescription’ workshops, where participants could come and learn jewellery making to improve mental health and well-being.
Lindsay continues to design and make her own jewellery with her brand Laconic, which launched in 2019. At the end of 2020, demand for in-person workshops increased and she began to teach again, knowing first hand the benefits that crafting could have. Specialising in traditional Goldsmithing skills, beginners learn how to make their own jewellery in precious materials, crafting a timeless keepsake to wear and treasure.
At the start of 2024, Bench Box was born, which is a dedicated platform for this jewellery making community. In these jewellery making workshops we aim to empower people with craft skills, forge connections and inspire creativity.
Due to the nature of the tools and conditions/hazards involved in making jewellery, we are unable to accept anyone under the age of 16. Attendees must be able to listen to and follow instructions carefully.
There will be some fiddly work involved when making jewellery, attendees should be able to have a certain level of dexterity to be able to use tools such as pliers. Please be aware that freshly manicured nails may not survive.
When you turn up for your workshop please ensure you are wearing suitable clothing that you don’t mind getting messy.