We know...

  • It can be scary opening a pack of expensive clay and many worry it will dry out too quick or the finished piece won't look amazing

  • Many people struggle with snakes cracking and drying up and don't know what to do to fix them

  • Metal clay rings don't always fit and it can be difficult to figure out exactly why

  • Joining and layering can be messy and it's hard to avoid getting clay all over the place, and fix if you have

  • Setting stones can be tricky and if you don't get it right, the stone will pop out

This is why we have developed the Metal Clay Beginners Bootcamp

...5 tried and tested learning projects that we know will help you progress, taught over 6 weeks

Helen and Julie have 25+ years combined experience teaching metal clay.  That's why we know we can help you!

Plus, we take a different approach to online training from what you may have experienced before.  With our virtual classroom approach we are able to get to know you so we can better support you, and you become part of an amazingly supportive community that helps each other!  You can access the course and us when you want, to fit in with your life.

Our aim is simple - we want you to learn and get help when you need it, so you can be creative, progress and have fun!  


So if you are...

New to metal clay, or had a go and want to further develop your skills

And want to...

  • Cut, mould, texture and layer clay to make stunning designs

  • Bezel set fireable lab gemstones without cracks

  • Roll snakes like a pro

  • Make rings that fit

  • Torch fire with confidence

Join Us!

When does it run?

We run this course throughout the year so you can choose the date that best works for you. You can enrol on any of the 2025 dates below now.

  • £129.00

    Metal Clay Beginners Bootcamp

    Starts 3rd February 2025
    Enrol Now

  • £129.00

    Metal Clay Beginners Bootcamp

    Starts 19th May 2025
    Enrol Now

  • £129.00

    Metal Clay Beginners Bootcamp

    Starts 6th October 2025
    Enrol Now

What have previous students made on this course?

Take a look at Leisel's lovely sea-inspired designs...

What will I learn?

Through 5 learning projects you will learn all the essentials of working with metal clay. We're talking tools, equipment and techniques, and specifically how to:

  • Evenly roll, texture and cut-out shapes from metal clay
  • Add hanging hanging holes and make cut-outs that are well finished and strong
  • Create strong connections between layers of metal clay
  • Add fireable cubic zircona (CZ) to your designs using push-in and bezel setting methods
  • Use pre-made moulds to make pendants and charms
  • Master snake-rolling to create even, crack free snakes
  • Plan and size a ring, allowing for clay shrinkage, so that it fits after firing
  • Make metal clay rings strong enough for daily wear
  • Master torch firing so you can confidently fire your designs at home


Plus basic jewellery making techniques that enable you to turn your metal clay creations into wearable jewellery!

What are our students saying?

5 star rating

Orientation of bootcamp course

Elizabeth Macleod

Love this course. Easy videos to watch and love the fact you can go back time and again. Brilliant

Love this course. Easy videos to watch and love the fact you can go back time and again. Brilliant

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5 star rating

Bootcamp a starting point

Jeff Barnes

I had some experience of metal clay having used both copper and bronze clay previously, but the importance of this course is that it allows you to see other ...

Read More

I had some experience of metal clay having used both copper and bronze clay previously, but the importance of this course is that it allows you to see other people at work including the ‘ experts’ who offer expert advice and simplify the techniques required. In many ways what could be a torturous journey because of lack of knowledge the whole working practice is simplified making working with metal clay a delight!

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5 star rating

Excellent

Kathryn Loram

Excellent would recommend

Excellent would recommend

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5 star rating

Introduction to working with metal clay

Linda J Shea

The instructions very clear and easy to understand and follow. This is only a review of day one. The student is left with enough information to construct an...

Read More

The instructions very clear and easy to understand and follow. This is only a review of day one. The student is left with enough information to construct and finish simple forms. It would be nice to know the settings for kiln firing for those of us who have kilns but perhaps this is covered in subsequent parts of this course. This session was easy to follow, thorough, and interesting.

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5 star rating

Fits the course well

Catherine Crump

Very well laid out and easy to follow.

Very well laid out and easy to follow.

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5 star rating

Introduction to Metal Clay Beginners Bootcamp

June Spencer

The information we have been given is comprehensive and inspirational. I am looking forward to making the projects.

The information we have been given is comprehensive and inspirational. I am looking forward to making the projects.

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What's in it for me?

Participating in this course will give you...

  • Confidence

    So you're desperate to have a go, got loads of ideas and maybe some gear - now what? We understand how early fails, being unsure of what to do, or worried you may damage something (or even worse, yourself) can stop you in your tracks. That's why we take you through, step-by-step, helping you to build and practise your skills.

  • Help when you need it

    During this course you have direct access to Julie Holt & Helen Drye - we're both friendly, expert metal clay artisans and experienced Principle Instructors, and we want nothing more than for you to succeed! We have designed this course to ensure we are are available to you throughout, supporting and encouraging you every step of the way.

  • Support

    Never underestimate the power of a supportive peer group! Our virtual classroom approach enables you to make new friends from around the world. Imagine having your very own silver clay tribe, a group of like-minded friends cheering you on, celebrating, supporting and offering a virtual hug whenever you need one.




Plus special student discounts!



How will I learn?

This course has 6 lessons plus bonus materials, consisting of video tutorials and downloads, which are accessed here in Thinkific, our learning management system.  It helps you work through the course, step-by-step, download notes, and repeat lessons if needed.  These lessons are released weekly to ensure you aren't bombarded with information and we can support you, so you don’t have to be available at a specific time, you just pop in and out when YOU can, and go at your own pace.  And all our courses come with a lifetime access guarantee, so do the course as many times as you like and benefit from updates as they are published - all for one enrolment fee.  Some students love it so much they join along with later groups too - the more the merrier we say!  

We also have a dedicated Facebook group for information, sharing and support that you can join anytime.  This is a safe, supportive environment where you can ask the tutor specific questions, bounce ideas off others, share your wins (and frustrations!), get advice and build friendships.  We do live demonstrations here too sometimes, great for any tricky areas where you need some additional support, and they are always available in the group so that you can look at them again and again, at any time.

Who are the course tutors?

We're Helen & Julie. Qualified Metal Clay Masters with bucket loads of making and teaching experience, and long-term metal clay addicts who are still as excited and enthusiastic about working with silver clay as we were when we opened our first packet! We run Learn Silver Clay Online, the online academy for The Precious Metal Clay Studio, which has been specialising in metal clay since 2003. Like you, we love metal clay! The possibilities are exciting and endless, and nothing beats the thrill of looking at your finished piece and thinking 'I made that!'

So...in summary, this course includes...

  • Lots of exciting things to make

    5 fabulous projects, all designed to help you develop, practise and progress your silver clay skills, from newbie to confident beginner in just 6 weeks!

  • Everything you need to succeed

    Expert instructors and lifetime access to lesson video's and downloads, plus loads of ideas to help you adapt the course projects to your own taste.

  • Support & encouragement as you go

    A safe environment to ask questions, learn from others and make friends. Plus a place to get access to your instructors, bounce ideas off others and most importantly - have fun!

Not quite ready yet?

No worries! Sign up to our mailing list for now to get the latest updates. We promise no spam!

Sign me up!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much experience do I need to do this course?

    None is the short answer! If you've done some online tutorials or perhaps a Taster or Introductory course, that's a great start, however we cover off all the absolute basics at the beginning, so you'll be fine whatever your starting point.

  • What metal clay will I work with?

    We recommend working with a torch-fireable Fine Silver clay such as PMC, Art Clay or Cooltools Pheonix, however all the projects are possible in any metal clay if you have access to a compatible method of firing

  • What tools & materials do I need?

    In terms of equipment, you'll need a metal clay student kit, ring making kit and hand torch and block. Course materials are 50g clay and 1 x 5mm and 1 x 3mm fireable CZ. To make your designs into wearable jewellery you'll need a set of jewellery making pliers, along with a selection of pre-made chains, beads and jewellery findings. We provide links to all off these items to help you source what you need, and are also happy to advise - just ask! In addition, we offer student discounts for enrolled students, ranging from 10% on clay to 30% on tool kits.

  • I need lots of time to order materials at the moment – how will that work?

    Before the course starts we will give you a tool and materials list so that you can order supplies as soon as possible. If there are specific suppliers, we will direct you to them.

  • How much time will we need to complete the course?

    You can expect to spend on average 4-5 hours per week. This course takes 12 hours in class, however at home you have more time available and we've found our students tend to enjoy the luxury of more time and working at their own pace as they complete the lessons and projects . It takes 6 weeks in total to work through this course.

  • Do I need a kiln?

    All projects in this course are torch-fireable, however some clays must be kiln-fired, so that will depend on the metal clay you choose to work with

  • How will I get my certificate?

    You will be able to download your certificate on successful completion of the course

  • What if I change my mind?

    You can book your place now, and have a 14 day ‘cooling off’ period during which you can cancel your enrolment, no questions asked. After this and once you have started the course, regretfully we would not be able to refund any fees paid. We are very flexible and absolutely understand that sometimes life gets in the way, so are happy for you to defer the course until you are ready to take it in this instance.

  • What if I need extra one to one support?

    You get loads of instructor support when on the course, however if you feel you need extra one-to-one support at any time, you can purchase sessions just for you to go through lessons, trouble shoot, have demonstrations, and ask questions. These are an additional cost of £15 per 15-minute slot. To be honest, no-one has needed it yet, but it's always nice to have the option if you would like it

Ready to kick-start your metal clay skills?