What will I learn?

Module 1

'Naturals'

This module looks at using the natural, clay like properties of silver clay and combining them with natural, organic materials such as leaves, twigs & pods. As with all our Silver Clay Certification courses, you'll need some experience before you start, so if you've not completed a 1 day beginners class previously, ensure you complete our free training 'Get started with silver clay...in 6 easy steps' and make a few simple pieces to build some hands on experience.

Module 1 will teach you how to:

- Work with combustible materials, for example leaves, seed pods and paper

- Make unique moulds

- Set fireable gemstones using simple bezels and design elements

- Use Silver Clay paste to create strong, durable designs

- Work with bought textures and what to consider when choosing between low and high relief textures

- Add tube and fancy bails to your designs

- Correctly size and make a strong, textured band ring

- Use Silver Clay lump form with moulds

- Form strong joins between multiple pieces of dry silver clay

- Incorporate glass into your designs

- Make dry construction designs

- Correctly size and make a designer toggle clasp

- Carve silver clay

- Understand sintering and how to choose the right firing schedule

- Work with Silver Clay in lump and paste forms

- Refine your designs and prepare them for firing

- Finish your designs to a high standard


The above techniques are taught via the following learning projects, for which you have complete design freedom:

1) Moulded pendant with a fireable gemstone

2) Naturally formed pendant, charm or bead

3) Domed (lentil) bead

4) Designer toggle clasp 

5) Textured band ring

6) Dichroic glass pendant



What you will need to complete Module 1:

To complete this course you will need the following silver clay supplies.  This course is brand-neutral, so you are free to work with any brand of fine silver (999) clay:

  • 50g silver clay
  • 10g silver clay paste 

Please note, the above assumes your designs will be a similar size to the teaching examples - if you wish to make larger pieces, you will need more silver clay.

In addition, you will need a silver clay student tool and ring making kit if you don't already have these, access to a kiln (we provide a free kiln firing service for UK-based students), plus technique-specific equipment and consumables amounting to £20 - £50.  Prices of many of the above items vary hugely between budget and professional options, and you can often improvise with items around the home, so we provide a full list of items along with supplier links prior to starting each module.  We also offer kits that enable you to buy just what you need to complete a project and offer students enrolled on this course a 10% discount on all our course clay packs and materials kits.   

Ready to kick-start your silver clay skills?

Enrol now

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I’m paying in instalments – how will that work?

    When you enrol, you will make your first instalment plan payment, and then be invoiced for the same amount each month for the term of the instalment plan you chose

  • What if I change my mind?

    You can book you 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.

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

    Before each module 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.

  • What metal clay will I work with on the course?

    You are free to work with the metal clay brand of your choice! All we ask is that you work with a Fine Silver (999) clay that it has a firing range of 599°C/1110°F to 900°C/1652°F as some projects need a lower firing temperature to protect the design. That said, the majority of course projects fire at 800°C/1472°F and up, so you can mix and match your clay brands, according to the project needs.

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

    You can expect to spend on average 3-4 hours per week. Each module takes 18 hours in class, however at home we have more time available and therefore students tend to enjoy the luxury of more time and working at their own pace as they complete the lessons and projects . It takes approximately 3 months to work through each module online, and there is also some flexibility built in for catch-up time too if needed. We would recommend you aim to complete 2 projects per month, but this will vary depending on your time.

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

    You need to have some experience of silver clay before you start as this isn't a beginners course. It’s a course for those that have done some silver clay and now want more … more skills, more opportunities to experiment and best of all more PLAY!!

  • Are the skills I learn transferable to any metal clay?

    Yes! You will learn tried and tested techniques that work with all metal clays. The main thing that changes between formulas is the firing and shrinkage rates and we guide and support you with this.

  • What if I need extra one to one support?

    You get loads of instructor support when on the programme, 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 £25 per 30-minute session. To be honest, no-one has needed it yet, but it's always nice to have the option if you would prefer it

  • How do you assess my work?

    We assess your work as you go and also on completion, using photos you submit. The 'as you go' assessments are all about supporting you and keeping you on track, much as we would do in the classroom. This way, by the time you complete the finished project, all should be well with no surprises! Anytime you are not sure of anything, just ask, and as you're part of a great learning community, everyone supports and helps each other

  • How will I get my certificate?

    You will be able to download your certificate on successful completion of each module