Transform Real Shells into Fine Silver Jewellery Using Silver Clay
Description
Bring a shell with a story or choose one foraged from Ready Money Beach in Fowey and watch it transform into shimmering silver jewellery. In just one day - Held at Fowey’s Old Bank Gallery, discover the quiet magic of silver clay and shape the Cornish coastline into wearable art—pendants or earrings you’ll treasure forever. This workshop welcomes up to eight makers as we turn coastal treasures into heirloom silver. Using fine silver clay, you’ll mould real shells gathered from Ready Money Beach and the surrounding shoreline, watching them shift from soft clay to luminous metal. Choose from forms inspired by Fowey’s tidal edges: - The gentle ripple of a cockleshell. - The rugged strength of a limpet. - The soft curve of a mussel shell. You are also warmly invited to bring your own small shell - one carried home from a favourite walk, a wedding or a family holiday - wrapped in its own memory and personal meaning. If it’s suitable for casting, we can transform it into a solid fine silver keepsake that is uniquely yours. (We’ll avoid 3D whelks this time—those belong to a more advanced tide). You’ll create one or two pendants, or a pair of earrings, learning how to mould, refine, fire, and finish your piece into solid fine silver. No experience needed—just curiosity, a love of Cornwall's beaches, and a wish to shape something meaningful with your own hands. Leave with a piece of Fowey’s shoreline forged in fire - a silver relic carrying tide, touch, and your own story. Who should attend: This workshop is suitable for people with no previous knowledge of working with silver clay or those with experience with other forms of jewellery making. It is even suitable for those with no experience yet of crafts or creative activities. Most important is a desire to learn and experiment with the materials. At this workshop you will learn: - What to look for in a shell. - How to make your own mould using a shell. - How to work with the clay. - How to make holes for a jump ring or how to use embedded eyelets. - Sand and file to get a good finish prior to filing. - Fire your pieces with a torch and watch your clay transform to silver. - Polish and get a good finish. - Attach a jump ring to a chain for a pendant or earrings.
What's included in the price?
- 7g Silver clay - enough to make at least a pendant and/or drop earrings (depending on the size of your shells you might make more). - Findings (jump rings and ear wires). - A selection of shells most of which have been collected from local Cornish beaches. - All equipment needed to make your jewellery. - A standard 18inch snake chain. You can upgrade your chain on the day to a larger size – contact Rebecca in advance of the workshop. There will be also a limited range of other styles such as the popular satellite bobble chain available for upgrades subject to availability.
Duration
5½ hours
Cancellation policy
Strict - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 8 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Rebecca is a qualified and experienced teacher with all 5 star reviews on Google, Facebook, Trip Advisor, Virgin Experiences and Craft Courses. Rebecca is also a Gold rated tutor with Craft Courses. She holds the Art Clay Diploma in Silver Clay. This is a world-wide, recognised qualification, administered by the official distributors of Art Clay in Europe. She is also an instructor member of AMCAW (Association of Metal Clay Artists Worldwide) and is a member of GOJD (Guild of Jewellery Designers) and ACJ (Association of Contemporary Jewellers). Rebecca also runs a jewellery business. Her jewellery is inspired by the Cornish coast and countryside and lovingly handcrafted using recycled silver. It is important to her that her impact upon the environment from which she draws her inspiration is not overly impacted by her actions. Therefore, alongside using recycled precious metals and responsibly sourced gemstones, her packaging is also eco-friendly.
FAQs
Yes. This course is suitable for learners with no previous knowledge of working with silver clay or silversmithing or those with experience with other forms of jewellery making. It is also suitable for those with no experience yet of crafts or creative activities. Most important is a desire to learn and experiment with the materials.
-Minimum age: 16 (under 18's must be accompanied by a participating adult)
