At this one day workshop we will create a silver clay leaf pendant, using a fresh leaf with strong, well-defined veins such as a rose, ginkgo, blackberry, mint, strawberry, sage or oak. Avoid leaves that are too flimsy, waxy, or furry, as they won't capture the detail well and are difficult to coat with the clay paste. We will clean and dry the leaf and use liquid silver clay (pure 100% silver) applied in multiple thin even coats over the entire textured side of the leaf, making sure to work the clay into all the veins.

 

Once it is fully dry, we will attach a small clay bail or embed a jump-ring hole ready for fixing a chain. After the final dry check, your pendant will be fired in the kiln on the day. During firing, the organic leaf burns away, leaving a pure silver impression. After cooling, we will brush, burnish, and polish to bring out the leaf’s fine detail and mount the finished pendant on an 18 inch silver chain. Time permitting, we may be able to make two or more leaf pendants, or some additional small silver clay charms.

 

We will be using Art Clay Silver clay, which can be assay office marked as fine silver (100% pure silver) once fired.

 

Skills and techniques covered

• Leaf selection and preparation for pendant making
• Brushing and applying liquid clay
• How to create a bale or jump ring and attach to the pendant
• Wire brushing, burnishing and polishing your final pendant

 

Materials

Materials are not included in the booking fee. All tools and materials will be provided by the tutor, but if you have your own tool set, please feel free to bring it along to the workshop. The cost of materials will be approximately £35 to £40 for one pendant, including firing, an 18-inch silver chain to finish your pendant, and a presentation gift box.

Please note: if you decide to make additional pendants, the materials for each extra piece will incur an additional cost.

 

The tutor will also bring a selection of suitable leaves if you do not find any of your own (see “Students Please Bring” information below). Card payments can be taken on the day, or you can pay for the materials in cash.