Precious metal clay: make a ring

About this course

Participants explore the properties and handling of precious metal clay while developing a ring design. They first test ideas in polymer clay, then apply techniques including rolling, piercing, wrapping, texturing, firing, sanding, polishing and patination to a silver clay piece. Teaching combines demonstrations, practical work, examples, technical notes, advice and guidance. The course also covers setting up a work area and understanding how basic tools are used.

What you'll learn

• Identify properties of different types of metal clay and appropriate handling methods
• Use metal clay tools and equipment to develop a jewellery piece
• Apply textures and design techniques to metal clay
• Fire a metal clay piece using a hand torch
• Add colour with a patina
• Sand and polish metal clay

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginners, experienced jewellers incorporating metal clay into their work, and learners seeking a refresher. Participants should be able to follow written and verbal instructions, engage in group discussions, and carry out simple measurements and calculations.

• May suit bead makers and clay artists
• Includes participation in group discussions
• Requires attention to demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information

Before you go

• General tools and equipment, polymer clay for practice pieces, 10g of art clay and metal clay slip are supplied.
• Bring an apron, an empty film case or clean pill bottle, a notebook and pencils, and cheap fine-tipped paint brushes.
• Optional items include clay shapers, badger balm, small cookie cutters and objects for creating texture.