Course summary During this weekend workshop, you'll learn the basics of working with various brands of bronze and copper clay. You'll work with Fastfire Bronzclay™, Copprclay™, Hadar's Quickfire Bronze and Copper Clays, and Art Clay Copper, too - so you get an experience of working with all the major brands.
What else will I learn? You'll learn how they're similar to silver clays, how they differ, and how to combine them successfully in one design, giving your work exciting new design possibilities. Techniques you will explore include texturing, working with moulds, how to use cubic zirconias and casting grain with bronze and copper, embedding wire and findings, and simple hollow form constructions. Firing, finishing and patinas will also be demonstrated and discussed. If you're already familiar with silver clay (PMC3 or Art Clay), then working with our favourite brands of bronze clay and copper clay will open up a whole new range of jewellery-making possibilities for you - and save you money, too, as these clays are much cheaper than silver clay.
Dates & times This is a 2 day course, running from 10:00hrs-17:00hrs on Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday (though you should be prepared to stay on for an extra 20min if needed to complete your projects).
Who can take this course? This course is suitable for anyone who has a reasonable competence in working with mouldable silver 'clay', and is ideal for students who have attended our 1-day Beginnings in Silver course. Both men and women aged over 16 years are welcome. Good eyesight for close work is needed (so bring reading glasses if you use them), and having reasonably steady hands helps!
Why should I take the course? You will be supported and guided as you make stunning bronze and copper clay jewellery on this fun and inspiring workshop. You'll learn the tips and tricks for firing these newest clays, and will learn how to avoid pitfalls when working with them. You'll gain confidence in working with different brands of bronze and copper clays, as you work on six separate projects over the weekend.
Do I get to keep what I make? Absolutely. In fact, many of our students proudly wear their new jewellery home. Find the Sussex Jewellery School on Facebook to see more jewellery made by students on our courses. Bronze and Copper clay are new materials and there is still much debate and experimentation going on around the world about how to work with them. The material can be unpredictable, so expect some happy accidents and perhaps things that didn't quite work. Approach this class with an attitude of exploration and experimentation, and you definitely won't be disappointed.
Are materials included? Yes: the course fee includes over £40 worth of materials. If you need extra metal clays, or if you wish to make additional pieces of jewellery (if time allows), or if you work to a grand scale, you may need to purchase extra over and above the materials supplied. You may also need to purchase findings to complete your projects.
How many other students will there be? Places on this course are strictly limited to a maximum of seven students, ensuring you will benefit from plenty of individual attention.
What's the tutor like? This course is taught by Marion Wilson MCSJ Dip MC, holder of the prestigious Diploma in Metal Clay Proficiency, a professional jeweller and a trained metal clay teacher. [See Tutor profiles page].
What do past students say? This is a brand new course: reviews coming soon! [See the Student reviews page for what students say about our other courses.]
Other information You should note that in order to work with bronze clays when you return home, you will need access to a kiln as bronze clays can't be torch-fired. However, small pieces made with Art Clay Copper can be torch-fired, and the Sussex Jewellery School provides a cost-effective kiln-firing service by post, so you can always ask us to fire your pieces for you, if you don't have your own kiln.
Can I change or cancel my booking? Please note that, for logistical reasons, we are unable to offer transfers or refunds on this course. Please read T&C page before booking.
Your health & safety is our priority After booking, you will be emailed pre-course information - please read this carefully. To ensure you receive this safely, please add sussexjewelleryschool@gmail.com to your email address book. Important: if you have not received the pre-course information by email within one week of booking, or if there is less than one week before your course takes place, please contact us by phone.