Silver Clay Taster Workshop Saturday 7th November 10-1pm with Sian Hamilton
WHERE:
Workshop 925 based at The Mayford Centre, just outside of Woking and very close to Guildford.
Unit F9 The Mayford Centre,
Mayford Green
Woking,
Surrey
GU22 0PP
WHAT DOES THE DAY INVOLVE?
Have you ever heard of silver clay? It’s a really clever material that looks and feels a bit like ordinary modelling clay, but contains tiny particles of silver mixed with an organic binder and water. The magic happens when it’s fired, burning away the binder and leaving behind solid, pure silver! This means you can mould, shape and texture your designs by hand before transforming them into beautiful silver jewellery.
Join us for this fun, hands-on workshop and discover just how easy it is to create your own silver jewellery. It’s a great class for all abilities, including complete beginners, so no previous jewellery-making experience is needed.
During the workshop, you’ll learn the basics of working with silver clay and have time to make three to five personalised pieces. You can experiment with simple shapes, play around with different textures and see your designs come to life in silver.
You’ll also get to experience the excitement of torch-firing your own creations under Sian’s expert guidance, or have them kiln fired in class. Your finished pieces will then be polished to a lovely shine, ready to take home.
You’ll leave with your own collection of handmade silver charms, earrings or pendants, all designed and created by you.
Silver clay is a fantastic way to explore jewellery making, offering a very different approach to traditional silversmithing. Come along, try something new and discover how a little clay can be transformed into something special to treasure!
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
No skills are required; this class is suitable for complete beginners.
No one under 16's are permitted to attend unless a parent is also booked onto the class due to the nature of the activities.
CLASS SIZE:
8
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
All the tools are provided, and you will have the option to purchase earring hooks and chains to turn your charms into ready-to-wear jewellery.
Please note: Due to the fluctuation in silver prices, the silver clay is not included in the price of the class and will be charged on the day. You will be able to purchase either a 5g, 7g or 10g pack. Payment (for clay) will be card or cash paid directly to the instructor.
ABOUT YOUR TUTOR:
Sian Hamilton is a jeweller, designer, and passionate metal clay teacher with a career built around creativity in all its forms. She graduated in 1991 with a BA (Hons) in 3D Design, specialising in metals and jewellery design. Metal clay has been a constant thread through every chapter of her career since, whether as a hobby or a business, and it remains her true creative love.
Sian spent nine years as Editor of Making Jewellery magazine and has authored more than 15 books in the craft sector, giving her a deep understanding of how to explain techniques clearly for makers at every level. This experience shapes the way she teaches today: patient, encouraging, and focused on building confidence in her students.
As the creator of Hamilton Tools & Jewellery, Sian designs and makes her own 3D printed cutters for the metal clay community, and teaches a full range of silver clay classes, from complete beginner sessions through to masterclasses. She has taught online for Craftcast.com and in person at major international events including AMCAW's SINTER Conferences (2022 and 2024) and the Glass, Craft & Bead Expo in Las Vegas (2025 and 2026).
In her beginners' classes, Sian focuses on giving new students a genuinely solid foundation: understanding the material, building good habits early, and having fun while doing it. She believes silver clay is one of the mos rewarding and accessible ways to start making silver jewellery and loves nothing more than watching the wonder on a student face when they create their first finished piece in metal clay.