making a silver ring

I’ve been using my hands in another workshop this week – very different from the sign language class on Tuesday.  I had a lovely day on Sunday at a silverclay class where I made a ring.

silverclay is pure magic – you start with some white clay or putty like material which you roll and mould etc and then when it is fired it becomes silver – alchemy at work.

Emma (on the right) is a professional jeweller and lovely, generous teacher. We were in her workroom, surrounded by lots of examples of her work and other interesting things. There were just two of us in the class so we had plenty of attention and could choose what we wanted to make. 

We both opted for a ring for our big afternoon make. I  chose this style of ring

lots of steps (I didn’t remember to photograph them all) but each was easy enough and the clay is easy to scrunch up and start again if it all goes badly wrong. In all classes I take the approach of making something I like rather than something perfect, particularly when you are learning new techniques.  So my iced lines are not as straight at the original.

With the steady progression of different steps, easy chat and plenty of tea the day flew by and before I knew it I was applying the last rub of the polishing cloth and modelling my new ring. 

I love the result – organic and uniquely mine -  and it fits!!! always a bit of a worry when making a ring. 

Such an easy material to use (especially compared to siversmithing) and so many things you can do with it.  I have plenty of ideas for what I might make next.  Emma runs regular studio sessions when you pay to use her tools and kiln.

I think if I’d ever made a crafting bucket list that ‘make a silver ring’ would be one of the items.  Well and truly ticked off now.  Is silverclay or silversmithing on your craft make bucket list?