Hammer Time: May Edition
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- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
What a beautiful month May has been so far – full of connection, creativity, and celebration.
We had a wonderful time hosting a ring making workshop at the delightful Muddy Boots and Puddle Ducks Tea Room in Burnley. This gem of a place is full of character, warmth, and the most delicious sweet treats you could hope for! We were made to feel incredibly welcome. It's a truly special venue that encourages creativity and community by bringing in local artisans to host workshops.
We’re also thrilled to share that we came away as the winners of the Creative Tourism Award at the Ribble Valley Tourism Awards this month! It was an incredibly inspiring event celebrating local talent, dedication, and the magic our region has to offer. We felt so honoured to be recognised among so many amazing people and businesses that make the Ribble Valley the vibrant and creative place it is.
Adding to our creative highlights, we joined a fabulous Gin and Calligraphy Night at The Nab Lab in Whalley, hosted by the talented Kate Illustrate. It was an evening full of laughter, learning, and lettering - a perfect blend of creativity and community spirit! Keep an eye on our windows as we practise our new skills - you might just spot a few flourishes!
And on the education front, we have just completed another term of enrichment to Year 7 and Year 10 students over at Ribblesdale High School! The importance of young people discovering the world of jewellery-making for the first time is always a joy – we hope to inspire young people to embrace their creativity.
What is Silver Clay?
Let us introduce you to the magic of silver clay! Silver clay is a remarkable material made from tiny particles of pure silver, combined with a natural binder and water to form a soft, mouldable clay. It can be shaped, stamped, rolled, and textured – just like traditional clay – making it ideal for beginners and experienced makers alike.
Once your piece is shaped and dried, it’s fired in a kiln. During this process, the binder burns away, leaving behind a finished item that is 99.9% pure silver – also known as fine silver.
This method allows you to design and make your own unique pieces of jewellery from start to finish. No casting or soldering required – just a bit of imagination and guidance.
Whether you're making a charm, pendant, or a one-of-a-kind keepsake, silver clay offers an exciting and accessible way to work with real silver.
Workshop Spotlight
If you’re completely new to silver clay or looking to build on what you’ve already learned, we’ve got some exciting workshops coming up that offer something for everyone. Take a look at what’s coming up next:
Silver Clay Shell Pendant Workshop ~ 8th June 2025 | 10am – 2pm Create your very own solid silver pendant using a real shell as your inspiration! This workshop is perfect for beginners and those with a little experience. You’ll learn how to work with silver clay to capture the beautiful textures of natural shells – resulting in a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery you’ll treasure forever. Bring your own shell for a personal touch – or dive into our gorgeous collection!
Botanical Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop ~ 28th June 2025 |10am – 3pm
Holden Clough Nurseries
Join us for a relaxed and creative day at Holden Clough Nurseries, where nature meets jewellery-making. Forage for leaves and botanicals from the grounds, then learn how to turn them into beautiful silver pieces using silver clay.
Perfect for beginners or those with some experience, this hands-on workshop includes all materials and kiln firing. You’ll leave with your own unique, nature-inspired jewellery.
Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop: Beyond the Basics ~
5th July 2025 | 10am – 3pm
If you’ve attended one of our beginner workshops or have a little silver clay experience, this is the perfect next step. Explore more advanced techniques, including stone setting, using moulds, and refining your designs with more confidence and precision. Develop your skills and leave with a piece that reflects your personal style.
Thinking of Joining our Term Time Classes?
If you’ve been considering joining one of our weekly classes, now’s your chance! A brand new term begins week commencing 2nd June, and we’d love to welcome you to the studio.
There’s a real buzz in the workshop each week – from the hum of tools to the chatter between students – and every term brings new inspiration, new techniques, and beautiful jewellery taking shape.
Creative Collaboration Corner
This month, we're excited to introduce you to Kate Illustrate, a Lancashire-based calligrapher and illustrator known for her beautiful and detailed designs.
Kate offers a variety of workshops, including themed calligraphy sessions, canvas painting classes, and bespoke events tailored to your needs. Whether you're looking to explore pointed pen modern calligraphy or embark on a painting project, Kate provides personalised guidance to help you express your artistic side.
In addition to her workshops, Kate curates The Calligraphy Room, a monthly subscription box filled with calligraphy supplies, worksheets, video tutorials, challenges, and more. It's designed for both beginners and experienced calligraphers, delivering everything you need to enhance your skills and creativity.
To celebrate our collaboration, Kate is offering 15% off site-wide - including all workshops, your first subscription box and any gifts or supplies! Simply use the code CCC15 at checkout.
Find out more about Kate’s workshops and subscription boxes at kate-illustrate.co.uk
If you’d like to be featured in our Creative Collab Corner and share your passion with our community, we’d love to hear from you! Get in touch here.
Here’s to a season of growth, inspiration, and bringing beautiful jewellery designs to life at the North West Jewellery School!
Considering joining a workshop or have any questions? We'd love to hear from you—get in touch, and let’s bring your jewellery-making ideas to life!
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