In this special 300th episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, I spoke with jewellery artist and mentor Vicki Ralph about the material that transformed both of our creative paths: silver metal clay. We shared how we discovered it, why it offers such a gentle and accessible way to work with silver, and what makes it so empowering for beginners. One of the most important lessons metal clay teaches is that everything is fixable, which encourages experimentation and builds creative confidence. This mindset not only helps you grow technically, but also supports you in developing your own unique voice as a jeweller.

Discover how to create nature-inspired jewellery in this Botanical Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop in Edinburgh. Using recycled silver clay, you’ll learn how to capture the textures of shells, leaves, acorns, and other natural materials and transform them into solid fine silver. This hands-on jewellery making workshop covers texturing, shaping, finishing, and polishing your pieces to a professional standard. Suitable for beginners and those with silver clay experience, the workshop provides expert guidance in a small, supportive group. You’ll leave with your own finished silver jewellery and the skills to continue creating. Hosted by Jewellery School Scotland, this is a unique opportunity to explore silver clay jewellery making in Scotland.

I’m really looking forward to taking part in the Arienas Collective Exhibition at Scot Art in Edinburgh from 24–31 May, and I’d love to see you there if you are local.

The theme of the exhibition is Love or Money and it explores how artists like me make a living. There will be lots of brilliant work on display as well as a full program of talks, tasters and demonstrations.

I’ll be giving silver clay jewellery demos and also some talks for creatives in business. Here’s when to catch me.

As you know, I’m a creative, and part of how I earn a living is by teaching workshops. I’m fortunate to be part of a wonderful artist community called The Arienas Collective, and together we’re putting on our very first group exhibition.

It’s called For Love or Money? and it’s all about how artists make a living from their creativity.

You’re invited to the free preview evening.

That’s it for 2024 - I’ve taught my last workshop. I’ve had a look back at how much silver clay we used (and how much it cost!) as well as how many gemstones, velvet bags and more. Check it out!

I’m excited to share that my 2025 workshop dates are now available to book. I have dates for the whole year, so some are more than a year from now! I wanted to draw your attention to some options if you're not in Edinburgh but want to visit (it's a wonderful city). I have scheduled some workshops together so you can come for more than one workshop day if you’d LOVE to take a creative break

Take advantage of this fantastic offer and get 50% off my Jewellers Academy online courses in their Easter sale this weekend. But don’t wait - this offer ends on Monday 1st April 2024 at 11.59pm BST.

Watch the replay of the live Q&A on metal clay. There were lots of brilliant questions!

I am the guest expert at the live Benchtips Q&A with Jewellers Academy in March and I’d love you to join me!

I’m excited to share about The Jewellers Retreat, a show that I am involved in as a producer and a guest expert. The first episode goes live this week and here is a behind-the-scenes look.

I’ve taught my final workshop of 2023 and am taking a look back at some fun stats including how much silver clay you used and how many workshops you attended.

5 reasons to learn silver clay jewellery making with me at the Arienas Collective, Edinburgh

I love making jewellery from silver metal clay for lots of reasons. Here are some of the benefits.

One thing that people sometimes worry about when using silver metal clay is how to keep it the clay fresh and usable . Fortunately, that is easy. Here are my top tips.

This week you will find me on the Jewellers Academy podcast talking with Jessica Rose about 10 reasons to fall in love with metal clay. Honestly, I think we probably got to about 12 by the end of the recording!

I’m so excited to share that the one-year online Diploma in Silver Metal Clay from Jewellers Academy is finally here. I am one of the tutors on this exciting course that has been in the works for a long time

The difference between a beginner’s piece of silver clay jewellery and a professional-looking piece is your sanding and refining before firing. Taking the time at this stage can make a big difference to your final results. Here are five ways to sand and refine your silver clay jewellery and some top tips to getting great results every time.

One of the things I love about metal clay is that there is no waste - every little bit of it can be used. Check out this video showing you exactly how to reconstitute your dry clay back into workable silver clay for more beautiful creations. I also share some top tips and answers to frequently asked questions.

At the beginning of 2022 I committed to trying 12 new crafts in the year. So how did I do?

Take advantage of this fantastic offer and get 50% off my Jewellers Academy online courses in their Colour Friday sale this weekend. But don’t wait - this offer ends on Monday 28th November 2022 at 11.59pm GMT