Current
A Fine Silver Jewelry Workshop
with Espie Buoncristiani
Let’s Play With Metal Clay Intro Workshop with Espie
A Fine Silver Jewelry Workshop
Friday, December 11, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Includes a half-hour lunch break
Member Price $350, Non Members $400
Your workshop fee includes:
20 grams of Art Clay Fine Silver
Use of Art Clay Fine Silver Syringe
All necessary tools and equipment
A variety of textures and stencils
Hands-on instruction and a comprehensive instruction sheet to take home
One pair of sterling silver earwires
One leather necklace cord with a sterling silver clasp
One sterling silver jump ring
Torch firing and kiln firing during the workshop
No experience necessary
Discover the fascinating world of metal clay in this hands-on jewelry-making workshop! Learn how to transform soft, workable fine silver clay into beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces of fine silver jewelry. No previous jewelry-making experience is necessary, just bring your creativity and a willingness to explore something new.
Using Art Clay Fine Silver, a remarkable material made from microscopic particles of pure silver, you'll learn the techniques for shaping, texturing, refining, and firing your own jewelry designs. This innovative medium offers an exciting and accessible way to work with precious metal without traditional metalsmithing equipment.
Throughout the day, you'll create approximately four to eight unique pieces, depending on their size and design. Choose from a variety of textures and stencils to personalize your jewelry, experimenting with shapes, patterns, and details that reflect your individual style.
Once your designs are complete and dry, you'll learn how to refine and prepare them for firing. All pieces will be fired during the workshop, giving you the opportunity to experience the exciting transformation from clay into solid fine silver (.999). You'll then refine, polish, and finish your jewelry, leaving with beautiful handmade pieces ready to wear and enjoy.
After firing, you'll learn techniques for brushing, refining, adding optional patinas, and polishing your jewelry to bring out the beautiful textures and details of your designs. You'll also learn how to complete your jewelry using sterling silver earwires and a leather necklace cord. By the end of the workshop, you'll have created your own collection of fine silver jewelry!
Please bring a sack lunch.
Artists Biography
Despina “Espie” Buoncristiani is a lifelong artist. Her interest in jewelry emerged in her teens as she reimagined vintage pieces, and a college drawing class followed by a graphic design course led her to switch her major to Art. After working in several studios, she founded Espie Graphics in 1984, running it as a one-woman design practice. As graphic design shifted toward the digital, she longed for more tactile work, which led her to jewelry making, first with beaded designs and later with her own metal pendants in silver, copper, and brass. Continuing to expand her skills, she trained extensively in Metal Clay, earning two certifications and becoming a Senior Certified Art Clay Silver Instructor. Since 2015 she has taught more than 1,000 students across Metal Clay, Metalsmithing, Enameling, Etching, and other techniques, finding deep joy in helping others explore their creativity.