Current
Nature’s Way Fine Silver Pendant
with Despina “Espie” Buoncristiani
Saturday, January 10, 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Includes a half-hour lunch break in the courtyard with live music
6 students, Member Price $135, Non Members $150
All materials includedNo experience necessary
Discover the beauty of the natural world and learn how to capture it in fine silver. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create reusable molds from organic materials that reveal extraordinary detail. Once your mold has cured, you’ll use it to form your own unique pendant with Art Clay Fine Silver. Each piece will be kiln-fired and finished with a patina to bring out every delicate feature.
We’ll explore the extensive Maloof Gardens for inspiring organic forms, or you may choose from a curated selection of botanicals provided by the instructor. Your workshop fee includes tool use, a two-part mold compound (enough for one impression), 7g of Art Clay Silver, a sterling silver jump ring, and a leather cord for your finished pendant—plus a detailed instruction sheet to support continued exploration at home.
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.