What Is Silver Clay?
Silver Clay is a magical material. It is made from extremely fine particles of recycled Silver, mixed with an organic binder and water to produce a putty type material. You shape it like modelling clay, roll it, texture it, mould it... The possibilities are endless. Once its dry, it can be refined, and multiple parts can be attached. After that, its fired to burn off the binder, all the particles of silver fuse together and you're left with solid hallmarkable silver. Metal clays come in a variety of metals - gold, sterling silver, bronze and copper - and more come to the market each year. Its a wonderful satisfying process which I look forward to sharing with you.
A Bit About Me
Born and raised in Hampshire in the shadow of the South Downs, I spent my summers traveling to local vintage vehicle gatherings with our family collection of vehicles. I still have two of my late father's steam engines, which I love taking to shows. Childhood winters were spent getting paint on my bedroom carpet. I was always creative. At school I was clever, but it was art that fed my imagination.
So at college I studied graphics and physics, and went on to do a BTEC in 3D Design at Rochester's University College for Creative Arts. Wanting to be nearer my family, I transferred to Portsmouth University for my degree, again in 3-Dimensional Design.
Whilst at University, I discovered a love for traditional fairground art, and studied sign-writing alongside my degree. This led me to become acquainted with a traveling fairground family in Sussex. When I graduated, I moved into the fairground yard and travelled with them. It was a privilege to witness and be a part of their traditional way of life.
It was whilst living with the fair that I developed a love for all things 1950’s; learning to Jive and featuring in a Pinup Calendar.
After six years with the fair, I moved to Wiltshire. For a long time I had been suffering with a severe nerve condition in my face and, in 2016, I had brain surgery to help resolve it.
It was in 2017 that my mother and I attended a one day Silver Clay workshop. The rest, as they say, is history. I quickly got to grips with the material and began creating. Eventually, people stared asking for commissions, and so Miss Wizz Jewellery was born. In 2019 I took my Art Clay World Diploma Level 1, followed by Level 2, a year later. These qualifications enabled me to teach this incredible art form and share the magic with others. During the Covid lockdown, I took the opportunity to study for and gain a PMC qualification.
I also built a bespoke teaching space at my home in Melksham and look forward to welcoming you for workshops very soon.
