Workshop FAQ’s

How many people do you have in a workshop? 

My workshops have a maximum of 8 - 10 people in a class. The only exception to this is my weekly class at The Makers’ House where I have a max of 6 people. 

 

What is the minimum age requirement?

Workshops can be booked by anyone over the age of 16 years. However, older teens (14+) may book alongside a fully paying adult; you will need to book 2 spaces. Depending on how your teen gets on in the session, I may ask you to do the firing element for them. 

  

I can no longer make the workshop. Can I have a refund? 

Unfortunately, refunds are not possible once a workshop has been booked. However, I can try to sell your space for you and, if successful, you can be reimbursed that way. Or, if given plenty of notice, I can try to switch you to a different date.  

 

What do I need to bring to the workshop?

Please bring a bottle of water to drink. You might want to bring a snack or light lunch, especially if you are booked into a longer class over 4hours. 
I do provide everything you need for the session so there is no need to bring anything else. However, if you already own a few tools and are keen to use them then by all means bring them but please ensure you take the right tools home with you. 

 

Do you provide drinks or snacks? 

Tea & coffee is available to purchase at every venue. I also provide (free) chocolate biscuits like Kit Kats or similar. 

 

What do I need to wear? 

Wear something comfortable. Please don’t wear scarves or long floaty sleeves as this can be a fire hazard when using blow torches in the session. Please do wear filled-in shoes; in hot weather, you are welcome to bring these to change into as it’s only required in the firing part of the session. Please also tie long hair back. 

 

Can I buy chains? 

I will have a small supply of chains with me for £5 each. I have a card machine or can take exact money but don’t carry change I’m afraid. 

 

Can I buy extra clay?

Whilst I do carry extra clay, I would recommend making only 2-3 items in the session as firing can add on 5-7 minutes for every item made which can then delay the class. The 7g pack you are given in the session will make 2-3 items so it’s is unlikely that you will need more clay than this. However, please do discuss ideas and if I think it’s possible then you can buy an extra pack of clay for £15.  

If you are looking to buy extra clay for home use, then I would recommend using www.metalclay.co.uk for this as they are a fabulous company and often have 15% discounts. 

 

I have arthritis. Can I still do this? 

Several of my student with arthritis have had a lot of success with silver clay. However, if you find there’s an element of the session that is proving difficult then please do let me know and I will help you. If you are worried at all then please do speak to me before the session or send me a message. 

  

I’m worried about using a blow torch. Can you do this for me?

If you don’t want to use the blow torch for firing, I can absolutely do this for you so please don’t worry.  

 

I have an idea of what I’d like to make. Can I do this? 

The answer to this is possibly. If it’s an easy thing to do then I can absolutely help you to make something in the session. 

However, if your idea is more complex and requires a lot of individual help then, unfortunately, there might not be enough time in the 3.5hr session to do this. I have a class of 8-10 people and need to make sure everyone feels equally supported so won’t necessarily get time to teach the skills required for more complex items. If this is also your first session using the clay then it is essential to get a basics class done first to see how the clay handles; it is very different to silversmithing. 

In this instance, you will be better off booking a 1-1 session afterwards or joining my weekly class where work is project based and so more complex ideas are ideally suited to this type of session.

Please do message me though to discuss your ideas as I’d happily give you advice. 

 

I really enjoyed the session. Do you do weekly classes?

I’m pleased you enjoyed the workshop. I do weekly classes at The Makers’ House (Fareham) and Making Space (Leigh Park). These are self-led sessions and I am there to support you. Everyone will be working on different things. I do also run class projects at times too which you can opt to do. Each week, I teach 1-2 different skills and explore the work of a designer. It’s a great way to develop your silver clay skills and we cover a huge range of topics - skills we just don’t time to look at in the single workshops. If you think you’d like to know more then please do send me a message. 

I really enjoyed the session. Do you do private bookings or parties?

I can teach 1-1 sessions focussing on particular skills you’d like to learn or I can do any of my regular classes as a 1-1 or small group session in your home. 

Ideal for birthdays, hen do’s & work events: I can run parties for groups of up to 10 people. You find the venue (home, hall, office) and I will bring all my tools & equipment. I need confirmation that the venue is happy with us using blow torches (small chef’s torch) and, in return, I can provide public liability details and risk asssessment.