Start your training with Art Clay
Are you interested in Art Clay but unsure how to use it? Would you like to learn more about this fascinating technique or simply try something new? GO FOR IT!
Numerous certified Art Clay instructors offer a variety of courses for beginners and advanced users – ideal for getting creative and designing your own jewellery or other beautiful pieces.
Simply ask your local distributor for a suitable course programme or a qualified instructor. You can find an overview of our distributors or artists here:
Art Clay Certification
The Art Clay World Europe standard curriculum is a region-wide educational system designed to give you all the necessary skills and techniques to work with Art Clay Silver.
These courses offer you a step by step guided instruction taught by experienced, accredited teachers, helping you to make your own creative inspiration a reality.
The full curriculum for your region, including where to find classes and submission details, can be obtained from your local distributor.
There are currently 3 levels to the Art Clay Certification. In order to create a standard curriculum throughout Europe, the names of each level have been revised and each stage is explained below.
During the classes, each project will be accompanied by written documentation and the results will be evaluated. After finishing all the pieces, the students will receive a numbered certificate issued in their name.
Art Clay Level 1 Diploma – 6 Projects
This is usually a 2 – 3 day class, consisting of 6 simple projects which will acquaint the student with basic techniques and Art Clay Silver products.
This diploma gives the student 15% discount on all Art Clay Silver products purchased from a distributor.
Impressions Pendant
- Prepare work surface and tools
- Roll out and texture Art Clay sheet
- Add bail back and create handmade bezel (3 methods )
- Firing of CZ stones
- Smooth before firing, finish & polish after firing
Natural Leaf Pendant
- Introduction of how to use Art Clay Silver Paste Type
- Transferring a natural texture
- Finishing a fine texture
- Basic technique for attaching findings
Filigree Earring
- Making a core out of Cork Clay
- Attaching a flat screw eye
- Using the Syringe to make a hollow object
- Firing a hollow object
- Finishing of hollow objects
- Attaching earring findings
Mask Brooch
- Shaping AC over a support mould
- Creating a texture from AC paste
- Stone setting with a fine silver readymade bezel
- Attaching brooch findings
- Mirror finish on part of the piece
Linear Ring
- Making a flat band ring
- Selecting correct ring size
- Decorating with AC syringe
- Filing for pre-finish
- Finishing the syringe lines
Captured Nature Ring
- Creating a mould from 2-part silicone using an existing object
- Making a round profile ring
- Brushed surface texture
- Combining dried Art Clay components
- Setting of a natural pearl
Art Clay Level 2 Diploma – 4 Projects
This is usually a 2.5 – 3 day class covering 4 complex projects which refine skills, deal with specific design issues and introduces a perfect mirror finish.
This diploma gives the student 20% discount on all Art Clay Silver products purchased from a distributor.
Balance Ring
- Making a D-shape profile ring
- Modelling soft clay by hand and with simple tools
- Engraving with a file
- High gloss mirror finish
- Patina effect
Glass Lentil Pendant
- Fusing a glass cabochon
- Decorate a glass cabochon with AC overlay paste
- Firing glass together with Art Clay
- Using a pin vice to flush set a CZ stone by hand
- Making an attachment from AC modelling clay
Colours of Nature
- Making a bezel with fine silver flat wire
- Setting a natural stone in the bezel
- Attaching a flat bail back or deep-set brooch findings
- Creating textures on an unfired AC surface
- Gilding part of the surface with 24k gold foil
- Special patina effects
Copper Rivetted Pendant
- Rolling out AC copper clay to an even sheet
- Texturing and decorating the copper clay
- Create a framed openwork syringe piece
- Making your own bail from copper clay
- Firing copper clay
- Balling up fine silver wire
- Riveting
Level 1 and 2 Diploma projects are all technique based; meaning both the instructor and student have some freedom when it comes to the design of the piece. The instructor will advise regarding feasibility of the student’s design and ensure that all required elements are incorporated to successfully demonstrate the correct level of ability.
Three sets of criteria, for each project, are listed in the curriculum class documentation. Each project will be evaluated by the instructor who will score them with 1 – 5 points; from ‘failed’ to ‘outstanding’. The standard expected score would be 3, with 5 only being awarded to absolutely perfect execution of all the specified techniques. The scoring system is designed to help the student understand their strengths and weaknesses and develop their skills further. The student must remake the item if they score 1 for any of the criteria. It is left to the discretion of the teacher to request a remake if 2 is scored for any part.
After completion of the class the instructor will take good quality photos of all student work and send them with the evaluation form and application to the local distributor who will issue the certificate.
Evaluation of the Instructor
At the end of each class students will be asked to complete an on-line form to evaluate the instructor and the class. A link to the form will be sent to each student by the assessment team, ensuring that a high level of quality teaching for every student can be monitored and maintained.
Art Clay Higher Diploma – 3 Projects
Students will be required to submit 3 pieces of independently created jewellery incorporating specific criteria. This can only be undertaken once the Level 2 Diploma has been completed and a certificate has been issued, but no sooner than six months after passing Level 1. Students must also prove ownership of a suitable kiln.
This Diploma gives the student 30% discount on all Art Clay Silver products purchased from a distributor.
The assessment of the 3 pieces of jewellery will be made by a panel of 2-3 high level instructors chosen by Aida as independent assessors. They will be Art Clay instructors, Teaching Diploma holders, Senior Instructors or Master Instructors.
Each applicant should submit their work to their local distributor who will take photos of the work and present these images to the panel.
Each piece will have 5 criteria scored by each member of the panel. These will then be collated and an average score will be noted against each criteria, as per the guidelines for Level 1 and 2 Diplomas. Any piece with a criteria scoring 2 or lower will fail and require a remake of that piece. Feedback, including scores, will be given to the student together with detailed recommendations on how to pass any failed pieces.
You need to submit 3 original pieces of Art Clay Silver (ring, pendant and brooch) applying the following criteria rigidly. You have 3 months (90 days) from the successful completion of your level two course to submit your assessment pieces. The designs should be your own and should be completed independently. The pieces will need to fulfil the following criteria:
Assignment 1 - RING
- The finished ring must be in a UK size N or equivalent.
- Ring band must be made using a rope of clay, to a “D” shaped cross section or profile.
- One or more faceted synthetic stones must be set level and securely into the ring , grooved design must be shown
- Oxidization must be applied to the piece
- Seamless, flawless high shine mirror finish inside and out
Assignment 2 - PENDANT
- Natural stone must be set in a bezel made with fine silver flat wire
- Pure silver flat screw eye or bail back must be attached for findings
- Mirror finishing must be achieved
- Finding and chain must be attached
Assignment 3 - BROOCH
- Both Clay and Syringe type must be used
- Art Clay exclusive brooch screw-in type findings must be used
- Clay must demonstrate even and consistent thickness
- Include patterned open-work section made with Syringe lines