Learn to make your own beautiful fine silver jewellery from art clay silver - no previous experience is necessary.

You will learn how to roll & cut precious metal clays, add textures, layering, drying and torch-firing, finishing pre and post firing including burnishing, polishing and adding a patina to the surface of the silver.

Silver clay is one of a range of metal clays. All metals clays are fine metal powder mixed with a binder to create malleable clay that can be moulded, textured, rolled and cut out. The clay is then dried before being fired with a torch (which can be done using an inexpensive torch at home) or with a kiln to produce a solid piece of metal.

Silver clay when fired, results in 99.9% fine silver pieces, which you can send for hallmarking at a UK assay office if you wanted to as it is fine enough silver to do so.

We will be demonstrating and practicing firing with a small hand-held jewellery torch so you know what you can achieve in a home environment.

Price includes one 10g pack of silver art clay (Silver Art Clay pack is currently worth around £21).

One pack of clay is enough to make a pendant or earrings, or 2 small pairs of earrings, or 4 bracelet or phone charms or buttons.

Help with ideas and deciding a design is normally done on the day so you can come and find out about the clay before finalising what you would like to to make in the early part of the workshop.

If you have a design in mind, however, I will be very happy to help you before the course to make sure you have a suitable design, the right amount of silver art clay, and appropriate findings to finish your pieces of jewellery. 

A small selection of jewellery findings (e.g jump-rings, earring wires, and cord for pendants) will also be included so you can take home fully finished pieces. 

Please bring a craft apron or wear clothes suitable for craft activities.

Maximum number on workshop is 4 people (larger groups up to 6 can be accommodated on request if booking together as a group).

This class is suitable for adults only please.

Hot & Cold drinks are available throughout the workshop. Please bring your own lunch, snacks, and a travel mug or similar if you have one.

Buying as a gift or for a special occasion? Please contact us as we would love to share the occasion with you.

Learn to make your own beautiful fine silver jewellery pieces from silver art clay in a day, from design through to torch firing and finishing.

Craft Workshop: Silver art clay for jewellery (beginner level) in Henstridge, Somerset and Dorset

This is a fabulous workshop which will introduce you to intuitive art journaling  in TWO sessions one week apart.

You do not need to be an artist, 'artistic', or consider yourself to be creative to fully take part in the workshop - all are welcome.

The workshop is focused on authentic expression of thoughts, ideas and emotions through the exploration of a variety of techniques including mark marking, symbolism, collage, adding images and words/letters, using inclusions, and more.

Not only can you use art journaling to express yourself, but also as a means to reconnect with your creative self and to develop your creativity.

In these workshop sessions, you will be creating background pages for your journal, making your journal covers, using hand stitching to construct your book, adding to your pages, putting in any inclusions which you would like to add, and adding embellishments.

Time: 10am start and 1pm finish on both days

Maximum number on workshop is 4 adults

We are really privileged to have Ali Mauger leading these workshop sessions. Ali's thoughts on intuitive art journaling are:

"Art journaling is not about producing a beautiful piece of art (although that may happen, especially with practice).

Art journaling is primarily about self care. 
It's about giving yourself permission to be creative, to make a mess, to play, to not know what you're doing - permission to let go. 
It's about learning, both about art techniques and about yourself.
It's about creating a space within your life that can bring you comfort and a safe place to express your feelings. 
Sometimes, art journal pages can be ugly and raw because that's what you need to express.
And often pages can be beautiful and inspiring because that's what you need to see/hear.

It can also just be a pretty book to display photos or other keepsakes, but this is not the whole story.

On a practical level, I teach techniques. I teach how to make backgrounds, work with different media, how to physically stitch the book together, and to add ephemera and embellishments.
Along the way, I hope to show that making space for creativity can be like medicine for the mind and soul. Journaling is one way to introduce this into your life, to make you happier.
 
With a few basic techniques and ideas, students can explore further at home.
And that's great, because I teach that expensive art materials are not necessary to continue journaling.

I really encourage recycling and repurposing. Personally, in my art journaling practice, I use all sorts of ordinary things and even make art materials (and entire journals!) out of things that other people would throw away."
 
Everything which you need for these workshop sessions are included although, if you are an artist or work with a creative medium, you are encouraged to bring your materials with you to incorporate this into your art journaling.

You are also very welcome to bring any small items of personal significance to use in your journaling, such as inspirational photos (you may wish to bring copies of your own photos to use rather than the originals), old cards, wording/letters/numbers which have meaning for you, and items such as scraps of material, lace, buttons etc from items which you love.

Hot and cold drinks are included - please bring your own travel mug or equivalent, and any snacks which you may like for the session

Buying as a gift or for a special occasion? Please contact us as we would love to share the occasion with you.

This is a fabulous workshop which will introduce you to intuitive art journaling  focused on authentic expression of thoughts, ideas and emotions. 

Introduction to intuitive art journaling (two half day sessions) in Henstridge, Somerset and Dorset

Spend a day in a relaxed, friendly workshop learning the techniques for carving a lino cut and how to make prints from your linocut design. 

You will be learning how to:

Use a picture, photo or freehand drawing to make a design on your lino.
How to transfer your design to the lino ready for cutting.
How to use lino cutting tools to carve the lino to make a print
Make a print from your finished linocut, perhaps to take home to frame or to make into cards

You will be able to take your individual project linocut home so you can make more prints on paper or cards, and it is also worth noting that you can also use lino cuts to make prints onto fabric.

As a group we will also be able to discuss how to use different colours for lino cuts, which we can then explore further in an intermediate workshop for more advanced lino cutting designs and printing.

Buying as a gift or for a special occasion? Please contact us as we would love to share the occasion with you.

Spend a day in a relaxed, friendly workshop learning the techniques for carving a lino cut and making prints from your linocut design

Lino cutting & printing (beginners): make a lino cut picture in Stalbridge, Somerset and Dorset

Learn to dye fleece in a day! Using permanent dye colour in beautiful, colourful shades you will be able to dye the fleece provided for you, first learning the dyeing process and then enjoying a variety of techniques to give different effects.

The fleece which you have dyed can then later be used for needle felting, wet felting and spinning ready to use as yarn.

The fleece is from a local small-holder, Sharon, who breeds and manages just a few Portland and Icelandic sheep for their fleece which she then dyes, spins, knits, weaves, and felts into lots of gorgeous items.

You will learn about the benefits of using 'acid' dyes to make rich repeatable colours (the 'acid' is referring to the vinegar which is used to set the dye and make it permanent) and will also be able to see some examples of different breeds of dyed fleece which have been dyed with both acid and natural dyes, as well as some of the lovely colours and textures of undyed fleece.

You will also learn different types of fleece to dye for your intended projects, the best way to store fleece, and what needs to happen after the dyeing process to be able to successfully use the dyed fleece for different projects (including understanding some of the terminology).

This is a hands-on, information packed, fun and creative day of dyeing fleece!

Suitable for complete beginners and those with some dyeing experience who wish to add to their knowledge and improve their skills (eg if you have done some natural dyeing before and want to expand your knowledge base to include acid dyeing skills).

You will be given 100g of sheep fleece to use for dyeing and to take home - and to put to use making something as a reminder of your creative workshop day.

All the dyes, supplies and other equipment will be supplied for use on the day except an apron which you may like to bring. Please wear clothes suitable for crafting and dyeing.

Please bring your own lunch and any other refreshments which you would like. Hot and cold drinks are available throughout this workshop (please bring your own travel mug or equivalent).

Other workshops available including needle and wet felting and there will be a special day of dyeing with natural dyes in the autumn term.

Buying as a gift? Want to buy for a special occasion and would like help making the day even more special? Can't see a suitable date? Please contact me - always happy to help!

Learn to dye fleece in a day using permanent dye colour in beautiful, colourful shades. Ideal for felters, spinners & weavers to produce their own colours.

Learn to dye fleece with colourful permanent dyes in a day in Henstridge, Somerset & Dorset

Book in for a 3 hour beginners session which will introduce you to the art of glass fusion in a relaxed, friendly group.

In this taster workshop, we will look at the different kinds of glass used in glass fusion then move on to design and make your own piece of fused glass. 

You will learn how to cut and assemble your glass pieces then leave them to be fired in the kiln. You will need to return a few days later to collect your pieces of work - or they can be posted to you at additional cost (please let me know if you think you may need this option when booking so I can let you know more details about P&P).

You can expect to make the equivalent of two coaster-sized pieces of fused glass - but you don't have to keep to coaster size and/or shape! You can work with your glass to make one bigger piece or a few small pieces. 

There are restrictions on maximum size due to the size of the kiln which I use for firing so your large pieces will need to be 15cm x 15cm or less - you'll be fully advised at the workshop. 

You can work from your own ideas and designs, or you can use my ideas for inspiration, or follow my step by step guides if you prefer.

Maximum number on workshop is 4 people (adults only please)

Hot and cold drinks are included throughout the session. Please bring your own travel mug or similar.

Buying as a gift or for a special occasion? Please contact us as we would love to share the occasion with you.

Book in for a half day beginners taster session which will introduce you to the art of glass fusion in a relaxed, friendly group workshop.

Introduction to glass fusion half day (beginners) in Henstridge nr Stalbridge, Somerset & Dorset

Come along to learn how to make high quality container candles in a relaxed, friendly group.  You will learn to make candles using fragrances and colours and, in this 3 hour workshop, you will be making three candles in a glass container, a tins, and a teacup to take home.

This workshop is for people who would like to make candles for their own use and for gifts. It is not suitable for people looking to set up a candle making business as we do not cover the relevant legislation and regulations legally required to sell candles. 

This is a great place to start learning the craft of candle making, safely and to a great standard.

During this 3 hour workshop, we will focus specifically on container candles. 

You will find out about the different kinds of candles which can be made along with different types of wax for specific types of candles, and how to add fragrances and colours. 

We will also cover health and safety aspects of candle making for personal use, and safety labelling for your own use as well as if you are giving a candle as a gift.

We are gradually changing the type of wax which we use - please let us know after booking if you would like to use purely vegetable wax otherwise we may be using beeswax or a beeswax blend. All the other ingredients we use are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Maximum number on workshop is 4

We will have time to discuss using repurposed containers for candles such as tin cans and jam jars. Also we can discuss making other kinds of candles such as pillar candles, wax melts, floating candles, striped candles, and much more.

The workshop includes all tuition, supplies and use of equipment for you to make three container candles (including one in a teacup and saucer) using colours and fragrances from a selection available.

Please note that teacups and saucers are from some which I have collected. There is a variety and some may not match exactly but you are free to have a look through the selection which I have and make your own choice. 

You are of course also welcome to supply your own containers - please contact me for advice before the Workshop if you would like to do this. 

Please let me know if you have any fragrance or skin allergies when booking. 

This class is suitable for adults over 18 years old only. If you are not sure if this workshop is suitable for you, please ask any questions before booking - always happy to help and advise.

Hot and cold drinks are available throughout the session. Please bring your own travel mug or similar if possible.

Buying as a gift? Want to buy for a special occasion and would like help making the day even more special? Can't see a suitable date? Please contact me - always happy to help!

Come along to learn how to make high quality container candles in a relaxed, friendly group

Introduction to container candle making half day in Henstridge near Stalbridge, Dorset & Somerset

Spend a day learning the craft of needle-felting or improving your existing needle felt skills. 

We will each be making a cute woodland creature or a bird to take home. You can also choose to make another type of small animal such as a dog or cat if you prefer.

You can choose from a variety of needle-felted animals or birds, or you can bring suggestions of your own. If you think you may need specific colours please let me know when booking so I can make sure we have everything you need to make your chosen creature.

Included is tuition, felting wool, any finishing parts e.g wire legs, eyes, beak etc. as well as the use of felting needles and other tools. 

You will learn how to make felt using wool and felting needles, how to create the various parts of woodland creatures or birds, and how to put all the parts together and how to finish off your cute creature.

As the workshop numbers are very small, this workshop is suitable for complete beginners to improvers as I can offer as much individual help as is needed during the workshop.

Maximum number on workshop is a maximum of 4 people to allow plenty of space for distancing.

Larger groups can be accommodated in a workshop arranged specifically for you on a mutually agreeable date from Aug/Sept 2020. 

This class is suitable for adults or accompanied teens (adult accompanying may be participating or observing - please let me know on booking). If you are not sure if this workshop is suitable for your teen please ask any questions before booking - always happy to help and advise.

Hot and cold drinks will be provided throughout the day. Please bring your own lunch, snacks and drinks or a travel cup (or similar).

Spend a day learning the craft of needle-felting or improving your existing needle felt skills.   

Introduction to needle felting: make a woodland creature or bird, or other small animal (beginners)

Spend a day learning to wet felt to create beautifully crafted, unique pictures. You will be able to explore the possibilities of using felt for picture making. Your 2D felted projects could be later made into framed pictures, wall hangings, book covers, and bags.

We will be making our wet felt picture projects and will be embellishing the finished felt so you can add depth, texture and detail. 

Embellishments such as beads and buttons can also be sewn on by hand, embroidery stitched to add texture and details, as well as adding 3D needle felted details to your work. For example, adding needle felted butterflies, leaves, flowers etc.

This is a truly creative wet-felt-making day!

Suitable for complete beginners and those with some wet felting experience who wish to add to their knowledge and improve their skills.

Maximum Workshop: 2 (July) - 4 (August+) People to allow for distancing

We use as many ordinary household items as possible to make wet felt so there is very little you need by way of additional equipment to continue this versatile craft at home - just felting wool! For needle felting at home, you will need felting needles and a surface to work on such as a foam pad. These will be supplied for use while you are in the workshop.

All the other equipment will be supplied except an apron which you may like to bring. Please wear clothes suitable for crafting (wet-felting can get a bit damp but not very 'wet').

Wet-felting can be quite physically hard work so help is always available if you should need or want some extra umph! and we adapt how we work to be fully inclusive.

You may want to do more work on finishing your picture after the workshop.

Maximum number on workshop is currently 2 people for July (and may increase to 4 people in August).

This class is suitable for adults or accompanied teens. If you are not sure if this workshop is suitable for your teen please ask any questions before booking - always happy to help and advise.

Hot and cold drinks are available throughout the session. Please bring lunch, snacks and any other refreshments which you would like which are appropriate for the length of workshop which you have booked. Please bring your own travel mug or similar if possible.

Spend a day learning to wet felt to create beautifully crafted, unique pictures. 

Introduction to wet felt picture making in Henstridge near Stalbridge Dorset & Somerset

Spend a day learning to make mosaics including preparation, laying out a design, cutting and placing tiles, and finishing with grout. 

You will each be working on individual projects to take home. Your individual projects can be from a selection of my pattern ideas or you may bring your own idea for inspiration.

Maximum number on workshop is 4 people. This class is suitable for adults and accompanied teens.

Mosaic Making Includes: Tuition, base shape, mosaic tiles, glue, and grout. 

You will learn how to make mosaics including pattern making, types of tiles and tile selection, cutting, tile sticking, and grouting your finished design.

Price includes all the materials to make your project piece. All the equipment will be supplied except an apron which you may like to bring. Please wear clothes suitable for crafting.

Hot and cold drinks are available throughout the workshop (please bring a travel mug or similar with you). Please bring lunch and any other refreshments which you may like.

Spend a day learning to make mosaics including preparation, laying out a design, cutting and placing tiles, and finishing with grout.  

Introduction to making mosaics in Henstridge near Stalbridge (Beginner level) Somerset and Dorset 

Spend a day learning to wet felt.

Pictures, powls, vessels, pods, bags and flowers (and more!) can be constructed using simple 3D techniques.

We will be making a 3D wet felted bowl during your first introduction into exploring the possibilities of using felt. We will also create a wet felted picture, which you could later make into framed pictures, bag fronts, book covers, and wallhangings. 

You will have opportunity to also learn how to needle felt onto your wet felted pieces so you can add depth/texture as well as 3D needle felted items to your work. For example, adding needle felted butterflies, leaves, flowers etc.

Embellishments such as beads can also be sewn on my hand or embroidery stitched to add texture and details.

This is a truly creative felt-making day!

This class is suitable for adults in a group of 4 (maximum)

Price includes all the materials to make a 2D picture project piece plus a 3D bowl or vase.

This is a truly creative wet-felt-making day!

Suitable for complete beginners and those with some wet felting experience who wish to add to their knowledge and improve their skills.

We use as many ordinary household items as possible to make wet felt so there is very little you need by way of additional equipment to continue this versatile craft at home - just felting wool! For needle felting at home, you will need felting needles and a surface to work on such as a foam pad. These will be supplied for use while you are in the workshop.

All the other equipment will be supplied except an apron which you may like to bring. Please wear clothes suitable for crafting (wet-felting can get a bit damp).

Wet-felting can be quite physically hard work so help is always available if you should need or want some extra umph! and we adapt how we work to be fully inclusive.

You may want to do more work on finishing your picture after the workshop.

Hot and cold drinks are available throughout the session. Please bring lunch, snacks and any other refreshments which you would like. Please bring your own travel mug or similar if possible.

Buying as a gift? Want to buy for a special occasion and would like help making the day even more special? Can't see a suitable date? Please contact me - always happy to help!

Spend a day exploring wet felt techniques in both 2D and 3D .  Pictures, powls, vessels, pods, bags and flowers (and more!) can be constructed these techniques.

Introduction to Wet Felting 2D Pictures and 3D Construction for Bowls and Vessels (Beginners)

If you have been on an Introduction to Silver Art Clay (or another beginner level workshop day) and wish to learn new techniques to add to your silver art clay jewellery making skills, you may like to join us for this informative, relaxed workshop.

New techniques include:

Using art clay syringe to embellish and to create handmade bezels.
Setting and firing of cubic zirconia stones.
Using art clay silver paste type to add textures, paint over a core eg leaf to create a fine silver replica, and to join silver findings or pieces of art clay together.
Making a core from cork clay to make a hollow object.
Making moulds from silicone.
Finishing techniques and patinas.
There will be demonstrations of techniques which you can incorporate into at least two pieces of jewellery to take home.

Cork clay and silicone are available to make hollow objects and moulds, as is everything else you will need to design, create, and finish your pieces of silver jewellery including simple findings.

Maximum number on workshop is 4 people. This class is suitable for adults only please.

Please note this is not suitable for complete beginners. Please contact me for advice before booking if you are unsure of its suitability for you.

If you have a design in mind, I will be very happy to help you before the course to make sure you have a suitable design, the right amount of silver art clay, and appropriate findings to finish your pieces of jewellery.  

A small selection of jewellery finding (eg jump-rings, earring wires, and cords for pendants) will also be included so you can take home fully finished pieces - you may want to change these at home for different findings which are more suited to your finished jewellery as the findings supplied are simply to allow you to wear your jewellery pieces straight away.

You may wish to bring a craft apron and/or to wear clothes suitable for craft activities.

Hot and cold drinks are available throughout the session. Please bring lunch, snacks and any other refreshments which you would like. Please bring your own travel mug or similar if possible.

Want to buy for a special occasion and would like help making the day even more special? Can't see a suitable date? Please contact me - always happy to help!

New techniques to add to basic silver art clay jewellery making skills, including using paste, syringe, stone settings, core materials incl. leaf, and more!

Silver clay workshop new techniques for improvers in Henstridge near Stalbridge Somerset and Dorset

Sally was born with an over-active crafting gene and a love of helping people. She founded Craft Workshops on the Somerset-Dorset border with the vague idea of creating a craft group. Two months later, found she had a full-time business helping others to learn new skills in the relaxed company of like-minded people. 

Sally tutors a wide variety of crafts (except knitting!), both in person and online, and provides coaching services for creative people and business owners.

Sally’s aim is to be as inclusive of people and British craft supplies as possible, whilst actively trying to exclude plastic and excess packaging, and has a determination to spread crafting happiness with her motto ‘expression, not perfection’.  

No need to worry if you don't feel like you are 'artistic'  or 'creative' - everyone warmly welcomed.

Craft Workshops with Sally

Our classes

Our classes