Arabian dreams earrings
The sinuous lines and overall design was influenced by the Bur Al Arab Hotel in Dubai.
By Tracey Spurgin.
Flicking through some travel brochures, I found the inspiration for this project from the distinctive sail shape of the Burj Al Arab Hotel. Its opulent style and grace influenced this design. This project will take you through the steps to achieve these simple yet stylish earrings that won’t cost you a fortune.
The Artist
Tracey Spurgin
Tracey delivers a full programme of silver clay workshops in a variety of venues from the North West to the Yorkshire regions. She prides herself on running high quality courses in a relaxing atmosphere. If you are interested in finding a course near you with qualified tutors, log onto www.artclayworld.org.uk
Tools & Materials
- 20g Silver Art Clay
- 1mm spacer bars
- 1.5mm spacer bars
- Roller
- Syringe type
- Badger balm or olive oil
- Water
- Cling film
- Clay pick
- Sanding papers or grits
- Wire brush
- Small file
- Paint brush
- Gas hob
- Mesh grid
- Burnisher
- 20cm of Sterling silver 0.8mm gauge wire
Step 1
Prepare the clay by placing it into cling film. Add a dab of water and massage into the clay until it has a soft putty-like consistency. This gives the clay a longer working time and helps to avoid cracking and drying.
Step 2
From the original sketch cut out the shape in paper. Spread a little olive oil or badger balm onto the work surface. Use 1mm spacer bars. To roll out the clay, place the paper pattern onto the clay to give a light impression.
Step 3
Remove the paper and place the wire within the border of the pattern along the longest edge. Add water to the surface of the clay then fold the sheet in half. Now use 1.5mm spacers to roll over the clay once more. This encapsulates the wire inside the two layers.
Step 4
Return the pattern to the clay. Use a clay pick to cut around the pattern lines. Hold the clay pick at a right-angle to the clay to achieve clean cut lines. Repeat for the second earring and place them both in a domestic oven at 130°C for 20 minutes.
Step 5
Once dried the earrings can be filled, filed and sanded. Mitre the edges by using a file or sanding grits and holding at a 45° angle. These need to look as perfect as you want them before firing. The options to fire are either in a kiln at 800°C for 5 minutes, on a gas hob for 6 minutes or with a blow torch for 3 minutes.
Step 6
After firing, the earrings can be polished to a satin finish with a wire brush or to a high shine with polishing grits or a machine if you have one. Use a pair of round nose pliers to manipulate the remains of the wire to form an ear wire. A few light taps with a planishing hammer will harden the wire to form a strong ear wire.
how to wear your jewellery
Add a splash of colour to your wardrobe with a turquoise top and white capri pants. Jewel colours will lift and enhance the lustre of silver earrings, the perfect combination for lounging poolside sipping pina coladas and enjoying the sunset. Relax feeling fresh and cool.
dip dye kiti maxi dress
from long tall sally
jasper conran at tripp
from debenhams
gold belted crop jeans
from M&S
Tracey's tips
- After firing, the Sterling silver wire will turn black. This is normal and a rub over with your sanding grits will remove the oxidation.
Resources
Project kits are available on request. Contact details for further information on all workshops are listed below.
Contact details
website: www.craftworx.co.uk
email: tracey@craftworx.co.uk