A warm welcome
Let me teach you how to make your own beautiful jewellery using Art Clay Silver. It’s an amazing and versatile material; with just a few simple techniques you can turn a soft, squishy blob of clay into stunning, one‑of‑a‑kind solid silver pieces.
My workshops are relaxed, friendly spaces where you can slow down, explore silver clay, and create something truly personal. Whether you’re completely new to jewellery making or already enjoy creative activities, you’ll be guided step‑by‑step in a calm, encouraging environment.
What you'll experience
Expect a relaxed, fun and informative day filled with inspiration, hands‑on learning, and the joy of turning soft clay into beautiful silver jewellery. Every workshop is designed to be welcoming, supportive, and full of those lovely “I made this!” moments.
About me
Hi, I'm Jo, a designer‑maker and Senior Silver Clay Instructor with a passion for helping people discover their creativity. I love seeing the moment someone realises they’ve made something entirely with their own hands - and can wear it home with pride! My workshops are relaxed, encouraging, and open to everyone.
If you’d like to read more about my background, training, and experience - including the story behind the name Faye Benjamin - you can find my full tutor biography here.
Explore my workshops
I offer a range of silver clay workshops, each one a welcoming space to explore new techniques and create something beautiful to wear home.
Half Day Taster
Your first experience of silver clay
This three‑hour workshop opens your eyes to what’s possible with silver clay. You’ll get a solid grounding in the basics, discover how this versatile material can be shaped and transformed, and enjoy the calm, creative process of making. By the end, you’ll have a beautiful piece of jewellery to wear home - and a sense of where this craft could take you next.
An Introduction to Silver Clay
Build confidence and learn the essential skills
This one‑day workshop gives you a deeper understanding of silver clay and the techniques that bring it to life. You’ll learn how to shape, refine, fire, and finish your pieces with confidence, exploring the creative possibilities as you go. By the end of the day, you’ll have a small collection of jewellery you’ve made yourself - and the skills to continue creating at home.
Flower Garland Workshop
Create delicate floral designs in fine silver
In this workshop, you’ll use tiny silicone moulds to form intricate silver flowers, leaves, and botanical details. You’ll learn how to build up layers to create your own miniature garland, exploring texture and composition as you go. It’s a gentle, absorbing process that suits anyone drawn to intricate, feminine jewellery - and you’ll leave with a beautifully detailed piece to treasure forever.
Capturing Nature Workshop
Take impressions direct from nature
During this one‑day class, you’ll explore the beautiful detail that silver clay can capture from the natural world. Using leaves, flowers, and grasses, you’ll learn how to create your own moulds as well as how to imprint textures directly into the clay. It’s a wonderfully mindful process, perfect for anyone who loves nature and wants to create something meaningful and personal to wear home.
I also teach private workshops and run sessions for venues, retreats, and creative spaces. If you’re looking for something tailored to your group, contact me here - I’d love to help.
Tutor Biography
Jo Richards BA (Hons)
I am a jewellery designer‑maker and Senior Silver Clay instructor, based near Winchester.
I’ve been designing and making jewellery since the mid‑nineties and teaching Silver Clay workshops since 2017. My teaching style is calm, encouraging, and accessible, creating a relaxed environment where students can enjoy the mindful pleasure of making.
I hold a BA (Hons) Degree in Design & Technology, City & Guilds Levels 2 and 3 in Jewellery Design & Silversmithing, and the Art Clay Higher Diploma. I also mentor for the Jewellers Academy and am qualified in adult education through the AET Level 3 Award. I am a Member of the Association for Contemporary Jewellery, the Guild of Jewellery Designers and AMCAW (Alliance for Metal Clay Arts Worldwide).
Since 2006 I've concentrated mainly on working in Art Clay Fine Silver - a recycled silver which can be Assay hallmarked as 99.9% pure silver. To read more about Silver Clay, click here.
