Skill Builder Jewellery Course – Refine+Make: Clay + Casting – Jan 2026

Skill Builders are in-depth, hands-on courses designed for those ready to dive deeper into a specific craft discipline.  Whether you’re developing your skills for personal practice or working toward becoming a Benchspace Maker, these courses focus on building confidence, technique, and creative independence through guided, project-based learning.

Ready to Push your Jewellery Skills Further?
If you’ve completed either of our Design+Make or Refine+Make courses, or have equivalent jewellery-making experience you’re eager to build on or refresh, this next-level course is designed to expand your creative possibilities and technical capabilities.

Sand Casting is a traditional method where molten metal is poured into a mould made from packed sand.  This technique creates unique textures and organic shapes that are hard to replicate by other means and is an ideal way to produce detailed 3D pieces with a natural, handcrafted feel.
Precious Metal Clay Moulding uses fine metal particles mixed with an organic binder which can be shaped like clay. When fired, the binder burns away, leaving solid metal behind and allows for intricate designs and textures that would be difficult to achieve with traditional metalworking.  Perfect for creating detailed, lightweight pieces with a handmade, organic finish.

Over 10 weeks, you’ll explore these exciting techniques that open up new design potential in working with silver that will allow you to bring 3D forms to life.  With guidance from tutor Nadine, you’ll begin by experimenting with forms, textures, and mould-making, using your sketchbook to evolve your ideas.
Once you’ve finished your designs, you’ll use your material budget and complete two advanced projects: a sand cast silver piece, learning the full process from mould preparation to casting and finishing, and a hand moulded design where you’ll shape, refine, and fire precious metal clay to create detailed, expressive work.  With these new techniques under your belt, you’ll go on to design and make a final jewellery piece that brings together your skills and creative vision.

Who can Join:  This is a Confident Beginner/Intermediate-Level Course, for jewellery-makers who wish to upskill and gain further workshop experience, suitable for Adults 18+.  You should have good basic jewellery making skills to take this course.  Good hand-eye coordination and the ability to follow safety instructions are essential.

What’s Included:

• • Base materials, silver grain, and silver clay allowances for your mini projects
  • A material budget for your final piece
  • Step-by-step instruction on safe equipment use
  • Individual support and feedback

What’s you’ll Learn:

• • Design development using sketchbooks and visual inspiration
  • Budgeting and material management
  • Creating 3D forms using sand casting and precious metal clay moulding
  • Soldering 3D elements
  • Cleaning and finishing
  • Individual support and feedback

Where to Go:  This class is held in our BS1.5 workshop located at Eircode T12 KRH7.

Please read our terms and conditions here before booking.  Any questions? Email hello@benchspacecork.ie

Installment Options:  Can’t pay the full amount up front? Installment plans are available for Courses. Please email hello@benchspacecork.ie to enquire.

Curious about What’s Next?  Continue upskilling with one of our other Refine+Make options and learn new techniques.   If you have experience, and unfinished pieces, but aren’t ready to fly the nest just yet, our Form+Finish workshops offer guided access to our studio so you can complete your projects in a supportive environment.  Or perhaps you’re ready to take the next step into creative enterprise – our Make+Master course will take you to the next level.
If you’re ready to take the leap and become a Benchspace Maker and gain independent access to our professional jewellery studio, find more details here.
Visit our website for our full schedule, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on new releases.

What to Wear:  Avoid wearing loose clothing and jewellery and don’t forget to tie back long hair.  Closed toe shoes are required on all of our workshop floors.  If you need glasses for close up work, don’t forget to bring them.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):  PPE will be provided for all courses that require it.  It must be worn as directed.  All specialist equipment and materials will be provided.

Want to give the Gift of Creativity?  Gift Vouchers can be used for all our classes and courses. Visit here to purchase.