Learn Metal Clay with Julia Rai

Angel Wing Earring Tutorial by Julia Rai

Beginners Metal Clay Classes

Julia teaches a wide range of metal clay classes for all levels, Certifications and Diplomas in her home studio in Rushden, Northampton.

To arrange a private class with Julia, visit the contact page.

Hinged Mandela box by Julia Rai
Lentil Pot by Julia Rai

Intermediate and Advanced Metal Clay Classes

Julia teaches a range of more advanced metal clay classes privately, arranged on demand.

Advanced level metal clay students can learn box making, both lidded and open with a number of ways to add lids including friction fit lids, hinged lids and screw-on lids.

Learn how to make hollow forms including bead making, lockets and other hollow forms. Supported and unsupported hollow forms are included.

What do you want to do?

Often students contact Julia to cover a number of things in a private class. This can include full projects from start to finish or a range of techniques with no final objective. Contact Julia to discuss your ideas. She’ll give you an idea of what can be achieved in the time you have. Often with private classes, more ground can be covered so they can be very cost effective. Plus you set the agenda!

To book a private, bespoke class, contact Julia.

Art Clay Diploma with Julia Rai

Julia has been teaching the Art Clay Diploma level 1 and 2 since 2007.

You can take the Art Clay Diploma as a private one-to-one class at a time that suits you. More experienced metal clay users can also take the Level 1 and 2 Diploma classes back-to-back as an intensive six day course.

Julia is a certified Art Clay Senior Instructor authorised by Art Clay World UK to deliver this training.

Art Clay Level 1 Projects
Art Clay Level 1 Leaves

Art Clay Level 1 Diploma with Julia Rai

The Art Clay Diploma Level 1 students complete six projects during the three day course and must meet the required standards. This is not a beginner level course; you must have worked with silver clay before attending. If you are in doubt about your suitability, please call Julia to discuss in more detail.

On successful completion of this course, you will be eligible for a 15% discount on Art Clay from the official distributors.

The projects you will complete are:-

  • Impressions pendant
  • Natural leaf pendant
  • Filigree earrings
  • Syringe decorated ring
  • Brooch with mirror polish
  • Ring with moulded element and pearl

This class will cover:-

  • Using textures
  • Setting embeddable, fire-in-place stones and findings
  • Using paste to paint a leaf
  • Using syringe to create a filigree effect
  • Using cork clay to support hollow forms
  • Ring making including calculating ring shrinkage
  • Using syringe and paste for decoration
  • Polishing and finishing to a high standard including mirror polishing
  • Using two part moulding compound
  • Embedding fine silver wire to attach pearl after firing
  • On successful completion of this Level, you will be eligible to progress to Art Clay Diploma Level 2. You can take the Level 2 class any time after passing Level 1.

Pre-requisites for attending this class

You must be a confident user of silver metal clay. You should have attended at least an introduction to silver metal clay before you attend this course.

Julia Rai is Certified by Art Clay World UK to deliver Art Clay Certification classes.

Art Clay Level 2 Projects

Art Clay Level 2 Diploma with Julia Rai

At Level 2 students complete four complex projects during the three day course and must meet the required standards.

You must have attended and passed the Art Clay Diploma Level 1 before attending this course. If you attained the Level 1 with another instructor, you should bring your Certificate with you.

The projects you will complete are:-

  • Balance ring
  • Glass lentil pendant
  • Colours of nature pendant/brooch
  • Copper and silver riveted pendant

This class will cover:-

  • Making a D-profile ring
  • Using glass with metal clay
  • Bezel setting natural stones
  • Adding gold using Keum-Boo
  • Using Art Clay Copper
  • Riveting
  • Polishing and finishing to a high standard

On successful completion of this Level, you will be eligible to progress to the Art Clay Higher Diploma. This level has no classes; you are required to design and make three pieces to set criteria without guidance from a teacher. You will need to wait six months from the date of your Level 1 class before submitting your pieces for the Higher Diploma.

The Higher Diploma holder gets 30% discount on Art Clay products and can teach Level 1 and 2 Diploma classes.

Adding Colour to Metal

Much of Julia’s work includes the use of colour so if you’d like to explore adding colour to metal clay, contact Julia to book a private class. Julia only offers adding colour classes as bespoke private classes. You can choose what you want to learn in a day or more, one-to-one with Julia. 

Contact Julia to discuss your requirements.

Private Classes with Julia Rai

Unique texture making classes with Julia Rai

Julia teaches private classes in a wide range of subjects.

Classes begin at £200 for a one day class. You can also take the Art Clay Diploma Level 1 or Level 2 courses with Julia.

If you prefer, you can design your own course and combine subjects to suit your level of experience or personal requirements. Private classes begin at £200 per day with materials extra depending on what you want to learn. You are also welcome to bring your own materials.

Contact Julia to discuss your needs and fast track your skills.