Silver Clay Leaf Earrings Tutorial - Beginner-Friendly Jewellery Making Project
Transform real leaves into a stunning pair of solid silver earrings, capturing every vein and texture in precious metal.
In this beginner-friendly silver clay course, I'll guide you through the complete process over 7 easy-to-follow video lessons.
You'll learn to choose and prepare the perfect leaves, work with silver clay paste, and fire your pieces using either a torch or kiln, whichever suits your setup.
By the end of this project, you'll have created a one-of-a-kind pair of nature-inspired earrings that you can wear, gift or sell!
What You’ll Learn in this Silver Clay Course:
Learn how to choose and prepare a perfect pair of leaves
Learn how to use silver clay paste with leaves and plants
Learn how to fire your silver clay either with a blowtorch or a kiln
Learn how to refine the details of your leaves using files
Learn how to finish and prepare your leaves for earring wires - no soldering required!
Learn how to make your own earring wires using silver wire
Assemble and polish your earrings
And voilà! A beautiful pair of perfectly detailed leaf earrings
Love this Project?
Become a Cognac Jewellery School Member today and get instant access to this tutorial plus all the other jewellery making projects. Learn at your own pace with unlimited access, monthly new projects, and ongoing support from award-winning jeweller Jessica
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Who Is This Silver Clay Tutorial For?
✓ Beginners wanting to create their first pair of silver earrings If you've never worked with silver clay before, this is the perfect starting point with minimal tools and clear step-by-step guidance.
✓ Nature lovers wanting to wear the garden Preserve the intricate beauty of real leaves in solid silver, creating a lasting connection to the outdoors you love.
✓ Makers building a signature collection Create truly one-of-a-kind pieces that stand out. As every leaf is unique, no two pairs of earrings will ever be the same.
What’s included in this Project?
✓ 7 Easy-to-digest video lessons
✓ PDF written instructions
✓ A full tools and materials list with supplier links
✓ 1-2-1 support from Jessica if you need it
Tools and Materials needed for this project:
Browse our complete UK Master tools list, USA Master tools list, or Europe Master tools list with direct supplier links
Materials List
Two leaves, fresh or dried
Silver Clay Paste
Round Silver Wire (0.6-0.8mm/22-20 gauge)
Deionised or distilled water
Tools List
A small paintbrush for painting the leaves
A permanent marker
Playing cards
A set of needle files
A set of pliers
A centre punch
A steel block
A drill (pendant motor, dremel, manual - whatever you prefer)
A metal drill bit (0.8mm)
Sanding sponges
A white polishing pad
A polishing cloth
Choose between Torch and Kiln Firing
Tools For Torch Firing
A Fire Brick
A Blowtorch
A soldering probe
Tools for Kiln Firing
A Kiln
A Steel Mesh
A Firing Fork
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a kiln to make silver clay leaves?
No, you don't need a kiln! This course teaches both torch firing and kiln firing methods. Torch firing is perfect for beginners and requires minimal equipment - just a small butane torch. If you do have access to a kiln, I'll show you that method too.
How long does this silver clay course take to complete?
The course includes 7 video lessons that you can watch at your own pace. You’ll need to wait for each layer of paste to dry before painting the next one so be prepared to be patient! You have unlimited access to this project with membership though, so you can take as long as you need and revisit the lessons anytime.
Is this course suitable for complete beginners?
Absolutely! This course is suitable for complete beginners. This is the perfect entry-level project to making nature-inspired jewellery, and the results are always beautiful!
What's included in this project?
You get 7 video lessons, a complete tools and materials list with supplier links, downloadable resources, and unlimited access to the course through membership. You'll also get ongoing support through our community.
Where can I find leaves for this project?
You can find your leaves anywhere outside; you’ll get the best results from leaves with distinct texture and markings. But remember, if you don’t know what a leaf is don’t use it. Some leaves are poisonous and you don’t want to touch them!
What type of silver clay should I use?
I demonstrate with Art Clay Silver, but you can use any brand of silver clay (AMC, Prometheus, Cool Tools, etc.).
I can’t buy the paste where I am, can I just water down the lump clay?
Yes, absolutely! By mixing a little deionised/distilled water to your lump clay a little at a time you can gradually water it down to the right consistency for this project.
Will my earrings be solid silver?
Yes! After firing, your silver clay becomes 99.9% pure silver. You will have a genuine silver pair of earrings to wear, not plated or silver-coloured. It will last a lifetime with proper care.
Will the leaf be left inside the silver clay?
No, the process involves burning away the leaf, so you will be left with just fine silver.
Ready to Create Your Silver Leaf Earrings?
Become a Member today and get instant access to this tutorial plus ALL the other jewellery making projects. Learn at your own pace with unlimited access, monthly new projects, and ongoing support from a award-winning jeweller Jessica
Unlimited access to all projects, 30 day money-back guarantee, cancel any time