Silver Clay Twig Bar Necklace: A Beginner-Friendly Silver Clay Tutorial
In this beginner-friendly project, you’ll learn how to create a beautifully textured bar necklace using a real twig to capture an organic, one-of-a-kind surface.
This project is a great introduction to working with moulds and silver clay, and it also includes a small amount of soldering so you can confidently attach jump rings and finish your necklace with a chain.
By the end, you’ll have a finished twig bar necklace that feels elegant and natural, with crisp detail on the front and a smooth, polished back.
What You’ll Learn in this Silver Clay Course:
How to source your twig
How to make a silicone mould using your twig
How to use silver clay to make a perfect replica
How to refine your impression before firing
How to fire your silver clay either with a blowtorch or a kiln
Refining and finishing silver clay after firing
How to solder on jump rings and chains
Polishing techniques
And voilà! A solid silver necklace made using a real twig
Ready to make this Project?
This project is part of the Online Jewellery Studio. Become a member to gain unlimited access to all projects and tutorials. Learn at your own pace, with new projects added every month and ongoing support from award-winning jeweller Jessica.
Unlimited access to all projects, 30 day money-back guarantee, cancel any time
Have questions? check out the membership FAQs
Who Is This Tutorial For?
✓ Jewellers who love nature-inspired texture and want to capture crisp detail from a real twig
✓ Makers who want to create a meaningful keepsake jewellery using a twig from a special place, season, or memory
✓ Beginners who want a gentle introduction to silver soldering with silver clay, learning how to attach jump rings neatly and securely
What’s included in this Project?
✓ 10 Easy-to-digest narrated video lessons
✓ Bonus technical tutorials
✓ PDF written instructions
✓ A full tools and materials list with supplier links
✓ Closed captions and subtitles in French, German, and Spanish
✓ 1-2-1 support from Jessica if you need it
Tools and Materials needed for this project:
Browse our complete Tools Lists with direct supplier links
Materials List
A real twig
5-10g Art Clay Silver
Siligum moulding compound
Olive oil and a small paintbrush
2 × 3mm sterling silver jump rings
1 x finished sterling silver chain (The length is up to you but you need to be able to link your jump rings through the chain links so opt for a belcher or trace chain)
hard silver solder paillons
Fresh water
General Tools List
A pair of secateurs (or something to cut your twigs to size)
A cutting mat
An acrylic sheet and acrylic roller
Plasticine
A craft knife
Playing cards
Cling film/Saran wrap (optional)
Medium-coarse emery/sand paper
A set of needle files
A pair of snips or side cutters
Flat nosed pliers x2
Tools for Torch Firing
A soldering brick
A timer (the one on your smartphone is perfect)
A small handheld blowtorch (preferably 2 for a longer twig)
Tools for Kiln Firing
A kiln
A steel mesh
A firing fork
Tools for Soldering
A soldering brick
Flux and a paintbrush
A soldering probe
Steel and brass tweezers
Curved reverse-action tweezers
A blowtorch
A pickling unit, pickle and copper tongs
Choose between Finishing and Polishing
By Hand
Sanding sponges
Medium-coarse Sandpaper/ emery paper
A white polishing pad
A polishing cloth
Or with a Pendant Motor
A pendant motor or Dremel
A set of radial wheels from coarse to very fine
And a Barrel Polisher
A barrel polisher, polishing compound and stainless steel shot
An old plastic credit/store card
A pair of scissors
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Do I need any experience with silver clay to take this project?
No. This is a beginner-friendly project and I’ll guide you through each step in a clear, steady way.
Does this project include soldering?
Yes, there’s a small amount of soldering to attach jump rings to your piece, so you can connect it neatly to a chain. I’ll show you how to do this safely and cleanly.
What if my twig is uneven or the mould doesn’t come out well?
You’ll learn how to choose a twig that will press evenly, and you’ll test your mould with plasticine before using silver clay. That way you can remake a mould if needed without wasting clay.
Can I fire this project with a torch, or do I need a kiln?
You can do either. The project includes torch firing instructions, and kiln firing instructions if you prefer to fire in a kiln.
Do I have to use silver clay?
No. The project is taught using Art Clay Silver, but the mould-making method can also be used with other metal clays. If you use a different material, you’ll need to follow the correct drying and firing instructions for that material.
How much silver clay will I need?
How much silver clay you need will depend on the thickness and length of your twig, but anything from 5-10g will make a decent-sized necklace.
What language is this online course available in?
The video tutorials are narrated in English, with subtitles and transcripts available in English, French, German, and Spanish. All printable materials, including PDF instructions and templates are provided in English.
Is this available as a standalone course?
No. All projects and tutorials are available exclusively to members of the Online Jewellery Studio
Ready to make this Project?
This project is part of the Online Jewellery Studio. Become a member to gain unlimited access to all projects and tutorials. Learn at your own pace, with new projects added every month and ongoing support from award-winning jeweller Jessica.
Unlimited access to all projects, 30 day money-back guarantee, cancel any time
Have questions? check out the membership FAQs