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Masterclass with Judy McCaig

An Introduction to polymer clay

FRIDAY 13TH NOVEMBER 2026

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION: This intensive workshop introduces the student to the basics and more of working with polymer clay. Its possibilities in artistic jewellery are infinite. We will explore different ways to use the clay, mixing colours, transferring images, and texturing to create diverse effects. Working with moulds allows us to create an experimental range of shapes and finishes. Encouraging the individuals’ creative language.

TIME: 10.00am to 6.00pm. Students can arrive from 9.45am for tea and coffee and Lunch is 12.30 to 1.30. We do have a microwave and a kettle. Lunch is not included in the fee.

LOCATION: SilverHub, 40 Ferry Rd, Edinburgh EH6 4AE

FEE: £150

MAXIMUM STUDENTS: 8

COURSE CONTENT:

  • Clay Preparation
  • Conditioning
  • Tools
  • Marbling
  • Color Mixing
  • Metallic Powders/Layers
  • Texture Creation
  • Modeling
  • Firing, Correct Temperatures
  • Finishing

MATERIALS TO BRING:

  • Stones, shells, colored beads, glass, metal wires, plastic of different colors that can be crushed and embedded, carborundum, wood, twigs, bark… textiles, textile threads to embed. etc.
  • Notebook, pen, permanent marker
  • Images, laser-printed B/W or colour images printed on color coated gloss paper
  • Things to make textures, stones, natural leaves, punches, etc.
  • Molds : metal, wood, to maintain the shape in the kiln. (spoons, ceramic dishes, metal shapes, etc.)
  • Images to transfer, photographs, drawings.

TRANSFERRING A DESIGN OR PHOTOGRAPH.

  • If the design has letters or numbers, you must use a “mirror” image so that it can be read correctly, as it will be reversed when transferred to the polymer clay.
  • Images must be printed on Couchet paper 135g/150g or Color Copy Coated glossy, A4, 90, 120, 135 g/m². Laser printed in black/white or color.
  • Regular copy paper will NOT work.
  • Molds can be cups, spoons, metal objects, domes, wood, ceramic…. Metal shapes you have made, forms that you would like your pieces to be. Without the molds the polymer clay, in the oven, falls flat and doesn’t keep it’s shape.

PARKING: There is on streetcar parking after 1.30 pm on a Saturday and all-day Sunday.

BUSES AND TRAMS: The number 7, 14 and 21 buses run past the studio at 40 Ferry Road where we are located. You can also take the number 10 and 16 bus to the great junction street bridge. Please do check LRT bus website for all times of the buses. www.lrtbuses.com

The tram to the bottom of Leith Walk is only a short walking distance (approx. 10 minutes) along Great Junction Street to the crossroad with Ferry Road, turn left and you will find us next to Leith Library.

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