Everything Is Fixable: Why Metal Clay Changes the Way You Create with Anna Campbell and Vicki Ralph (Podcast episode)
In this special 300th episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Anna Campbell is joined by mentor and jewellery artist Vicki Ralph for a joyful deep dive into the world of silver metal clay. They share how they each discovered this versatile medium and why it felt like the perfect creative fit. You’ll learn what metal clay actually is, why it feels like modern alchemy, and how beginners can get started with minimal tools. They also discuss common challenges, favourite techniques and the magic of watching students grow in confidence through the Diploma in Silver Metal Clay. If you’ve ever been curious about metal clay, this episode will inspire you to jump in and give it a try.
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Welcome to episode 300 of the Jewellers Academy Podcast - a huge milestone marking 300 weeks in a row of episodes. This week, host Anna Campbell is joined by Diploma mentor Vicki Ralph of Victoria Ralph Jewellery for a relaxed, joy-filled chat about their shared favourite topic: metal clay.
If you’ve ever wondered ‘What even is metal clay?’ this episode is a great introduction. Anna and Vicki break down how metal clay works - a pliable material that looks like clay but contains tiny precious-metal particles. You shape it like ceramic clay, dry it, then fire it with a crème brulé torch or in a kiln, and the binder burns away to leave solid silver. It’s not magic… but it definitely feels like it.
You’ll hear how both Anna and Vicki found their way to metal clay through a similar realisation: traditional silversmithing didn’t feel like the right fit. They talk honestly about the physicality, noise, and intensity of more traditional studio work and why metal clay can feel like a gentler, more accessible path into jewellery-making, especially for sensitive makers, those with mobility issues or anyone wanting a calmer creative process.
Vicki shares her origin story: stumbling across a breathtaking botanical ring online, realising it was a workshop (not a product), then flying to Germany to learn from renowned artist Anna Mazon. Within three days she was wearing jewellery she’d made herself and what began as ‘just a hobby’ quickly turned into a thriving commission-based business once friends and family started asking for pieces.
This episode is also packed with practical beginner reassurance. Anna and Vicki cover:
Why metal clay feels so surprising the first time (especially the moment it comes out of the kiln as real silver)
How to handle one of the biggest beginner challenges: clay drying too fast
Simple hacks to keep the clay hydrated
What to do if the clay gets too sticky (and how to bring it back to the perfect consistency)
The different forms metal clay comes in (lump clay, paste, syringe slip) and how they’re used for construction and repairs
One of the most freeing truths: everything is fixable - including rehydrating scraps so metal clay can be zero-waste
You’ll also get a peek at Vicki’s signature style - carving, botanical textures, tiny hand-made embellishments, and her love of reverse-set stones held in place with vines, leaves and delicate details. Along the way, they celebrate the playful ‘make-do’ spirit of metal clay tools, from borrowed cake-decorating equipment to moulding compound adventures in unexpected places.
Finally, Anna and Vicki talk about what it means to take your making further through the Diploma in Silver Metal Clay: the time commitment, the benefits of being able to rewatch close-up demos, the support of small-group calls, one-to-one mentoring, and the confidence that grows when your skills build week by week. Vicki shares what she loves most as a mentor - watching students go from opening their first packet of clay to creating work that feels like their own.
Whether you’re metal-clay curious, looking for a more peaceful way to make jewellery, or dreaming of turning your creativity into something more, this celebratory 300th episode will leave you inspired and very likely Googling ‘silver metal clay’ the moment it ends.
key moments
02:03: Celebrating Episode 300 and 300 consecutive weeks of the podcast
04:56: Vicki’s origin story; flying to Germany to learn metal clay with Anna Mazon
07:56: Anna discovers metal clay after silversmithing did not feel like the right fit
10:01: What is metal clay; shaping, drying and firing clay that becomes real silver
13:00: How accessible it is; starting with minimal tools and torch firing
15:52: What surprises beginners; creating beautiful silver pieces quickly
17:21: Troubleshooting drying clay; hydration tips and staying calm in the process
21:30: ‘Everything is fixable’; the zero waste and forgiving nature of metal clay
22:01: Different forms of metal clay; lump clay, paste, syringe and slip
28:20: Favourite techniques; carving, botanical textures and meditative flow
30:32: Reverse set stones; building fantasy scenes with vines and embellishments
35:09: Letting the clay lead; how designs evolve during the making process
37:58: Inside the Diploma in Silver Metal Clay; beginner friendly and skill building
42:44: Mentoring and community; watching confidence and signature style emerge
52:42: Advice for beginners and aspiring professionals; jump in and just start
join 5 days of silver metal clay - free
The 5 Days of Silver Metal Clay is a free creative challenge starting on 2nd March 2026.
You’ll learn to turn silver clay into real, hallmark-quality silver jewellery in just five days. Each day introduces a new project and technique, from making a silver name necklace to setting stones, torch firing, and achieving a professional polish. You’ll discover essential skills like texturing, refining, and reconstituting clay so nothing goes to waste, all guided by step-by-step professional videos. The course is designed for complete beginners as well as those with some experience, and you’ll have lifetime access to the projects once they’re released.
Enrol now for free to secure your place and get instant access to the tools and materials list, so you can gather everything you need and be ready to create alongside us.
diploma in silver metal clay
Designed to take you from beginner to metal clay artist in a year, you will learn how to make all types of jewellery. Taught by world renowned metal clay artists including Anna Mazon, Tracey Spurgin, Julia Rai and Joy Funnell, you’ll have the skills and the confidence to take your designs where you want to go. Whether that’s making for yourself or starting your own jewellery business.
Enrolment is now open for a September 2026 start. Tools and materials kits are currently available.
Here are some useful links for you to learn more and enrol:
Learn more about the Diploma in Silver Metal Clay
about vicki
Vicki Ralph is a jewellery artist specialising in silver metal clay and a mentor on the Diploma in Silver Metal Clay at Jewellers Academy. She has been working with metal clay for over 13 years, creating intricate, botanical-inspired pieces filled with delicate carving, hand-built embellishments and reverse-set gemstones. What began as a hobby after attending a workshop in Germany quickly grew into a thriving commission-based business, with clients drawn to her distinctive, fantasy-infused style. Vicki is passionate about the gentle, versatile nature of metal clay and loves helping students discover their own creative voice through the medium. Alongside her own jewellery practice, she supports Diploma students with one-to-one mentoring, group sessions and feedback, guiding them as their confidence and signature style emerge.
About Anna
Anna Campbell discovered silver metal clay in 2010 and quickly knew she had found her creative home. After immersing herself in learning and refining her skills, she began teaching at the London Jewellery School in 2012 and has since filmed and developed extensive online training in metal clay. She now works as the part-time Community Manager at Jewellers Academy, supporting and nurturing a global community of jewellery students. She founded the award winning Jewellery School Scotland in 2017 and teaches silver clay workshops in Edinburgh.
Alongside her work in jewellery education, Anna is the founder of Good Girl Rebellion, where she supports brilliant women to unlearn limiting conditioning and build businesses on their own terms. Her work sits at the intersection of creativity, confidence and entrepreneurship.
https://www.jewelleryschoolscotland.co.uk/
https://goodgirlrebellion.com/