CREATIVE isn’t a word you’d usually associate with a hen party, but Melanie Blaikie’s parties with a twist can be just that.

A qualified art clay instructor, Melanie runs Silver Clay Workshops from a leafy setting in her gorgeous Georgian Ipswich home.

Melanie has a wealth of experience in the jewellery world, with her past endeavours including a dream job as a diamond valuer at DeBeers.

After trying to make jewellery herself Melanie came across silver clay, which became a passion that she now passes on through her silver clay jewellery workshops and classes across the country.

One of the most fun parts of Melanie’s job is hosting hen parties.

Held at Melanie’s Ipswich studio, or your own home, the parties involve each ‘hen’ making a few silver pendants – giving one to the bride (for a personal charm bracelet) and keeping the others to hang on a necklace or bracelet of their own.

The emphasis on every party is to have a great time, and for Melanie to show how easy and fulfilling making your own jewellery can be.

I had a trial at making a piece with Melanie, and was surprised at not only how easy the process was, but how spectacular the results were.

After a quick chat over a drink we set to work, and I was puzzled (to say the least) by the art kit in front of me- the contents of which were;  a pencil, emery boards, a mini rolling pin, a pack of cards, a teaspoon, a crochet hook, a wire brush and a 7g pack of silver clay.

After being handed a piece of plasticine for practice with the various cutters, stamps and texture sheets, I eventually came-up with a design I liked – a textured heart, which I went on to make with the silver clay.

A blast with the hairdryer, firing on the stove and finishing with an emery board left me with a beautiful trinket – it’s easy to see how this could become an addictive hobby.

Best of all, the jewellery has a higher silver count than sterling silver at 99.9 per cent, meaning it can be hallmarked 999.

This truly is a great idea for hen parties, and leaves you with something special you can keep for years and years to come as a memento of your big day.

If you budget is tight you could even pop along to one of the workshops with your fiancée and have a go at making your own wedding rings!

Hen parties are £40 for an evening or £80 for a full day including all the materials you’ll need.

For more information call 01473 214050, email info@silverclayworkshop.co.uk, or go to www.silverclayworkshop.co.uk