Silver Metal Clay
Metal clay. Maybe you have heard about it. Maybe you have worked with it. Maybe you have a package of it stored away in a drawer. Metal clay is not just for those artsy-fartsy people that have already mastered the art of jewelry making. Instead, it can be used and appreciated by everyone, from beginning crafters to skilled jewellers.
Working with this fascinating material is simpler than you might imagine. Metal clay consists of only three elements: metal particles, binder and water. When metal clay is heated to a specific temperature the organic binder burns off and the metal particles sinter, or fuse, to one another, making a solid piece of metal. At that point, the piece is 99.9 percent fine silver that can be treated like any other piece of fine silver. Our classes will introduce you to this medium with stylish projects that are fun and easy.
Introduction to Silver Clay Class dates to choose from:
March 23, 2:00-4:00pm / Includes class materials
May 18, 2:00-4:00pm / Includes class materials
July 20, 2:00-4:00pm / Includes class materials
Skill Level: Beginner
Description: Get a feel for this intriguing medium and learn the basics of how to handle it. Once fired, you will have authentic sterling silver jewelry pieces. In this course, you will be able to make a pendant and bracelet links or earring dangles.
Click here to register for Introduction to Silver Clay Jewelry Making.
April 20, 2013 / 1-4pm / Includes class materials
Skill Level: All levels
Description: Learn how to make hollow forms with precious metal clay. The workshop will start with a demonstration on how to create the basic bead shapes, such as flat bead, lentil bead, tubular beads. These can go beyond just being simple beads, for example, the tubular bead can integrate into a pendant to hang the piece from. The technical skills include the use of cork clay and construction methods that do not use cork clay. In class, you'll make three complex structures, such as pillow beads, bicone beads and perfect round beads.
Inlaid and Mixed Metal Clays • $80
June 15, 2013 / 2-4pm / Includes class materials
Skill Level: All levels
Description: The recent arrivals of bronze clay and copper clay on the metal clay scene have introduced new colors to the metal clay artisan's palette. Not only are these clays visually striking in their own right, but they also offer endless possibilities for making dynamic designs when combined. This class presents a number of techniques to achieve the look of inlaid metals as well as using actual wire for inlay designs. You'll make approximately 3 pieces in this class if not more. We also present tips and troubleshooting information on drying and firing when combining metals.
Copper, Brass and Steel Metal Clays • $80
August 17, 2013 / 2-4pm / Includes class materials
Skill Level: All levels
Description: Learn how to work with copper, brass and steel metal clays. So versatile and oh so POPULAR right now. And so much more affordable than the silver and gold metal clays. In this class, you'll make an item out of each clay, so you'll have a total of 3 new jewelry pieces. You'll also learn how to use the new templates and stamps that are available. These clays require different polishing techniques and a much different firing method which you'll learn in this class as well.
Click here to go to Copper, Brass and Steel Clays Registration.
Stone Setting in Metal Clays • $80
October 19, 2013 / 1-4pm / Includes class materials (Stones available for purchase at a discount)
Skill Level: All levels
Description: In traditional silversmithing, stone setting can be quite tedious and difficult. Metal clay makes stone setting fast and simple. Come learn what types of stones can be used with metal clay and the various stone setting methods. We will provide some stones for the class. If you would like to use precious and semi-precious stones, those will be available for purchase at your student discount price.
...and take a look at our Enameling Classes
How to Enamel Jewelry with a Hand-Torch> • $55
April 13, 2013 / 2-4pm / Includes class materials
Skill Level: All levels
Description: Copper jewelry is HOT right now. And enameling on copper is even hotter! In this class, you'll learn how to add color to metal right at home. Students will learn to use a butane torch to apply enamels to copper blanks as well as a variety of design techniques. This class is a comprehensive introduction to the wonderful world of enameling.
Click here to go to Enameling With A Hand-Torch class registration.
Painting With Fire - Creative Enameling • $80
May 4, 2013 / 1-4pm / Includes class materials
Skill Level: All levels
Description: Go a step beyond basic enameling and learn a variety of creative enamel applications, from working with liquid enamels to working with decals to creating firescale designs. In class, you'll create a stunning finished no-solder bezel bracelet that combines metalworking with enameling.
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