I frequently teach metal clay classes, most often at my studio in Saratoga Springs, NY, but I also teach at the Arts Center in Troy on occasion. The Saratoga Springs classes are almost always scheduled during the week.
All are single day sessions and use Precious Metal Clay (PMC) which is pure silver in a powdered form mixed with a binder and water to create a clay-like substance. You manipulate it somewhat like a polymer or ceramic clay would be shaped and textured and then you dry it. Once dry you can sand and refine the piece and then it is kiln fired. During the firing the binder and water burn off and the silver molecules sinter (fuse together) resulting in a pure silver piece. You then go through a series of steps to finish and shine the piece. It is lots of fun and truly can be done by anyone. There are many ways to work with the clay that range from simple but great to very complex. I've been teaching PMC techniques since 2001 (Rio Rewards Certified 2001), and I'm still learning new approaches! The information below describes the classes, locations and costs. Please keep in mind that classes can be customized to your specific interests when it is a class at my studio in Saratoga Springs. I do ask that students in classes other than Precious Metal Clay Exploration have had some experience with metal clay prior to the class.
I have recently been working with the newest metal clay, Bronzclay, since completing a workshop by Celie Fago in July 2008. I'm excited to have had the opportunity to be one of the first to learn how to work with bronze in a clay formulation, and I will be offering classes using this material in the fall of 2008.
Scheduling
Studio Classes
I frequently teach small groups, up to 6 participants, in my studio in Saratoga Springs. The classes run for approximately 8 hours and typically are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Most class groups are 4 to 6 participants.
I frequently teach small groups, up to 6 participants, in my studio in Saratoga Springs. The classes run for approximately 8 hours and typically are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Most class groups are 4 to 6 participants.
The cost for instruction is based on the number of participant in the class.
4 to 6 people = $95 each
3 people = $140 each
2 people = $180 each
1 person = $250
There is an additional charge of $42 for metal clay materials. This varies based on the market price of silver.
3 people = $140 each
2 people = $180 each
1 person = $250
There is an additional charge of $42 for metal clay materials. This varies based on the market price of silver.
Class dates are either proposed by me or suggested by interested students. Once a date or potential date is determined, I send an e-mail to everyone to share the dates with those who may be interested in the class. It typically takes several e-mails to gather a group. Don’t hesitate to suggest dates or topics!
Class topics can range from the usual classes I have taught to very specialized sessions that you define. Some common class topics are listed below but some other possibilities could include focusing on making items for a particular event (weddings, graduations, birthdays, etc.) making specific items such as all earrings, rings or pendants, weaving with PMC paper, tear away techniques for creating unique textures, ring making alternative techniques, various approaches to setting stones, mold making, tips and techniques to improve your jewelry pieces, ways to use PMC to compliment your beaded designs, etc.!
At each class I have plenty of PMC available for sale as well as tool kits and a few related supplies. In any of the classes at any location, participants are welcome to use my tools and texture samples during class. You may bring unfired pieces to any class, and we'll include them in the firing.
Precious Metal Clay Exploration - All levels - This is the introductory class to take if you've never taken a metal clay class or if you've been away from working with PMC and would like a refresher. Explore the many ways that you can use fine silver Precious Metal Clay to create jewelry designs of your own. We’ll make pendants, earrings, simple beads, charms and rings. You’ll even learn to set and fire stones in your pieces. You will fully finish three or four pieces of jewelry in this one day class! Techniques and projects will be demonstrated and the instructor will help you create the jewelry that you want to make. Torch firing PMC using a small butane torch will also be demonstrated if time permits. Students at all levels of experience are welcome to join in the fun of using the newest method of working with pure silver.
Precious Metal Clay Exploration – With a Focus on Bracelets - You'll get a quick metal clay refresher and then this class will focus on creating bracelets using PMC. This class includes an emphasis on making metal clay clasps which is great for those who enjoy making beaded jewelry. The group will chose which bracelets to make. Possibilities include Byzantine links, gemstone and metal clay links, copper and PMC, rubber tube and PMC. Additional materials (sterling rings) will be available for purchase if you wish to create a Byzantine link bracelet.
Keum-Boo on PMC - Keum-boo is the ancient Korean technique of applying 24K or 23.5K gold foil on silver. In this class you will create PMC pieces suitable for this process and then after firing them, apply gold foil using this technique. I find the results amazingly beautiful, especially with a Liver of Sulfur patina applied. You should have taken a class or have some experience with PMC to take this class. (The price of gold foil is additional and varies according to the gold market. You’ll have the option of purchasing a full or partial sheet.)
Natural Stones with PMC - Take your PMC jewelry making skills to new levels by learning how to successfully add natural gem stones that can be kiln fired. You will learn a variety of ways to set stones and will fully finish a least three pieces of jewelry in this workshop. Additional charges for natural stones are based on actual selections.
Enameling - Learn new techniques as you experiment with cloisonné and champleve enameling on Precious Metal Clay. You will be guided through the process of creating several pieces of jewelry suitable for enameling and then learn enameling techniques to add colorful touches to your jewelry with brilliant enamels.
Hollow Forms - In this class you will use PMC to make a variety of hollow beads using combustible core substances and others without any core material at all. The materials provided for the class will be sufficient to allow you to experiment with several types of beads, and additional metal clay will be available for purchase if desired. The number of beads made will depend on the size and type of beads as well as the complexity of the forms. All will be done and ready to wear by the end of the day! This class is ideal for people who have been making beaded jewelry and have wanted to add some beads that they have made themselves.
copyright 2008 | A Brayton Graphics Project | Photography provided by Erica Miller