Fine Silver Metal Clay Basics

This workshop is designed to introduce students to the unique properties of metal clay. Through demonstrations participants will learn best practices for setting up a working space; how to use tools to manipulate and create surface texture and patterns; how to join pieces together before firing; how drying forms can be utilized to add volume; how to fix mistakes; and prepare pieces for kiln firing.  Students will also learn how to design pieces that take shrinkage into account, properly drill holes so that findings can be added with ease, and we'll review various surface treatment finishing techniques. Depending upon the size of the pieces, students will be able to make earrings, a pendant, or a link bracelet!

A variety of commercial texture plates and templates will be available for studio use. As time allows we will discuss how to create individual texture plates using polymer, styrofoam sheets, or soft rubber lino cut plates and experiment with them. The instructor will have examples of completed metal clay pieces that demonstrate how to combine this versatile medium with other pieces of metal and other craft materials.  

Please be advised: we typically close registration for our on-site workshops the Tuesday of the week before the class start-date.