PARDON THE BANNER. ALL CLASSES ARE HELD IN RICHMOND, VIRGINA
Please Scroll Below to See Class Descriptions
Please Scroll Below to See Class Descriptions
• PLEASE sign up at least 1.5 weeks before the start of class (or earlier if possible). Specific supplies are ordered for these special classes in advance and won't be available for late sign-ups.
•Location, directions, map and other important info will be e-mailed after registration.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
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PMC Connection's Certification Classes have been designed for those metal clay enthusiasts who want to expand their knowledge of and improve their skill set with metal clay. The techniques taught are comprehensive, challenging and creative. At the end of a two day learning experience, the successful student will leave with a new level of assurance and a higher level of proficiency with Precious Metal Clay.
Level One Description
Students will feel more comfortable with the pace of the class if they come prepared with recent metal clay experience. Prior knowledge of such tasks as rolling clay to a consistent thickness; the ability to keep clay fresh while working; texturing; and joining; will allow the student to follow the instructors demonstrations with a clear understanding of what is expected. I suggest the student have about 40 hours or more active experience, not only in classroom settings, but with work made at home as well.
Each of the four projects combines two or more techniques in order to engender a student's ability to use metal clay in numerous ways. You'll learn how to make hollow forms; carve greenware; create perfectly sized rings; correctly set faceted stones; weave Paper/sheet clay; make a variety of bails and much more. Projects are judged according to the care taken with design; joining; attention to detail; finishing and the students thorough understanding of the information covered in discussions. Completion of the program prepares the student for Level's Two and Three - and allows them to go forth in their jewelry making careers with confidence.
Level One Projects
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| Woven sheet, Pillow Beads, Three Stone Ring, Syringe Drawing |
* 2 part, domed bead (such as a lentil) with carved design and 'washer' re-inforced stringing holes
* Woven or other advanced use of PMC paper/sheet with an embedded wire bail
* Controlled syringe drawing/design with handmade, hidden bail
* Classic three stone band ring
At least one project must be patinated with either Liver of Sulfur or Black Max.
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Level Two Description
Milled bezel/cabochon setting, Aura 22, Enamel, 3 Texture with Mirror finish
Open to students who have successfully completed either PMCC's Level One; Rio Rewards or Art Clay Silver's Level One certification programs. These experienced metal clay users will enjoy the ability to enhance their jewelry making skills with more advanced techniques.
This next level of instruction packs a myriad of complex skills into four compact projects. The ability to professionally finish a piece to a true mirror finish; complete a necklace with a handmade, one of a kind clasp; inexpensively gold plate your own work or set beautiful stones like turquoise, lapis or mother of pearl using traditional fabrication techniques (in addition to the other skills taught) will provide you with a wider range of design options and broaden your ability to create a signature style.
Level Two Projects
* Torch fired pendant embellished with 22 kt gold and vitreous enamel
* Ring with natural cabochon set with milled bezel wire
* Three Texture Pendant with a hidden bail
* Hook and eye clasp utilizing fine silver milled round wire
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Level Three Description
Irregularly shaped stone setting, Hinged Box
Open to students who have successfully completed PMC Connection's Level Two Certification.
Construction methods are really stepped up in this workshop. Students will have an entire day to complete each of the two complicated projects. You'll turn an ordinary household object into a drying form on which to build a stylized domed, hinged box, which will be embellished after firing using an ancient Korean, gold plating technique known as Keum Boo. With a lot of freedom for individual design choices, the second project demonstrates how to set an irregularly shaped stone, shard, or found object post firing by making a "place holder" out of jeweler's investment. Instructions include how to account for shrinkage, and allows for a variety of prong and partial bezel designs.
Level Three Projects
* Domed, hinged, box embellished with Keum Boo
* Pendant with irregularly shaped 'stone' set after firing
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