Metal clay is a jewelry making material made from powdered metal mixed with water and a binder. It's a great material for novice and intermediate jewelry makers to learn basic jewelry-making techniques to create unique pieces.
In this class students will learn to make molds for precious metal clay using objects - leaves, buttons or twigs etc - and two-part silicone molding compound.
We will discuss how to choose an object for moldmaking and how to making a variety of jewelry bails out of silver metal clay. We will survey coil bails, hidden bails, fold over bails, and fixed bails. Some experience working with precious metal clay suggested but not required. Students may bring a notepad, pen, apron, and small objects to make a mold of (leaves, buttons, etc).
Week 1 - Introductions and class overview, project expectations, studio use and safety, materials, and equipment.
Week 2 - Review last class, demonstrate different types of bails, sanding and prepping for firing.
Week 3 - Review, discuss firing and tumbling for finishing your pieces. Time for students to work.
Week 4 - Finish pieces, how to use findings, add beads and wire work.
Material Fee includes: Silver Metal Clay 25g, mold kits, findings, jewelry consumables, and use of tools provided by the instructor.
Experience Level: Beginning to Intermediate