Precious Metal Clay
Precious Metal Clay, PMC, is an exciting material developed and patented in the 1990s by Mitsubishi Materials of Japan. Microscopic particles of fine silver(.999%) are mixed with a pliable binder to create a material that has the feel and working properties of modeling clay. Using simple tools, objects are easily given shape, texture, and character. After air-drying, the objects are heated to temperatures approaching the melting point of the metal, where the particles fuse together to make a dense, fully metallic object. Fired PMC work can be hammered, textured, polished, soldered, enameled, and enjoyed like any other silver item. If you can imagine it, you can make it! Let us help you.
PMC Classes
Introduction to PMC : June 9th – 12pm to 3pm
July 14th – 12pm to 3pm
Learn the basics of working with PMC by making 2-3 pendants or charms of your choice. Your pieces will be fired and will be ready for pick up the following business day. Polishing and patina will also be discussed and demonstrated. Due to timing, you will need to polish your pieces at home. ($45 plus materials)
Holly Gage – Stone Setting Like a Pro: August 3rd & 4th
Beginner – Advance Welcome
A fantastic stone needs a fantastic setting, and the key to a professionally set stone is good craftsmanship and a clean and well-finished bezel. In this lesson you will learn to make a bezel for a stone of your choice using fine silver bezel wire. The bezel will be attached to a piece, which has been designed and fired first. Afterward, you will attach the bezel to the rest of your piece and prepare for a second firing. Finally, the stone will be set and ready for the final touch. This is a great technique for stones that can’t be fired in place, and the result will have people wondering, “How did you do that?” So come and join Holly, and you too will be setting stones like a pro.
To prepare ahead for class, bring a stone (approximately 15 mm – 30 mm) or purchase one at class. Faceted stones, cabs or glass cabs welcome – please stay away from irregular shaped stones until you gain confidence and experience with this technique.
You may also want to work out your design on paper and bring it to class or you may design while in class. Your design should leave room for the stone with no elements overlapping the stone. For your first time trying this technique, keep the design simple, but don’t worry, I’ll provide some ideas and design guidance during class.
Materials Needed: Fine silver bezel wire (height depends on stone height, PMC3, Art Clay Oil paste, a stone for setting approximately 15 mm – 20 mm, 3 M polishing papers, Polishing Cloth. Optional: Your own personal tools, magnifying lens, Ott , etc.
Stone Setting Like a Pro Negative Space Caning
Holly Gage – Negative Space Caning: August 5th, 6th & 7th
3 Day Class Your Choice * All levels of ability.
Negative Space Caning is a high energy workshop focusing on creative filigree, chambers for resin, enamel or polymer inlay, and patterns easily duplicated for tessellating designs by combining Metal Clay and a combustible material that disappears after firing in a kiln. This exciting new technique developed by Holly Gage is a springboard idea fo rlooking at and working with Metal Clay in a whole new way.
Day 1 – 2: Class will include a presentation and handouts on the basic cane making process, what combustible materials are suitable for the process, as well as simple and advance assembly techniques. You will also learn how to make a complex cane . Your finished piece will be of your own design ready for polishing and a patina at the workshop or inlaid on your own.
Day 3: You will learn how to add a resin inlay. The glassy effects are stunning with silver surrounding each chamber.
Materials needed: Day 1 – 2: Wood Clay; 1-2 pkgs. PMC3 25g; sandpaper, polishing papers & cloth
Day 3: Resin kit with UV light.
Class includes all basic tools needed for class will be available
Optional: Your own personal tools, magnifying lens, Ott light , etc.
Check out her work at hollygage.com.
Terry Kovalcik – Something to Put Something In: September 8th & 9th
Terry Kovalcik will return to Black Bear Bead Company on September 8th and 9th with a new class called “Something to Put Something In”. The “something” is a beautiful hinged box. All of you who worked with Terry earlier this year will want to catch this class!
Skill level: Advanced Beginner / Intermediate—participant needs to have at least two PMC classes under their belt.
In this workshop, explore the process of making a box using silver PMC. Turn it into a pendant that holds something that’s close to your heart. We’ll examine the process of constructing a box—with a hook-n-hasp-style closure which is integrated into the lid. A variety of silver PMC materials will be used in this project. The techniques covered are paper templates/pattern making, working with 1 and 2-ply sheet clay, dry construction, hollow forms, drilling, making sheet clay hinges, riveting, closures, wire bending and finishing.