Some Class Descriptions
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*Basic Foundations*If you have never taken a Metal Clay class before,or you would like to refresh your basic skills this class will give you a great foundation.It's a prerequisite to all other classes, and enables you to build on the skills that you will learn.The goals of the class are to make you comfortable with the techniques while you learn tips and tricks to minimize performance anxiety. You will then be able to work on your own, and to take more advanced classes with confidence. The following are skills you will learn while making a pendant and earrings. It includes use of tools, textures, and kiln firing. The class does not include metal clay products. The clay can be purchased from me or you can bring your own. This class is available for private students and groups.
Metal Clay Terms Carving Holes-wet/dry
Tools and their uses Applying Components
Retaining clay moisture Understanding shrinkage
Rehydrating Beveling edges
Rolling out clay Filling Cracks
Cutting out shapes Drying Options
Texturing Refining before firing
Bails Torch firing
Applying Paste Burnishing
Tips & tricks Polishing Patinas
* Basics Plus*
This series of classes is offered to those artists who have completed a basic foundation class and are ready to add on to their basic skills. Many of these skills are learned through project based classes.These classes are offered for private students and groups. Here are just a few:
Mould and Texture Stamps-Learn how to make your own moulds and texture stamps to use again and again for your collection. Bring buttons, small trinkets and textures that you would like to use to make your metal clay pieces.
Stone Setting in Metal Clay Syringe-In this class you will learn how to set stones, embellish and control the syringe as you extrude beautiful little spirals and decorations on your pieces. This will be a segmented necklace or bracelet that will be joined together after firing and finishing.
*Intermediate Inspiration*
As your basic skills improve you'll be ready for more challenging projects.This level of classes are offered to private students and groups.
Here are just some of the projects and the techniques you can learn:
Clasps & Toggles-Inbed wire in to the clay, set stones, appliques.
Lentil Beads-Doming with armatures.
Hollow Beads- Applying clay to combustible cork forms.
Textured Link Bracelet-forming curved segments, securing a toggle,appliques, syringe embellishment,stone setting.
Basic Ring-Measuring, using a mandrel, making joins, accounting for shrinkage for sizing.
*Advanced Artistry*
These projects teach the skills that will take you into the advanced level of artist. This level of classes are offered to private students and groups.
This is just a few:
Ring Construction-
Boxes & Hinges-
Fine Silver Settings-
*Taste of Metal Clay*
A mini -introductory class that gives you a sample of what a longer and more indepth *Basics Plus* class is like. In 2-3 hours you will make a small charm, fire, and finish it to wear home. Class includes instruction, tools,consumables, kiln firing, and clay.You don't need to bring anything, but enthusiasm. This class offered to small groups and not given privately.
Bernadette Denoux- 786 254-7220
