Metal Clay 2: Chains and Connections
Saturday, March 1, 2025; 10:00AM - 5:00PM PT (Pacific Time)
Sunday, March 2, 2025; 10:00AM - 5:00PM PT (Pacific Time)
Continue to explore the versatility of metal clay! In this advanced workshop, move beyond the basics and learn a variety of connection techniques to form chain and movement in your work. Students will create small individual decorative elements that will link together allowing for free-flowing movement of each piece. During class three pairs of earrings will be crafted, each teaching a different method of connecting links of silver metal clay. These skills can then translate into more extensive projects of bracelet or neck chains.
This course is available as an in-person workshop or live online class, and as a 4 week course or 2 day workshop. Please check this page for times and formats available.
Students will learn to fire their projects with a butane torch – safe to do at home. Safety precautions and set up will be reviewed. After firing manual polishing and finishing will be taught. If students prefer they can deliver or mail their pieces to the school for kiln firing and/or rotary polishing with a tumbler. They will be available for pick up or return shipping after completion. Instructions for mailing the project will be provided.
Techniques taught:
- Create metal clay pieces to be used as links for chains and other connections
- Design connections that link pieces to allow free flowing movement
- Engineer custom made metal clay jump ring connections
- Create rivets of metal clay and sterling wire.
- Attached rivets to links prior to firing
- Interlace links of metal clay prior to firing
- Firing links with a torch or kiln to avoid melting attached components
- Create earring posts with metal clay and sterling silver wire.
- Learn to make ear wire with Sterling Silver wire
A kit of materials is included with this class.
A full color handout is included with the class.
Create your own workbook with the beautiful handout that is downloadable for this workshop. Handouts include instructions for techniques and projects, reference charts and lots of information to support your learning. In person students receive a printout of the handout the first day of class.
Tools.
Classes at our school include use of tools, with each student having their own bench to use during class. Online students will need to have their own tools (see the list of tools below). Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Tools Required for Online Students
This is a list of tools online students need to practice the techniques shown in class. (in-person students have tools to use at school).
A list of the specific models of tools and clay with links to recommended suppliers for the best prices will be sent to you after registration If you have questions about the tool list, please contact us. These tools are your foundation for creating your jewelry studio and are used in the rest of our metal clay classes. If you have questions about the tool list, please contact us.
- Basic tools from the Metal Clay 1 - the Basics
- Art Clay syringe 5 grams (students may have sufficient supply remaining from Metal Clay 1 class)
Craft Knife
Wire cutters
2 narrow flat nose pliers
Drill bit 1mm
Ear wires - 3 pairs or make your own - A computer, phone or tablet to use the free Zoom app for class
Read what students have to say about our online classes on the testimonials page.
Prerequisites:
Prior experience with Metal Clay required, like successful completion of a Metal Clay 1 class or equivalent experience.
Instructor:
If a class is online, or is a combination online and in-person session, all students receive a link to a recording of the class demonstrations. In-person only workshops are not recorded. For staff instructor classes, students have access to the recordings for one year. For guest instructors, access is 30 days.
If a kit is included with the class, online students will have them mailed to them. Kits for in-person students are delivered at the beginning of the first class. More information about the kit is included with the supplies list which is emailed after registration.
International students may be charged an additional amount for shipping, because of the increased cost to ship abroad. Also, shipments to other countries may incur a tariff payable by the student. International students are welcome to contact us re: these costs and options for their materials. Please be sure that the address with your payment is the correct one for shipping.
If this class is offered online, it uses the Zoom app/website. Through Zoom, you’ll be able to see demos and follow instructions, ask questions and interact with your instructor. Zoom is easy to use and free for students to use for class, and works on most devices, like phones (iPhone, Android, etc), tablets (iPads, etc), and computers (Mac or PC).
Your instructor is also available during free Zoom office hours for questions and help.
For classes that include work time, online students work at home or in their studio. All of our recommended tools and the kit materials are chosen to be home studio friendly. Links to preferred vendors are provided in the supplies list sent after registration. Some classes, like our short demo only classes, don't require tools or materials to attend.
There are no requirements regarding COVID at this time.
As always, we clean and disinfect shared tools and benches after each class.
If you have tested positive for COVID, have symptoms that could be COVID, or feel ill, please don't come to class. Contact us for more information.
And now the fine print. Payment in full for class fees is due at the time of registration to reserve your place. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and PayPal. Checks and cash are accepted only if you register at school. If you mail a check, your registration is not processed until it clears and the class may fill during the wait.
If the workshop is canceled by our school for any reason, all class fees will be refunded, or you can transfer to another class, or you can keep a credit on account with us for future classes or purchases,
Students can cancel, receive a credit or refund, or transfer to another class up to 21 days before a workshop, whether it is online or in person. No cancellations are accepted after the 21-day deadline, however, we will do what we can to try and sell your place to a qualified student. If we can sell your place, you can receive a refund less a $50 cancellation fee, keep a credit on account with us, or apply your fees towards a transfer to another class.
If you can’t make it to class, you may send a participant who has the necessary prerequisites in your place. Please call or email us immediately with any changes in the student participant information. If a class includes an online section, your class will be recorded and you can watch later to make up a class you miss.
Students must be at least 15 years old to attend a class, and students under 18 must have a legal guardian sign our liability waiver form. We have had younger students attend classes, on a case by case basis. If you’re interested in enrolling your child, please call or email us.
If you sign up for a class and fail to have the required prerequisites as listed in the class description, you are still subject to the 21-day cancellation policy, listed above.
Lodging and meals are not included for in person classes.
If you don't come to class, there are no refunds, credits or transfers.
Upcoming Schedule
| Date & Times | Register |
| Sat. Mar 1, 10AM - 5PM PT (Pacific Time), Sun. Mar 2, 10AM - 5PM PT (Pacific Time) |