Metal Clay 1: Basics -Pendant and Earrings
Saturday, January 14, 2023; 10:00AM - 5:00PM PT (Pacific Time)
In Person
Cost: $210
This class is already under way. Please see below for any other available workshop dates.
Metal clay is amazing - it starts as clay, but fires into pure silver. You can form it with simple tools, even set stones in it, and fire it with a butane cooking torch or small kiln. When fired, the clay-like binders burn off as the pure silver molecules fuse together.
This class is designed for both beginning students and those seeking to refresh skills and learn new ones. During this in-depth orientation to Metal Clay students will create a pendant and a pair of earrings. The initial project provides a foundation for learning thickness, roll out, texture, and carving techniques.
Beyond the basic skills required for this project, more advanced techniques will be taught including: Fold forming moistened clay, setting small cabochon and faceted stones, drying, firing with torch and kiln, final finishing and polishing, repairs before and after firing.
Students will learn to fire their projects with a butane torch – safe to do at home, and if preferable, a kiln. Safety precautions and set up will be reviewed. After firing manual polishing and finishing will be taught. If online 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:
- how to choose and condition metal clay
- basic metal clay fabrication techniques
- setting and firing stones in metal clay
- torch firing metal clay
- kiln firing metal clay
- stone setting 4 mm cabochons and faceted stones
- texture, fold forming and carving techniques
- repairs and troubleshooting
- polishing after firing
This course is available as an in-person workshop or live online class. Please check this page for times and formats available.
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 (in person students receive a printout of their handout on the first day of class). Handouts include instructions for techniques and projects, reference charts and lots of information to support your learning.
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, including basic tools for metal clay. (in-person students have tools to use at school).
A list of tools 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.
- Fine Point Paint brush
- Flat-end Paint brush
- Fiber Brick
- Butane Torch
- Butane fuel
- Non-stick work surface
- Snake Roller
- Tweezers
- Acrylic Roller
- Scraper cutter
- Short Bristle Steel Brush
- Acrylic work surface
- Needle tool
- Set of Files
- Airtight container for clay
- Texture mat
- Template
- Burnishing tool
- 3 pairs eye wires
- Hot plate or cup warmer, or hair dryer.
- Deck of playing cards
- Brownie baking pan
- Emery board (nail files)
- Metric ruler
- Olive oil
- Bamboo skewer stick
- Tooth picks
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.
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.
We remain committed to keeping everyone as safe as possible while continuing to move forward and adapt to the current circumstances for our in person classes and open studios.
We recommend that in person students be vaccinated, but it's not required.
Face masks are encouraged while at the school, but no longer required. Students must bring a particulate face mask (N95, KN95, KF94 or similar) to protect against dust and particles when needed and required during class work time.
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.