Exciting New Workshop
The Art of Metal Clay
An Introduction to Making Pure Silver Jewelry in a Day

Learn beginning jewelry creation techniques using Art Clay Silver. The exciting thing about this clay is you do not need to have any metalsmithing or drawing skills to create beautiful finished silver objects.
• If you already work with metals, this material can inspire new ideas or add dimension to your work.
• Do you make beautiful beaded work and are tired of trying to find the right end pieces or clasps? Customize your work and make your own with the new metal clays!
• Are you a quilter or create with fabrics or felting? You can make beautiful hand crafted custom buttons to add to your handmade work.
• Do you work in ceramic arts? Add beautiful fine silver veneers to your work!

WHAT IS METAL CLAY? Metal Clay is a relatively new material to the art and crafts world. The clay is made from a non-toxic binder and powdered metal. It is made from recycled silver recovered from the photography industry. In its unfired form, the clay can be formed by stamping, rolling, texturing and shaping into beads, vessels, buttons and small jewelry pieces. When the metal clay object is fired, the binder burns away leaving behind a fine silver (.999), gold (22-24K), copper, bronze, steel or stainless steel object that can then be refined using traditional fabrication techniques.

THE CLASS:
This class is for students just beginning to explore this medium. The class consists of a directed project focused on building your skills with all metal clays. Each student will be provided with a class supply kit of silver clay and instructional handouts. Sets of clay tools will be available to use during class only.

THE SKILLS:
Metal Clay Essentials: Handling and conditioning the clay, basic clay forming techniques, texture stamping, mold making, adding clay elements, working with the dry clay, finishing techniques, repairs, firing techniques.

THE TEACHER:
Delores Highsmith
Senior Art Clay Silver Instructor and Bronze/Copper Clay Instructor, Metalsmith, Jewelry Designer, Glass Bead Maker, and PSAC Board Member.

GALLERY: http://deloresh.wordpress.com/silver-jewelry/
E-MAIL: dhighsmith@centurytel.net

WHEN:
DATE: March 22, 2010
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 15, 2010
TIME: 9-12, 2-5:00 p.m. (You can either bring your lunch or go out during the lunch break. The two hours are needed for the clay firing time.)
WHERE: Pagosa Pottery, 135 Country (at their new location in the City Market Plaza)
COST: $70 mombers/$85 nonmembers class fee plus supply fee of $28 (includes the Silver Clay)
The supply fee is due at the time of registration. Register at Pagosa Pottery during business hours (Tuesday - Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) The class fee can be prepaid or paid during class. Please make all checks payable to PSAC.
CONTACT: David or Cadence Green (Pagosa Pottery) at 970-731-3311