Precious Metal Clay Class at Beadaholique

We are excited to share all the fun we had at the Level 1 certification Precious Metal Clay (PMC) class taught by the very talented Lora Hart. 

Right here in our Beadaholique offices in Glendale, California we rolled up our sleeves, spread out our tools, and listened raptly to the expert teachings of Lora. Joining in on the 2-day intensive class were myself (Julie), Andrea, Jason, and 4 other very talented PMC artists from across the country. 

If you are not familiar with Precious Metal Clay (PMC) it is truly moldable clay made of fine silver particles and a binding agent. When fired in a kiln or with a torch, the binder melts away and what results is a piece of solid metal which can be treated the same as any other fine silver item (soldered, polished, sanded, etc.). You literally end up with a beautiful piece of fine silver which you shaped with your own hands - amazing! 

In the class we completed a total of 5 projects:

• Slide pendant with fold over bail, set with a faceted cubic zirconia and dichroic glass cabochon
• Filigree earrings or pendant made entirely with the syringe form of metal clay
• Hollow bead or vessel made with many layers of the slip/paste form of metal clay
• Classic band ring
• Half lentil pendant with split bail made using dry construction and carving techniques

Lora imparted many tips and excellent instructions to help each one of us succeed. And guess what? We all passed and are now certified! 

Here is a gallery of the Beadaholique crew's creations:

Andrea: "I really, really enjoyed every single part of the certification process, but the project I think I was most excited about was the ring. As a beader rather than a metalsmith, one is limited when it comes to ring-making. Creating the PMC band was so satisfying for me, and being able to cut my little "blades of grass" design by hand out of the PMC paper was just too much fun. I can't wait to make more!"

Julie: "I LOVED making the hollow vessel with slip, the entire process was very soothing to me. The details you see on my vessel were created using PMC paper and paper punches - a process I am still in awe over. I had such fun planning out my design and I really liked the old Italian feel that resulted."

Jason: "My favorite part of the class was using new techniques I was not completely familiar with. I enjoyed trying the new ideas and thinking about how I can use them moving forward with future PMC projects. Also, I made the best ring ever."

For more on Lora Hart, her jewelry, and her teachings, please visit her website: http://www.lorahart.com/#home and blog: http://lorahartjewels.blogspot.com/. We highly recommend her!

Would you like to see more classes held at Beadaholique? What are some you would like to see? 


- Julie