Beginning Precious Metal Clay
Precious Metal Clay® (PMC®) consists of microscopic particles of silver, bronze, copper, or gold suspended in an organic binder to create a pliable material with a consistency similar to modeling clay. PMC® can be worked with the fingers and with simple, inexpensive tools to create a vast range of forms, surfaces and textures that would be unattainable or laborious with traditional techniques. When heated to a high temperature, the organic binder burns away and the metal particles fuse, forming solid metal that can be sanded, soldered, colored and polished like conventional metals. PMC® allows the creation of hollow objects, creating leaves, and quick caps for holding drops. Learn how to change the clay into .999- fine silver by using a small torch or kiln. Finally, polish your one-of-a-kind piece and add oxidation to bring out the textures! As the student progresses, they learn skills such as setting stones, bails, toggles, beads, and making hollow forms as in rings and domed pendants. PMC will be available for purchase along with other tools. The instructor will supply other supplies to finish projects. The instructor will supply tools to use in the first class and students may bring whatever tools they have available after that. The class will cover the use of PMC3 clay, PMC3 paste, and PMC syringe. Projects include making earrings, beads, pendants, and components.