Precious Metal Clay 1: PMC Earrings
October 4 – 10 to 2:30
$50 plus materials fee which will vary based on the price of silver and the quantity of silver desired. Plan on about $27 and up.
Students will be introduced to using pure silver metal clay (PMC) to create one or more pairs of earrings. While they are being kiln fired to turn them from metal “clay” to solid pure silver, you will be making sterling ear wires and you’ll leave class wearing your new designs.
Precious Metal Clay 2: PMC Bracelet
October 18 – 10 to 2:30
$50 plus materials fee which will vary based on the price of silver and quantity of silver desired. Plan on about $32 and up plus pearls selected.
After an overview of techniques for working with pure silver PMC, students will design and create a bracelet featuring one or more center segments made using PMC. A silver wire closure will be made and students will complete their bracelets using pearls and beading techniques.
Precious Metal Clay 3: PMC Bracelet Toggle Closure
November 8 – 10 to 2:30
$50 plus materials fee which will vary based on the price of silver and quantity of silver desired. Plan on about $30 and up plus pearls selected.
After an overview of techniques for working with pure silver PMC, students will design and create a one of a kind secure silver toggle closure using PMC. Students will complete their bracelets using pearls and beading techniques.
Precious Metal Clay 4: Pendant with Bail
December 6Â – 10 to 2:30
$50 plus materials fee which will vary based on the price of silver and quantity of silver desired. Plan on about $30.
After an overview of techniques for working with pure silver metal clay, students will design and create a one of a kind pendant with a unique bail that allows it to be hung from a necklace. All will be completed within the class time.
Nancy was featured as a Foothills Artist in the September 2009 issue of Saratoga Living magazine, Here’s an excerpt from that article:
Nancy Miller takes great pleasure in imparting the how-to and can-do nuances of her art form. She leads frequent workshops for individuals interested in learning how to craft jewelry from precious metal clay, has presented at a professional conference and is involved in an online network of artists available to each other to discuss techniques and outcomes.
The classes are no sideline, but a main event in Nancy’s schedule, and designed to reach a broad audience—from beginner to expert artists. She also continues to study with the masters in the genre when the opportunity arises, defining herself as a continuous learner as well as an enthusiastic teacher. Miller says she learns from her students, also, as they study with her. She laughs at the idea of being worried a student might become a competitor: “I am proud of them when they accomplish their goals or sell a piece on their own. We each do our own thing and there is an audience for everyone.‑
One devotee and perennial student, Josiane Birbiglia of Ballston Lake, reports: “When I attended my first class, I had no idea if I could produce something that would even be acceptable. Well, my first piece, a geranium leaf pendant, has proven to be my favorite. I had no confidence in my ability but Nancy gave me the assurance to try and to succeed. Once, when a ring I made broke in half before going into the kiln, Nancy cut the two halves again and had me make a pair of earrings that I get complimented on to this day. She has the most amazing ability to help you see the art and beauty in everything you make. She can turn the most negative student into a positive artist.â€
Precious Metal Clay originated in Japan and was introduced to the United States in the mid 1990s. It’s a non-toxic material consisting of small particles of pure silver or pure gold that are combined with an organic binder and water to produce a malleable substance that can be textured and shaped by hand and using simple tools. After they dry, objects made of PMC are kiln-fired at a high temperature; the metal particles sinter (fuse) and the binder and water burn off, leaving behind a pure silver or gold piece. PMC works can be enhanced and finished by soldering, burnishing, tumbling, enameling or coloring with a patina, among other methods. More information is available at www.pmcguild.com. The price of the raw material varies depending on the current market value of the metals. Metal clay, which was developed in the United States, added the options of bronze and copper products.
