2011 Summer Art Camp for Adults

PMC/polymer clay

Instructor: Dina Alexander is a jeweler who has been working with PMC (precious metal clay) for over 11 years. Her jewelry also makes use of sterling silver, other metals, found objects and semi precious stones. Dina's work is very distinctive because she is not only a good designer, but has made a large collection of molds, stamps and other custom tools over the years to assist her in her craft. Examples of her work may be found online through ETSY, "the world's most vibrant handmade marketplace." Dina is a good example of how hand work and high tech can be an potent combination.

Class description: Precious Metal Clay (PMC) is a fairly new medium which comes in a clay form. It is fine silver particles suspended in an organic binder and water and is moldable, impressionable and stampable, and when fired in a kiln becomes a solid fine silver form. This innovative material can create beautiful works of art jewelry.

This class will present an abbreviated exploration of the basic techniques using PMC+ Silver. The class projects will enable the student to gain an understanding of PMC using basic tools. The student will learn to design and construct basic PMC forms using textures, texture plates rubber stamps and some hand building, if desired, to make fine silver components that can be made into finished pieces of jewelry.

Dina Alexander will give a brief history of the metal with demonstrations. Students will construct pieces, dry, finish, fire, polish and patina their pieces using different techniques and put them together as a finished piece of jewelry, if desired.

Materials: A tool kit will be provided. The student is responsible for the cost of the silver clay and work surface, which can be purchased from Dina at the beginning of class.

We will complete several pieces and finish them into a pendant or earrings. Students have the option of putting their piece together on their own or can purchase the findings to complete their pieces, (ear wires, chains, jump rings, clasps, etc.), which will also be available for purchase.

Registration: Register Online