The Medium
Developed in Japan and introduced into the U.S. in 1996, Precious Metal Clay (PMC) has revolutionized jewelry making. Made from micro particles of pure silver (.999%) or gold (22K) mixed with water and a binding agent, it looks, feels and acts like clay. But when fired in a kiln, the binding agent burns away and pure precious metal remains. PMC offers unlimited design potential for the beginner as well as the advanced artisan.
The Creative Process
View a pictorial of the process
"It starts as a humble lump of clay. No ordinary clay, mind you, this is an alchemist’s dream-come-true -- a royal composite of pure silver possessing all the characteristics and adaptability as earthen clay. In the hands of the artist, however, it will be miraculously transformed into exquisite works of wearable art.”
Linda’s work is diverse, distinctive and traditionally “untraditional.” The organic nature of Precious Metal Clay allows her to get her hands inside the silver and make it bend, yield, and conform to the vision of the artist.
The Certification Process
The multi-level PMC certification process offers a curriculum designed to teach skills and techniques essential to working with the medium. Students will refine their artistry and gain confidence and knowledge as they move through the projects and progress to the next level.
Limited to no more than 15 students, classes are small and guarantee plenty of one-on-one instruction. While travel, meals and lodging are the responsibility of the student; essential tools and PMC are included in the cost of the class. Students generally find it necessary to purchase additional PMC products to complete their assignments. Additional products, tools and supplies are available for purchase. Students are welcome to bring any personal tools they may wish to use during the class but are encouraged to mark them for easy identification.
Basic familiarity with PMC is essential to the student’s success. Students will complete required projects designed to provide an understanding of the various forms of PMC -- Standard, PMC+, PMC3, PMC Sheet, Paste and Syringe – while progressively building skills and refining their work. Fundamental principals forming, slip joining, hollow forming, ring construction, rolling out equal thicknesses of clay, stamping textures and working with two- and three-dimensional forms will be covered, in addition to various firing and finishing techniques.
Level II Certification focuses on mixed media and more advanced techniques and skills, including the use of gold, enameling, clasp making, mirror finishing, and bezel setting of natural cabochon gemstones. The same high standards are maintained for Level II, ensuring the integrity of the training and educational standards.
Even more sophisticated techniques are covered in Level III with the introduction of hinged box construction, 24k gold Keum Boo (the ancient heat bonding process of joining silver and gold), and advanced gemstone setting techniques using jeweler’s investment.
In addition to the registration fee, an additional bench fee will be collected by the instructor, which varies by class and location.
Please check out Classes and News to inquire about classes and locations.