Learn how to construct a basic cane which will then be used to decorate a core bead. The morning will comprise of forming the bead, and after lunch students will learn how to properly sand and buff the beads to a glass-like finish. Students will make 2 beads. Perfect for beginners. Maximum class size is four. Instructor: Gretchen Amberg
One session, $60 (Includes polymer clay. All tools will be provided for use in class. Stringing materials extra, 10% off.)
- Saturday, September 18, 10 am – 4 pm
NEW! DRAB TO FAB
Take an average box clasp and turn it into an extraordinary box clasp! We will use polymer clay and crystal gems to embellish the tops of the clasps. If you have a multi-strand bracelet or necklace that needs a fancy clasp to go with it, this is the perfect class for you. Let’s turn those clasps into a functional piece deserving of focal piece status! Perfect for beginners. Maximum class size is four. Instructor: Gretchen Amberg
One session, $50 (Instructor will provide all clay related materials and equipment for use in class, including four 7/8” round 5-strand clasps – one each in gold, silver, copper and gunmetal. Other materials purchased on same day as class are extra, 10% off.)
- Sunday, September 19, 12 – 3 pm
FINE SILVER ALCHEMY WITHOUT A KILN
In this exciting one day class you will learn how to transform a leaf into a fine silver pendant using Precious Metal Clay. You will learn how to make bails and embellish your fine silver leaf and then fire your pieces using a small butane torch. A kiln will be available for those who do not wish to torch fire their pieces. For those who are interested, you can make a toggle, or other small components to complete your necklace. You will leave the class with one or more beautiful & unique fine silver pieces of jewelry, plus the knowledge to continue working with PMC. Instructor: Sherry Viktora
One session, $75 (Materials extra: $38 materials fee includes PMC, written instructions and use of tools and kiln. Other materials extra, 10% off.) Please bring cash or check to pay the teacher the $38 fee.
- Saturday, October 30, 10 am – 4 pm
INTRODUCING THE BASE METAL CLAYS
A new class introducing copper and bronze clays! Details coming soon.
- Saturday, December 4, 10 am – 4 pm
The classes shown below are not scheduled at this time. Please let us know if you are interested in any of them.
BUNCHES OF BEADS
Learn several techniques for making fine silver beads of different shapes and sizes with PMC sheet, clay, paste and syringe, including hollow beads using different armatures. You can then decide which technique you wish to use for your class bead(s) and will go home with 1 or more completed beads and the information to use other techniques at home. Instructor: Sherry Viktora
One session, $75 (Materials extra. Please bring $30 cash or check to pay instructor for PMC sheet, clay, use of paste and syringe and written materials to take home. Stringing materials purchased from Bead in Hand on day of class are 10% off.)
MOKUME GANE
Learn how to recreate Mokume Gane patterns using polymer clay. Mokume Gane (translated as “wood-grain metal” and traditionally used to create mixed metal laminate) is a method of layering the clay to create a distinctive pattern. Some of the clay will be custom mixed, then stacked and rolled to create the pattern. Use layers of the patterned clay to make larger focal beads. Learn to sand and buff your beads into a glass-like finish. You will complete a minimum of two beads and go home with extra clay to experiment on your own. Perfect for beginners. Maximum class size is four. Instructor: Gretchen Amberg
One session, $60 (Includes polymer clay. All tools will be provided for use in class. Stringing materials extra, 10% off.)
IMAGE TRANSFER PENDANT
Learn to transfer printed images onto polymer clay and how to use paints to create surface effects. These two techniques will be combined to form a beautiful, one of a kind pendant. You will make one pendant and several coordinating rolled beads. No sanding or buffing is required for this class. Perfect for beginners. Maximum class size is four. Instructor: Gretchen Amberg
One session, $60 (Includes polymer clay. All tools will be provided for use in class. Stringing materials extra, 10% off.)
ADVENTURES IN COPPER CLAY
Come learn about the NEW metal clays! In this class Sherry will introduce you to BOTH COPPRclay (only on the market for a little over a year) and the Art Clay Copper (only on the market a couple of months). Learn how to work with both types of copper clay and see the differences. You will make some copper elements for pendants, earrings or a bracelet and have the knowledge to make your own copper clay pieces at home with or WITHOUT a kiln! While your pieces are drying and firing, Sherry will discuss the BRONZclay, so that you will also have the knowledge to work with it on your own. Instructor: Sherry Viktora
One session, $75 (Materials extra: $25 material fee paid to the instructor includes clay, written materials, use of tools and consumables. Please bring cash or check to pay the teacher the $25 fee.)
PMC COMPONENTS WITHOUT A KILN
You don’t need a kiln or expensive tools to make your very own fine silver pendants and findings. Learn fun and easy ways to complete your beaded, fiber or leather necklace with a fine silver focal bead or pendant and findings using PMC, a few basic tools and a small butane torch. You will make at least 1 focal bead or small pendant plus a set of findings in class while learning the techniques to continue on your own. Instructor: Sherry Viktora
FINE SILVER BRACELETS WITHOUT A KILN
No need to have a kiln to make your fine silver bracelet using PMC! Learn how to form and decorate your bracelet component, fire it with a small butane torch, and polish it by hand, all by using inexpensive tools. Three different bracelet styles will be demonstrated. Depending upon the style you choose, you can complete your bracelet(s) using leather cord, chain or beads of your choice. Instructor: Sherry Viktora
One session, $80 (Materials extra: $35 materials fee includes enough PMC for at least 2 bracelets, 2 cubic zirconia crystals, written instructions, and use of torch and butane. Other materials extra, 10% off. The cord, chain, clasp and beads are not included in the materials cost.) Please bring cash or check to pay the teacher the $35 fee.
Ring by Sherry Viktora
Ring by Doris Weinbaum
FINE SILVER RINGS
PRECIOUS METAL CLAY EMBELLISHMENTS
Learn the techniques to embellish a ceramic bead with PMC to create a stunning focal bead. Instructor: Sherry Viktora
One session, $80 (Materials extra: $25 materials fee includes PMC, use of tools, written instructions and multiple firings.)
GLASS ENAMELS WITH PRECIOUS METAL CLAY
Add color to your silver jewelry with enamels! In this day long class, you will make 1 or more pieces of fine silver jewelry using PMC and then add glass enamels for a unique and colorful creation. Instructor: Sherry Viktora
One session, $80 (Materials extra: $35 materials fee includes PMC, enamels, use of tools, written instructions and multiple firings.) Go to the Class Supply Lists page to see what materials you will need for each class.