Tag: precious metal clay

Silver Metal Clay Pendant with Cabochon $100

Sterling Silver Clay Pendant with Cabochon

March 15 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Sterling Silver Clay Pendant with Cabochon

Beginners will make a sterling silver clay pendant, similar to the image above, featuring 2 heart shapes, 2 textures, 1-2 molded decorations, and a fired-in cup bezel for setting a cabochon. *Another shape can be subbed such as a circle, teardrop, oval, square, etc.

Silver Clay Pendant Advanced

The image above shows an example for advanced students. Advanced clay artists will create a similar pendant with 2 contrasting slabs, one with a low to high relief, the other smooth and polished to a high shine. Slab shapes can be from templates or made by hand. Your personal choice of cabochon will be set with an attached fine silver bezel that will be filled with investment before firing.

Typically, pieces from Saturday classes are fired the following Tuesday. An informal day for finish work can be arranged; it is not required because class instructions will have the information you will need to finish your pendant at home.

Please Read: The class fee shown above does not include the metal clay or any other supplies. You will be charged for the metal clay the day of the class. All materials and tools for classes must be purchased at Beadoholique Bead Shop. This allows us to continue providing you with quality classes.

Materials and Supply list: Those who have completed prerequisite classes are expected to bring whatever extra materials, supplies and tools they need to complete the piece to the pre-fire stage. Please ask any questions via text ahead of class. Thank you.

* = optional for you to bring
** = provided by instructor or the bead shop
 
Materials & Supply list for beginner and advanced levels:                         
Advanced level has extra items listed at the bottom of the list.
Art Clay 950, 25gm pack
*Syringe clay: for ease in creating a zigzag line texture
Fine silver cup bezel, 4mm diameter, plain or serrated 
4mm cabochon to fit the bezel (check for fit!)
A non-stick work surface (any smooth board, place mat,
or clay working board)
Teflon sheets
A release agent such as Silk, Cool Slip, ClayMate
Distilled water in a fine mister bottle AND in a small bowl
A small (not mini) and medium sized brush or water brush
Clay hydrator
Clay thickness frames (recommended) or slats used in rolling slabs
Small acrylic roller
Sharp pick (or bead reamer) for cutting
4mm and 5mm circle punch or plastic circle template with
small circles
*Thin spatula
Xacto knife
Tweezers for handling bezel cups and stones
6″ metal or plastic ruler
Heart and/or other shape templates**
Tissue blade
1-2 texturing plates and/or upholstery fabrics,** that will
create appropriately sized textures for this size pendant
(about 1″ to 1.5″). Note: 1 slab can be plain and polished
to a good shine
Clay forming/shaping tools: Clay shapers, toothpicks, small files
Silicone molds for molding 1-2 extra embellishments**
Cup warmer and a soldering screen to place over the top (to
slow/prevent overheating/warping)
Finishing tools for dry clay: cosmetic nail boards for sanding (in
medium to fine grits), 3M foam sanding pad, a soft dry brush
to dust pieces while sanding
Pin vise with a 1mm and a 2mm wide drill bits for making
a bail hole

Beginner Post-firing tools:
Soft brass brush **
Small hand files (6″)
Burnisher (curved is a good starter type)
Bezel setter tool
Polishing papers**  

ADVANCED level notes, extra tools & materials: *optional / provided**
In the green state, the class model for advanced measures approx 1″x2″.

Paper, pencil, and scissors to make a pattern if you do not use templates
Torch and fuel
Soldering station, block, and soldering tweezers
Circle punches, various sizes, to open up the back for shrinkage
during firing
Fine sandpapers: 600, 800, 1000, and 1200 grits
Cabochon should be a minimum of 10mm at the widest or in height
and in good proportion for your design. Any shape.
Fine silver bezel wire to fit your stone
Miter vise and hand files
Small mandrel*
Investment**		Techniques Used: Metal clay

Skill Level:  Beginner

Prerequisite: None

Instructor: Shauna

Three ways to sign up:
Click here
Send me an email
Give me a call at 832-674-9005

Please Read: 

1. Classes will begin on time! All students must arrive early for class. Even if you have already purchased supplies for the class, it takes time for everyone to set up and settle in. Students arriving late will need to re-schedule. Please be respectful of others by arriving early for class.

2. All beads, materials, and tools are available for purchase at the bead shop. We appreciate you purchasing materials and tools at the bead shop so that we may continue offering you the best classes around.

Silver Clay Wrapped Strap Bracelet $100

silver clay wrapped strap bracelet

January 27 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

silver clay wrapped strap bracelet

Silver with leather makes a classic combination, expressing our love for the earthy and the inner cowboy! In this class, make a leather wrap bracelet featuring your handcrafted silver clay button. Inner cowboy or not, express your own impulses in this piece with imagery created from the fabric of your life (inner and/or outer…), using your molds, textures, and your own fingers!

Intermediate to Advanced Level: The silver loop with stones is an optional project for this class, intended for those with soldering skills. The loop can be made using one or more bezel cups. Other options are listed in the description.

The button shown is large at 1″ diameter, bracelet strap width is 1.5″ — 2.0″. The long leather strap overlaps and has a leather beaded loop to hold the bracelet closed. Optional additions include extra beaded loops (like the one here or strung on round leather cord), or for those skilled in silversmithing, a sterling silver loop, plain or embellished with a stone setting.**

Use molded clay pieces or Ready molds to create decorative embellishments or cut out or model your own shapes. Consider using syringe clay. Texture the background, if desired.

**Intermediate to advanced level in silversmithing. A plain silver band-loop can look great as an understated complement matching button textures or displaying a small clay embellishment. Consider soldering on a bezel cup as a simply way to add a stone(s).

Please Read: The class fee shown above does not include the metal clay. You will be charged for the metal clay the day of the class. All materials and tools for classes must be purchased at Beadoholique Bead Shop. This allows us to continue providing you with quality classes.

Silver clay wrapped strap bracelet
Metal Clay Tools and Supplies:
–Art Clay 950
–Syringe clay (optional)
–Molds and/or molded elements, release agent
–Texturing tools and materials (plates, fabrics,
drawing picks, stamps, modeling tools)
–Circle template with at least 1/2″ to 1-1/4″ circles
–Bead reamer or sharp pick
–Drill bits actual thickness from thinner up to 2mm
–All modeling tools including work surfaces, brush
and water, warmer with screen, etc.
–All cleanup tools for silver clay: blades, scrapers,
sanding tools

Leather Supplies:
–Leather strip: 1.5″-2.00″ x 17″ (measure wrist for
how much overlap is preferred) (available for
purchase day of class). This length is approximately
what is needed for the entire strap plus the loop
closure, with extra left over for 1-2 more optional
loops.
–12″ (1.5mm) round leather cord in a preferred color,
for attaching the button.
–6″ extra of the same cord above per one beaded
loop (thinner cord is okay but note that beads align
better if cord gauge is closer to bead hole size).
–Beadwork: Beads in photo are size 4mm.
–Bead stringing cord to stitch beads to the leather.
–Needle

Leather Working Tools:
–Smooth flat cardboard, mat board, or a self-repairing
mat to protect table top
–Hole punch (small punch, 2mm or to match small gauge
leather cord)
–Long metal ruler (if you have one, at least 12″ long),
preferably with cork bottom. One will be available for use.
–New, sharp Xacto blade in knife.
–Sharp scissors for trimming leather and cord
–Pencil
–Plain sheet of typing or note paper to make a pattern,
if needed.
–Leather glue, if needed, will be provided by instructor.

**Optional Silver Band:
Some ideas and measurements, and tools needed, for
intermediate to advanced silversmiths.
For a plain band:
–2-2.5″ (10-gauge) sterling square wire to roll in mill for
band. Milled to a 1mm thickness, this piece increases to
6.5″, leaving some to spare. A thicker band can be made
using a larger gauge wire or cutting a strip from silver sheet.
–Pliers, mini mandrel, etc., for bending into a fitted band.
–Soldering materials and tools not provided by the shop:
solder, soldering tools, torch, fuel.
–Polishing tools and supplies
For an attached bezel to the band:
–Bezel cup, or materials for making a bezel (bezel wire,
silver sheet, solder)
–Bezel-making tools: miter jig and files, rawhide mallet,
piece of steel wool for cleaning 3 & 4 listed above.		Techniques Used: Silver clay, syringe
(optional)

Skill Level:  Intermediate to Advanced

Prerequisite: Previous silver clay classes,
use of syringe (optional), soldering (for
advanced techniques)

Instructor: Shauna

Three ways to sign up:
Click here
Send me an email
Give me a call at 832-674-9005

Please Read: 

1. Classes will begin on time! All students must arrive early for class. Even if you have already purchased supplies for the class, it takes time for everyone to set up and settle in. Students arriving late will need to re-schedule. Please be respectful of others by arriving early for class.

2. All beads, materials, and tools are available for purchase at the bead shop. We appreciate you purchasing materials and tools at the bead shop so that we may continue offering you the best classes around.

Silver Clay Hollow Form Bead $100

Silver Clay Hollow Form Bead

November 25, 2023 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Silver Clay Hollow Form Bead

In this class you will make a hollow bead from silver metal clay, used in conjunction with a paper/wood clay product. Paper clay provides support for any size bead for which slumping during firing may be a concern. During firing, the product burns out from the bead’s core, leaving the bead hollow.

You will apply prior skills with slabs to wrap a 3-dimensional form, and for adding decoration from more slabs rolled for cut-out decorative shapes. Syringe clay makes another appearance for other potential embellishments and for reinforcing the bead’s holes.

Molds can be used in addition, or exclusively, to create decorative embellishments.

A variety of small bead forms will be provided in order that they will be completely dry for the class. If you wish to make your own, please contact the instructor.

Please Read: The class fee shown above does not include the metal clay. You will be charged for the metal clay the day of the class. All materials and tools for classes must be purchased at Beadoholique Bead Shop. This allows us to continue providing you with quality classes.

Suppliesl and Tools Needed:
Art Clay 950
Syringe clay
Dried paper clay form (1)
Silver clay slip
Holding tools: for propping bead when wet
-Toothpicks and other types of picks
-Third hand (optional, but makes a good stand)
-A wood or other block with holes in it, etc.
Tools for working the clay:
Hole punches for bead hole size you want (2mm+)
Rolling frames and roller
Work surface
Teflon sheets
CoolSlip or Slik
Medium and small brush
Water container
Ruler
Slab cutting tools (picks, Xacto)
Smoothers for surfaces (clay shaper, other brushes, etc.)
Clay hydrator(s)
Cup warmer and screen
Molds for making decorations, optional
Texture plates (small patterned) for slab cutouts used for decoration, optional 
For finishing after firing:
Soft beads brush
Liver of sulfur
Baking soda
Polishing supplies
Bring anything else you think you may need.
Magnifiers/readers are highly recommended
for a successful class experience (even if you
wear contacts or glasses)!		Techniques Used: Silver Clay, Hollow forms

Skill Level:  Intermediate to Advanced

Prerequisite: Previous metal clay classes

Instructor: Shauna

Three ways to sign up:
Click here
Send me an email
Give me a call at 832-674-9005

Please Read: 

1. Classes will begin on time! All students must arrive early for class. Even if you have already purchased supplies for the class, it takes time for everyone to set up and settle in. Students arriving late will need to re-schedule. Please be respectful of others by arriving early for class.

2. All beads, materials, and tools are available for purchase at the bead shop. We appreciate you purchasing materials and tools at the bead shop so that we may continue offering you the best classes around.

Sterling Clay Rustic Boho Ring $100

Sterling Clay Boho Ring

August 26, 2023 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Sterling Clay Boho Ring

This beautiful ring features a larger fired-in stone presented in a syringe bezel setting. An intensely oxidized texture presents the stone as a major feature of this piece. All this is framed between two silvery rims that not only pop the stone and texture but confirm the ring’s rustic character.

You will learn how to size a metal clay ring, accounting for shrinkage, utilize previously learned techniques for application to forming rings, and use joining techniques that best control the typical stresses rings endure in everyday wear. Of course, making the usual artistic decisions concerning the elements of art — line, shape/form, color, texture, value, and space — and some principles of design such as emphasis and unity, happily cannot be avoided!

Metal clay rings must be made larger so that they can shrink to the correct size. For advanced metal clay artists, the single large stone can be swapped out for a stunning grouping of 3-4 smaller stones. Your choice! Come join the fun!

Please Read: The class fee shown above does not include the metal clay. You will be charged for the metal clay the day of the class. All materials and tools for classes must be purchased at Beadoholique Bead Shop. This allows us to continue providing you with quality classes.

Supplies & Tools Needed:
▸ Art Clay 950 silver clay (available day of class)
▸ Syringe clay (to make bezel setting(s))
▸ Clay and Syringe keepers
▸ Clay slip, thick. If yours is watery, let it sit open and/or
add some clay shavings to it so it thickens. Please
prepare this before class so any chunks will be
dissolved. You can make slip by crushing dried pieces
of 950 clay and adding water. Store in a small container
so it can meld together, and store in a hydrator with
your clay.
▸ CZs/Nano gems: One large any cut, OR 3-4 smaller,
preferably same cut, or an appealing combo of
related shapes.
▸ One texture plate that will create a contrast to
brighter polished silver areas (busy pattern with little
negative space, as shown in the example)
▸ Ring mandrel. This can be a normal ring mandrel but
will need a stand (feet) so that it will have working space
below it so the mandrel can be turned for working the
ring. You can also press the mandrel into 2 separate
lumps of polymer clay, then bake these “feet” to easily
make a stand. CoolTools.us sells a large assortment
of mandrels and stands in a wide range of pricing.
▸ Hatti’s ring shank guide (available at the bead shop)
▸ Ring sizers (provided if you don’t have a set yet –
CoolTools.us sells them ready made or you can buy
the forms and investment to make your own)
▸ Waterproof paper strips (provided)
▸ Clear tape
▸ Ruler
▸ Tissue blade
▸ Xacto knife
▸▸▸ All metal clay-working tools, including thickness
frames and rollers, snake roller, work surface, cup
warmer, distilled water and accompanying tools,
Cool Slip, Silk, etc., all clay joining tools (clay shapers,
etc.), and all clay finishing tools, etc.
▸ Magnifiers/readers are highly recommended
for a successful class experience (even if you
wear contacts or glasses)!		Techniques Used: Metal clay

Skill Level:  Advanced

Prerequisite: Experience with metal clay
(multiple metal clay classes)

Instructor: Shauna

Three ways to sign up:
Click here
Send me an email
Give me a call at 832-674-9005

Please Read: 

1. Classes will begin on time! All students must arrive early for class. Even if you have already purchased supplies for the class, it takes time for everyone to set up and settle in. Students arriving late will need to re-schedule. Please be respectful of others by arriving early for class.

2. All beads, materials, and tools are available for purchase at the bead shop. We appreciate you purchasing materials and tools at the bead shop so that we may continue offering you the best classes around.