Summer 2010 - Metal Clay Today

2 MetalClayToday.com • Summer 2010 

San Jose, CA Classes 

with Pat Evans 

Senior Art Clay Silver Instructor 

(also Level III PMCC) 

Join me for beginning through intermediate classes in 

metal clay, fused glass, basic bead stringing & wire wrapping. 

Art Clay Certification also available. 

Fun, creative private or semi-private classes 

in my studio or your home... 

makes a great party activity for teens and adults. 

Email Pat@PatEvansDesigns.com 

for more information

Publisher’s Notepad 

Dear Metal Clay Friends and other sojourners into the world of metal clay, 

This is our fourth edition of Metal Clay Today. Hard to believe that a very short year ago 

we were sitting around the benches of our local jewelry class musing about the need for a 

magazine devoted entirely to we metal clay enthusiasts. Your response to our efforts has 

been so incredible. Thank you from the bottom of our 

collective hearts. 

What’s new at 

Metal Clay Today online: 

New Resource for 

Certified Metal Clay Instructors. 

Get listed in the Guilds, Societies 

and Metal Clay Instructors page... 

a free service to our subscribers. 

CD version of Metal Clay Today 

now available. 

Get the First Year Metal Clay Today 

on CD at our new store: www.shop. 

metalclaytoday.com 

Clayers Club 

The Clayer’s Club is coming soon! 

More details announced as they 

become available 

We’re also very tickled to have been able to meet some 

of the finest and best known Metal Clay Artists in our 

virtual community. Today, you will get a chance to learn 

just a little bit more about a very special artist… Holly 

Gage! I’m certain you will recognize her name because 

of the great work she has done in spearheading the 

“Charms for Charity” fundraiser, or the annual calendar 

devoted to the metal clay artists or even or should 

I say especially because she has brought the world 

“Titanium”! 

You will also find out more about a newcomer, many 

of you have come to know and admire, Gale Schlagel. 

We were introduced to Gale when she submitted her 

work for inclusion in our gallery. We have been a fan 

of hers ever since. May I humbly suggest you submit 

your work to the gallery? You never know where that 

might lead. 

In today’s edition, we are pleased to present more 

talented artists from around the globe. Lori’s Best of 

the Blog features Emma Baird and Louise Hunter, two 

great artists from Europe. 

Speaking of global artists, of the five winners of the ‘New 

Beginnings’ challenge, two were from the continent of 

Europe! All winners’ work is presented for your enjoyment. Be sure to check out the next 

challenge and enter yours. 

Our website has been undergoing some changes recently. Hope you’ll take the time to peruse it 

and let us know your opinion. In addition, we are planning some new features at the site, such as 

the “Clayer’s Club”. Look for an email with details very soon. 

Until next time, 

Tes Shea 

Co-Publisher, Webmaster/Editor 

Metal Clay Today 

P.S. Mary Poineal, owner of McDuck Creations, has graciously offered a 

FREE Ring to thE FiRSt 10 SubSCRibERS 

who email editor@metalclaytoday.com with the subject line of 

‘McDuck Creations Give Away’. Anyone who has ever enjoyed the 

beauty of a ‘spinner’ ring will want a McDuck Creations Ring! 

Summer 2010 • MetalClayToday.com 3


Artist Showcase 

holly gage 

6 Artist, Entrepeneur and Philanthropist 

Rising Star 

gale Schlagel 

10 presents a bold new look in clay 

July 2010 

Volume 1, Issue 4 

Guided Tour 

Photographing Jewelry 

12 Steve Rossman shares his techniques 

for getting the best from your camera 

Step-by-Step 

nancy garber 

18 creates metal clay Magnetic Clasps 

Step-by-Step 

Silver Meets Copper 

22 Easily embed copper within silver 

Step-by-Step 

Folded Silver Paper 

26 Origami... not just for paper anymore

new beginnings 

See the entries and meet the winners 

of Metal Clay Today’s Challenge. 36 

— Features — 

3 Publisher’s Notepad 

24 Tips ‘N Tricks 

30 Best of the Blogs 

31 Guest Blogger 

32-33 Book Reviews 

34 Trends – Designing for Men 

35 Challenge 

40 Guilds 

42 Gallery 

Cover features: 

Lady Liberty by Holly Gage 

Lentil Earrings by Gale Schlagel 

Subscribers are free to print this magazine for their own use 

or share with family and friends. 

The intellectual property and photos of the artists is copyright protected. 



Holly 

Gage 

I have to admit it. 

I’m a Holly Gage fan! 

Many of us metalclayers 

are. I had 

the great pleasure of 

listening to Holly at 

the Metal Clay World 

Conference in Chicago last July. At that time I was just a face 

in the crowd and was clueless to all she does to encourage, 

support and inspire metal clay artists world-wide. 

Over the course of the last year, I’ve come to learn a lot 

more about this very 

talented woman. She has 

graciously allowed me to 

tell you a little bit more of 

her story. 

Holly has always been an artist. She grew up in 

the city of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia. During 

her youth she took many art classes. It was a way 

to stay out of mischief and was a very positive 

influence in her life. Holly believes emphatically 

that art should be a part of every young person’s 

development because it provides them with an 

outlet to express themselves, it is very good for 

developing their self-esteem, and it helps them to 

connect the statements made in art to the culture 

in which we live. 


by Tes Shea 

Artist, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist

She still lives in Pennsylvania, but 

now resides with her children and 

husband Chris, in what is known as 

Pennsylvania Dutch country. It is an 

area rich in tradition and nature. 

Chris and Holly have been business 

partners for the best part of 15 

years now. They have had many 

adventures together including 

designing and publishing a parenting 

magazine with a fairly substantial 

readership. 

Teaching is a real love and passion for Holly. In her classes, students are encouraged 

to find their inner voice and to reach for the next 

level. 

Recently, she put together an artist retreat with 

her good friend and fellow artist, Angela Crispin. 

The retreat was held in an 1883 Mill in France! 

What could be more fun!? Spending the week 

learning more about metal clay while enjoying the 

company of friends in a fabulous location! 

If you happen to be going to the PMC Conference 

this year, www.pmc-conference.com, you’re in for 

a treat, Holly will be presenting “In the Midst of a 

Revolution comes Innovation and Opportunity – 

Are ‘You’ Seizing the 

Moment?” 

At the conference 

something special 

is going to take 

place. The Charms 

for Charity will be 

raffling off, bracelets 

to benefit the Marrow 

Foundation and 

the Cancer Society. 

Charms for Charity 

began at the 2008 conference when Holly and friends 

were taking about the charms exchange. 

Holly has been one of the lead volunteers for the past 

two years. Last year, 500 charms were donated by metal 

clay artists and 30 bracelets were created with over 

$12,750.00 donated AND 100% of the money given to 

the charity! You can still be a part of this worthy cause, 



but you’ll have to get your charms to Holly by July 6th. For 

more details, visit www.pmc-conference.com/events/charmsfor-charity.html. 

Holly has also been very instrumental in promoting other metal 

clay artists. She and her darling husband put together The Art 

and Design of Metal Clay Jewelry each year. The calendar is 

an opportunity for metal clay artists to showcase their work 

for all to see and admire. Many new metal clay artists were 

featured in the 2010 

edition of the calendar! 

You can find the detail 

for submitting your 

entries at www.HollyGage.com. If you’d like a 

chance to be included. I should let you know, 

entries must be submitted between June 15 

and August 15 to be considered. 

at artifacts from Rome or Greece. 

After speaking with Holly I came to the 

conclusion that Holly is a consummate artist 

of the highest caliber, an extraordinary 

entrepreneur, and a humanitarian. She also 

views our art form through the lens of a 

curator. She knows that every piece of metal 

clay jewelry created is a part of our history. 

Some future generation will discover it and try 

to figure us out in much the same way we look 

To quote Holly: “It is the artist who records life’s history, not with words, but with 

images. It is my hope that whatever statement my art and jewelry makes, it is 

worthy of credible interpretation.” 

I love being a pioneer with this relatively new medium, experimenting with its capabilities, and 

working on the cutting edge of new developments. It has enabled me to blend many of my artistic 

studies to create unique pieces of jewelry which are inspired by my original photographic images, 

life experiences and natural forms in nature. I often enlarge and abstract views of tiny details that 

one tends to miss in the hustle and bustle of daily activity. I’m interested in seeing the reaction of 

viewers as they study the design and recognize things that are familiar to them. 

Throughout my life I have found my voice through art. I have used my artistic voice to interpret 

my feelings about the world around me. 

When I am not designing jewelry or making beads, I’m with my family and children or I am 

teaching beginner and advanced PMC jewelry or hot glass bead making classes. I thoroughly enjoy 

teaching because I am able to help others to express themselves through their art. I’m hoping that 

unleashing their creativity through the arts is as liberating for them as it has been for me. 

– Holly Gage 

8 MetalClayToday.com • Summer 2010

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Rising Star 

Gale 

Schlagel 

PMC Locket 

with pearls 

and crystal, 

and 24K gold 

Antonio, Level II with Vera Lightstone in 

New York, and Level III with Linda Kline 

of Florida. 

Between Level I & II Certification 

Classes, in a magazine, I saw a reference 

to artist Debra Weld (debraweld.com) 

who lived in the area. I contacted 

her, and with her support, had pieces 

photographed by Larry Sanders in order 

to submit to magazines for publication. 

I am so grateful for Debra Weld’s 

encouragement to pursue PMC, and her 

guidance in learning Keum Boo. 


PMC Lentil 

bead pendant 

with pink CZ’s , 

pearls, crystal 

and 24K gold 

Professionally I have always worked 

as an interior designer. I have a BA in 

Art History and BFA in Design. I loved 

ceramics classes in college but not so 

much traditional silversmithing. 

About 7 years ago I had my first exposure 

to PMC at a bead show demonstration. I 

was mesmerized. Periodically, I attempted 

to find a local teacher for a class. Finally, 

frustrated, in 2008 I found the PMC 

Connection Certification classes. I took 

Level I with Sherry Foutopolis in San 

PMC Lentil 

‘bead holder ‘ 

pendant with 

yellow CZ, 

apatite, crystal 

and 24K gold

I have named these pieces as a series called “Beginnings,” as I am also a beginner. 

The lentil beads are first fabricated and carved. The ribbon elements are then applied. One is 

really a type of ‘bead holder’, of which I have made several. 

PMC Lentil 

bead pendant 

with CZ’s, 

tourmalines, 

fluorite and 

crystal with 24K gold 

Who knows what we have inside waiting to be 

discovered whether it be new ideas or new talents. I 

am adding complexity and creativity to my new pieces. 

I really like the responsiveness of the clay versus 

traditional silver smithing. The immediacy of the clay 

is intriguing...it’s just the 

clay, you and your hands 

doing the talking. 

As a beginner it is my goal to 

continue to build inventory, 

executing the possibilities of 

different design concepts, 

and taking my work in new 

directions. 

I enjoy teaching level one 

classes from just intro to 

2 day classes... as well as 

classes in Keum Boo, box 

and hinge construction. 

One piece is a locket. In the Level 

III Certification Class my locket/box 

melted... I came home, remade the 

project and this one, to prove to 

myself I could do it. 

I found that I really enjoyed design 

aspects that I could incorporate by 

working on a 3-dimensional plane 

like lentil beads. 

Then I started playing with negative 

space and the inside of the lentil 

to add additional interest and 

dimension, like that which can be 

found in natural seeds, pods and 

shells. I continue to experiment with 

different elements and construction. 

For me the lentils represent “new 

beginnings” or “secret worlds”. 

PMC Earrings 

Photography by Larry Sanders 

Contact Gale for information about her classes at www.galeschlagel.com. 


Capture Better Images 

of Your 

Jewelry 


by Steve Rossman 

Photographing your handcrafted jewelry 

can seem intimidating. But with a little 

preparation, and by following some 

reasonably simple practices and tips, you 

can dramatically improve the quality of 

your work. 

I’ve been shooting Jonna Faulkner’s 

jewelry (www.jonnafaulkner.com) and 

the work of other artists for many years. 

My techniques have evolved quite a bit 

Chrysalis 2 necklace 

from the early days. In fact, though a 

Jonna Faulkner 

long-time landscape photographer when 

we began documenting Jonna’s work, I 

had such a hard time 

capturing its beauty in the camera that I resorted to scanning jewelry 

on a simple desktop scanner. The technique yielded pretty good (but 

not spectacular) results. 

Slowly over time, I experimented with different equipment and 

techniques. Jewelry photography is still very much a work in progress 

for me, but the results have improved immeasurably. Doesn’t hurt, 

either, when you’re shooting terrific work! 

There are many elements to consider when shooting. First among 

them is to decide the emotion you want the photograph to convey. Is 

this a fanciful piece that would benefit from an informal, ‘whimsical’ treatment? Or is 

this work that demands drama (and, perhaps, a darker, more striking background)? 

To start out, here’s the best tip I can give you: use the best camera you can afford. 

Generally speaking, better cameras with better optics will yield better photos (or, at 

the least, an inexperienced photographer will find it easier to get good results from 

a good camera). I use a digital SLR (single lens reflex) which simply means that 

you view your subject directly through the lens. And I rely on just a couple of good 

interchangeable lenses. There’s no need to break the bank here. I always tend to use 

cameras that are a full step down from ‘state of the art.’ 

Two reasons: 

First, I’m cheap, and prices on last year’s model are substantially easier on the pocketbook 

than this year’s feature-laden ‘latest and greatest’ version.

Stepping Stone panel bracelet, Jonna Faulkner 

French Romance necklace 


Second, given the requirements for this kind of work (you’re not 

shooting hockey games at 25 frames per second or underseas 

coral reefs) a solid, dependable camera will often get you farther 

than an armload of bells and whistles. 

Even a good used camera can be more than adequate for your 

purposes, especially 

if you have a good 

camera repair shop 

in town (here in 

San Diego we have 

a great resource 

in Kurt’s Camera 

Repair, which checks 

out all my used 

camera purchases 

for me). 

My primary lens 

Autumn Fan 

for shooting SMALL 

jewelry is a 60mm 

necklace 

macro. This is a 


fixed lens (not a 

zoom) and the 

The necklace mixes silver and copper. The stark black 

background helps to show the piece to its best advantage. 

detail it can capture 

is excellent. When 

photographing larger 

pieces (necklaces where we want to show both the focal point/ 

centerpiece and the clasp/finding, for example) I use a wider 18- 

These pieces were scanned 

rather than photographed. 

French Romance is a straightforward 

scan on white background. 

For Stepping Stone a gradation was 

added in Photoshop. 

A wood and white muslin box was 

built for the Five Leaves, which gives 

a sense that they are floating. 

Five Leaves 


Pod Pendulum 

necklace 



70mm zoom lens. The reason, however, that I mention the macro lens first is that 

you’ll always get sharper images from a ‘fixed’ (or prime) lens than a zoom. If you’re 

using a zoom, then try to shoot towards the middle 

of the range (for an 18mm to 70mm lens, you’ll get 

the best sharpness when shooting between 24mm and 

55mm). 

Calla Lily pin 

Patricia Weilbacher 


I always shoot with a tripod and a cable release. This 

allows you to shoot at lower speeds, which usually 

yields greater ‘depth of field’ (which is defined as the 

range of distance within the subject that is acceptably 

sharp). 

In order to talk about depth of 

field, it probably makes sense 

to discuss a few of the basics 

of picture-taking. Generally 

speaking, there are just 3 

critical adjustments on the 

camera that need to be made 

when exposing an image: 

1. Aperture opening - The 

diameter of the lens when 

it’s open to let in light. This 

is measured in ‘f/stops.’ The 

higher the f/stop number, the 

smaller the opening. So f/2 is 

a huge opening, while f/32 is 

a tiny dot of an opening. 

A wide aperture opening lets a lot of light in, so you’d think 

that more is better. But there’s a trade-off: the wider the 

lens opening, the smaller your depth of field. So whenever, 

possible, you want to shoot with the smallest lens opening 

you can, to make sure that most of your jewelry piece will 

be in good focus. (And 

okay, sometimes, for 

dramatic effect, you’ll 

want selective focus and a narrower depth of 

field. We’ll discuss this in later installments.) 

belly bowl 

Vanessa Raffi Backer 

birdie girl 

Vanessa Raffi 

Backer 

2. Shutter Speed - The amount of time the 

lens remains open to collect light. 

In order to keep your lens opening small, you 

need to shoot for a longer period of time. The 

only way to do that without blurring the image, 

is to shoot with tripod and cable release. If your 

shooting reasonably long exposures (that’s 

anything over a 60th of a second) you’ll need 

the help a tripod provides. And admit it, just 

setting up your camera on a tripod makes you 

feel like a more professional photographer.

3. ISO - A setting that determines how sensitive the camera will be to incoming 

light. If you want to shoot in very low light situations, most cameras let you increase 

the ISO, setting, which makes the camera more sensitive to to the small amount of 

light that’s available. 

nautilus 

pendant 

Linda Jean 

The background is both mottled and 

gradated to compliment the texture 

of the piece 

The camera I use has a morethan-adequate 

automatic exposure 

function. And I use it often when 

shooting snapshots and such. 

But when I shoot jewelry, I want all 

the control I can get. 

That’s what’s going on inside the 

camera. The other variable under 

your control happens outside of 

your camera... the amount of 

available light, and the placement 

of light to enhance the jewelry you 

want to shoot. 

To be continued... 

in the next issue, 

we’ll talk about studio 

set-up and lighting. 

But here’s another nasty trade-off... the higher the 

ISO, the more visual ‘noise’ you get. Noise is like 

‘grain’ in old film cameras. (And ‘ISO’ is like ‘ASA’ in 

film cameras, for those of you who can remember back 

that far!) Whenever possible, shoot at 200 to 300 ISO, 

so you’ll get much less noise. This is another reason to 

use your tripod and cable release. 

So, making a proper exposure requires that you juggle 

all 3 of these considerations. To fully control these 

elements, you’ll want to have a camera that allows you 

to manually override any automatic exposures. Notice 

I say, “override.” There’s nothing inherently wrong with 

point-and-shoot automatic cameras. In general, they 

do a pretty good job of analyzing the amount of light 

and adjusting the exposure to create a decent shot. But 

to really make your work shine, you’ll often want more 

than an average exposure. 


“R“ Designs 

Unique designs in Jewelry 

Classes in metal clays, Art Clay certification (both 

Level 1 & offering Senior level) certification and cross-over classes certification for 

PMC certified artisans in Art are Clay offered Silver at Stan and Ann’s 

studio, in the as San well as Diego other area classes. 

Contact Stan and Ann Rosier for more information. 

For additional class information or to request a technique/project 

ann_stanrosier@yahoo.com 

to be taught, please email us at 

ann_stanrosier@yahoo.com 

619-578-2075 


Each class limited to 6 students. 

Level i Certification 

A 24 hour, intensive workshop to develop the students’ skills in working with Art Clay 

silver. Although it is optimum to do this in 3 successive days, we can work with students to 

break it up into parts, as long as work is completed within a 30 day window. The benefit of 

achieving a Level I certification is that each successful student earns a 35% DISCOUNT 

with ArtClay World. 

Dates to be determined 

Senior Level Certification 

A 32 hour, intensive workshop to further develop the skills of Level I students. Students 

must be a Level I for 6 months before being eligible to take this class. Class can be broken 

into 2 weekends, as long as work is completed within a 30 day window. After workshop is 

completed, each student must create 3 strictly defined projects which will be sent to Art Clay 

World to be juried. If successful, the student will achieve Senior status, gaining a higher 

discount with ArtClay World, and be approved to teach certification classes. 

Dates to be determined 

Crossover Certification 

(to be eligible, applicants must already be Certified PMC Rio Level 1 or Certified PMC Connections Level 2) 

One 8 hour day concentrating on good finishing techniques. If required projects are 

not completed during the 8 hours, the student will have no more than 30 days from day 

of class to present to instructor. The benefit of this Crossover Certification is that the 

successful student will be regarded as a Level I instructor with Art Clay World and receive 

all benefits of a Level I. 

Dates to be determined

METALCLAYARTS 

IN - ABOUT - FOR METAL CLAY 

LiL BeLLA 

TOOLS - GLASS 

KILN SAFE STONES 

LiL BeLLA Humidifier 

HAND CRAFTED ART JEWELRY 

WORKSHOPS CLASSES 

PRIVATE INSTRUCTION 

GALLERY - LINKS - SOURCES 

metalclayarts@gmail.com 

www.metalclayarts.com 

metalclayarts.Etsy.com 

DonnaLewis.Etsy.com 

Dynasty Creative 

Arts Studio 

A warm, inspiring and relaxing environment 

where you can design and create your own 

one-of-a-kind jewelry designs. 

Novice to advanced, individual instruction to 

group classes and private parties. 

• Hand blown lamp work beads, 

• Precious and semi-precious stones 

• Chains, Accessories & Tools 

• Unique hand-made jewelry 

works of arts with emphasis on 

local and national artists 

Visit, learn and make new 

friends. From one-of-a-kind 

jewelry designs, to unique 

components for jewelry arts... 

Dynasty 

is the destination. 

27134B Paseo Espada, # 201 

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 

Studio Phone: 949.240.1800 

studio@dynastycreativearts.com 


Photographs by Paul Garber 

Larger bottom half component.: 

Design and plan out your project. 

Lay the metal clay slab over your mold. 

Firmly press and shape the metal clay. 


‘Show Your 

Attraction’ 

Magnetic Clasp 

Roll out a slab of metal clay 

6 cards thick. 

Cut out the outline with a sharp knife only 

around the leaf leaving the metal clay area 

around the stem uncut. 

Lay a narrow plastic straw over the area of 

the stem. 

by Nancy Garber 

This is an attractive focal piece 

that functions as a clasp. 

Easy to fasten even with long nails 

or arthritic hands.

Second half of the magnet clasp: 

Fold up the metal clay that is left from 

cutting out leaf. This will form a channel 

to attach your beads when completing 

your project. 

Add additional metal clay to enclose the straw shaft. 

Add metal clay paste to securely seal the seam of your 

channel. Allow this piece to dry in the mold. 

This is the smaller leaf that will rest on top of the bottom portion of the clasp. 

This bezel cup is being inserted into position into the back 

side of the smaller leaf while it is still in the mold. Push the 

cup as deep as possible. 

Refining your pieces: 

Sand and refine your 2 components. 

Repeat above steps to form your second component. 

Secure the bezel cup into the wet metal clay with 

metal clay paste by pushing the fine silver bezel cup 

into the metal clay. 

Allow to dry in the mold. 


Lightly sand down the raised area where the 

bezel cup will sit. 

Apply a generous amount of silver clay paste 

to the areas you have prepared. 

Position the bezel cup onto the right side of the 

larger leaf. 

Place the bezel cup into the wet paste. Hold the bezel cup in place with gentle tension for a 

minute or so with your fingers or a clothes pin. Fire for 2 hours at 1650 degrees. 

Finishing the silver piece. 

Brass brush, tumble and burnish your piece until you are satisfied. Apply any patina at this time. 

glue the magnets in place. 

Glue your first magnet in place with 2 part epoxy. Let it dry before you glue the second magnet. 

Place the second magnet on top of the first magnet. This will allow you to identify which end 

of the second magnet will need to be glued. Mark the magnet with a marker. Glue the second 

magnet in place. Allow to completely dry. 

String your beads 

To string your beads, begin with a crimp bead appropriately crimped onto the send of your wire. 

Thread a stopper bead onto the wire. Next thread on one end of the clasp from the leaf end 

through the stem, exiting the stem. String your beads. 

End by going through the second end of your clasp from the stem end to the inside of the leaf. 

Secure the end with a stopper bead and a crimp. 

Check www.BrightonBeadsandMore.com for other tools products and kits 

• Magnetic Clasp Kit • Magnetic Clasp • Metal Silver Clay 


brighton beads and More 

9850 E. Grand River Ave. 

Brighton, MI 48116 

810 844-0066

Don Butler - The Carving Glove Guy 

5 small Dockyard Micro Carving Tools 

These tools are G2, G15, V15, 75V, SK 15... 

the smallest of the tools 

that Dockyard manufactures. 

www.thecarvinggloveguy.com 

METAL CLAY CLASSES 

Learn to work with the 

marvelous medium of metal clay 

at the Bravo School of Art. 

No previous experience in 

jewelry making or metalsmithing is required. 

Visit the bravoSchoolofArt.com 

website for information on upcoming classes 

to register, contact the bravo School of Art 

2690 Decatur Road, San Diego (619) 223-0058 

www.BravoSchoolOfArt.com 


Silver Silver/Copper 

Leaf Pendant 

Tools & Supplies: 

By Ann Rosier 

10 g Art Clay Copper Clay 

20 g Silver Clay - 

Art Clay or PMC 

Syringe (green tip) 

Paste 

Embosser 

or cutter of your choice 

(I used a leaf shape) 

Texture sheet 

Plastic Report Cover, 

if needed, to condition clay 

Various tools 

Please read all the directions before starting and remember to have 

all your tools and materials out before you open the clay. 

Count on 4-6 hours to finish this project. 

Roll out the Copper clay to 1.5 mm and cutout about the size of a quarter in the 

shape you want it to be. I used a leaf embosser. 

Dry & sand to clean and then torch fire the piece. You will get less oxidization when 

torched as opposed to a kiln. Heat it up to a cherry red and hold that color for 5 

minutes. Quench in water to remove the oxides. The Copper clay will shrink 7-10%. 

Roll out the silver clay to 1.5mm, texture and cut out with a cutter. Cut out the 

middle of the silver with the same shape you cut out the Copper clay with. Insert the 

fired copper cutout in the wet silver hole. Use your fingers or a stylus to “push” the 

silver close to the copper to enclose it in the silver. 


I decorated with leaf shape cutouts (4), placed 2 with paste on the silver overlapping 

onto the copper and 2 on the bail. I turned it over to the back, used a syringe to make 

a vine on the silver and placed more cutouts on the vine and overlapping a few on 

the copper with paste. 

Now make a bail over a straw and add to the piece. Dry, sand clean and fire according 

to the directions for your kiln and the type of silver clay you use (Art Clay or PMC). 

We have a Paragon SC2 and fire at 1200 for 30 minutes for Art Clay. *NOTE: if you 

only have texture on one side, we have found it best to place the textured side down 

while firing in the kiln or torch firing to prevent less oxidization on the textured side. 

Remove immediately and quench in water to take the oxides off the copper. Brush 

the piece with a soft brush. You can now put it in pickle to bring out the real shiny 

copper on the piece. Rinse in water and add the piece to a baking soda bath for a few 

minutes to neutralize the pickle. 

You may now LOS your piece if you want. One of the patinas I like is adding about 

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee to my warm LOS to achieve some beautiful blues, 

purples and pinks. Dip and rinse in water until you achieve the color you want. 

Tumble the piece for 20 minutes to an hour to finish the piece. 

I started out working with beading and wire wrapping 

about 30 years ago. It was only about 9 years ago that 

I began working with the metal clays. After our (myself 

and my husband, Stan) first metal clay class, we became 

very excited about this new medium. So excited, that we 

immediately bought a Paragon SC2 kiln. 

After a few months, I earned my Level I certification with 

Art Clay World, USA and then proceeded to Senior Level. 

I metalsmith, fold form and use the hydraulic press, 

enamel, design, am RIO certified in PMC. Stan and I 

teach all of the metal clays from our home studio including certification classes 

in Art Clay Silver and crossover classes in PMC. 

I have been working for ACW, selling and teaching in Pasadena and Las Vegas. 

I love working with all the clays. 

Stan and I are the Chapter leaders of the Metal Clay Alchemist’s Society of San 

Diego, which was formed in 2008 through the Art Clay World Society. I’m on the 

Board of the San Diego Bead Society and have been since about 2006. 

– Ann Rosier 


Tips ‘N Tricks 

Creating a Cool Tool Caddy 

Years ago, I came face to face with the truth that I had become a tool junkie. 

My table top had become so cluttered with tools, I spent more time looking 

for what I needed than actually making jewelry. It is those times when my 

back is so up against the wall that, 

in desperation, I can actually solve 

the problem. 

This is a 2-shelf unit... 

I only needed one of them. 

Back at my studio, I cut the legs off of 

one side with a heavy-duty wire cutter. 

With heavy-duty pliers (not jewelrymaking 

pliers) I gently angled the legs 

of the other side so that the grid stood 

up at an angle. 

I then collected every jewelry-making 

tool I could find and started hanging 

them across the grid. 


I walked the aisles of The Container 

Store until I found a white vinylclad 

pantry shelf with a grid of 1” 

squares.

As hard as I try to be neat while I 

work, my basic tools such as round 

noses, chain noses, and wire cutters 

still always wind up scattered across 

my desktop. 

But now, within a tiny footprint of a 

mere 7” square, my wonderful tool 

caddy holds 32 or more of my more 

exotic tools in plain sight, ready for 

me when I need them. 

There are some tools that have the 

little flat springs inside their handles 

that like to get caught on the grid. 

To fix that I cut 1” sections of the 

largest plastic straw I could find, and 

slit them lengthwise. I threaded them 

over some of the grids spaces and now 

those tools don’t get caught anymore. 

Editor’s Notes: 

Many stores carry pantry shelves with the 

wires running in only one direction. Make 

sure you get one with grid ‘squares’ so that 

it will stand up vertically with horizontal grid 

lines. Make sure the legs are fixed rigidly in 

place and not designed to collapse flat. 

I found them online for $5.99 at 

The Container Store at: 

http://www.containerstore.com/shop?produc 

tId=10000160&N=&Ntt=pantry+shelf 

or: 

http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/storagesolutions-stacking-shelves-set-of-6--whitemedium 

– AW 


Origami... 

it’s not 

just for 

paper 

anymore 

by Sara Cole 

My best inspiration comes from metal 

clay sheet. My favorite way to use the 

sheet is folding. 

When Metal Clay Today announced 

the Carpe Beadum bead competition 

I decided to find a bead shape for 

folding the metal clay sheet. Both Art 

Clay Silver and PMC have a paper type 

of metal clay that can be folded. Both 

types are made without water but with stabilized moisture so they stay supple and 

flexible without drying out. I use the smaller thinner PMC Sheet for folding my projects. 

I have folded origami for many years into shapes like cranes and lilies. Origami folding 

changes a flat sheet into a three-dimensional object. PMC Sheet gave me a chance to 

do creative folding, making shapes as components for my jewelry creations. 

My process is to take a traditional origami fold and use it in 

a new way to create a new form, a silver form that can be 

enhanced by adding clay or by joining the folded piece to 

other metals. I folded a complex cone bead shape for the bead 

competition. (conebeadSJC.jpg) But I picked a familiar folded 

shape for this article, one that I would imagine you made as a 

child. I know I used up lots of notebook paper making what we 

on the playground called a “cootie (bug) catcher” This shape, 

I have learned, is better known as the “fortune teller”. I have 

used the original fortune teller shape to show how this one 

shape can be altered to make a unique piece. Practice with a 

piece of paper so when you fold the sheet you will have learned the steps. 


1. First fold the opposite corners of the square together 

making an ‘X’ in the center with the crease lines. 

Open the sheet out flat. 

2. Fold in the out side corners to meet 

in the center of the ‘X’. 

3. Turn the piece over and press 

firmly to make the folds stay. 

4. Fold the thick corners to meet in 

the center of the ‘X’. 

5. Turn the folded piece over. 

6. Fold down the outer corners until they meet and pinch up the 

inner ‘+’ that is made between the single layer 

flaps. 

7. Lift the four single layer flaps to make the 

“fortune teller” pocket spaces. 

8. Pinch the ridge that crosses in the center so 

it will stay in place. Fire and finish. 

Tip: The sheet can be fired as soon as it is folded with no drying 

time. When firing always start with a cold kiln. 

9. To change the shape into 

something that was new I used 

the floppy nature of the PMC 

sheet and allowed the last four 

single layer flaps to fall gently 

forward before firing. This shape 

is compact enough to stand with 

no support on the kiln shelf for 

firing. 



Tip: Support dimensional pieces with kiln blanket or place the 

folded piece in a container of vermiculite. 

10. After the first firing the flaps were shaped with round nosed 

pliers and metal clay balls were added, then the 

shape was fired again. 

Tip: Lump clay may be added to the folded sheet 

before or after firing. Water will dissolve the sheet 

so be very careful when adding wet clay to unfired 

sheet. 

11. After the second firing the bead was tumbled 

and finished with glass beads and sterling wire. 

This one bead is the 

beginning of even more 

possibilities for 

the fortune teller. 

See if you can discover 

your own unique bead in 

the fortune teller folds. 

Happy folding! 

Sara Jayne 

I began promoting folding metal clay sheet in 2003 with my first article 

about origami and PMC sheet in “Studio PMC”. More folding and articles 

later I am still learning about folding metal clay. I enjoy sharing what I have 

learned so I am very excited about my book Metal Clay Origami Jewelry 

published by Lark Books Aug. 2010, ISBN 1-60059-533-2. 

– Sara Cole


Blo g 

Best of the Blogs 

by Lori Phillips 

I am devoting this Best of Blog segment to our international 

readers. When this magazine started, we became aware of 

how many of our subscribers lived around the world. We think 

it is incredible! Metal clay has taken the world by storm! It’s a 

small world after all, it’s a small world after all... now I can’t 

get that song out of my head! 

Emma Baird, an extremely talented metal clay and lampworking 

artist, has a very sweet blog, telling the world what is happening 

across the Pond, in Scotland. She does not post very often but 

what she does post is great! In April, she explained to her 

readers how the bead shop she teaches in had just moved. She 

posted some fabulous pictures of ”The Little Bead Shop” and 

their new location looks perfect! Good Luck to all of you in your 

newest endeavor! 

I enjoy going through her archives because you are 

never quite sure what you are going to find. In December of 

2009, I came across a tutorial Emma had put together for a Faux Bone Bangle. Even though 

it took me to a competitor’s site, I thought it was well put together and I am looking forward 

to attempting it. Emma, can I talk you into more tutorials on your blog? 

http://emmabaird.wordpress.com 

Louise Hunter is the blogger for Peculiar Forest. She apparently just moved to France from 

the UK, not too long ago. I’m so jealous! Louise plays very, very well with polymer clay 

and metal clays. I think a new clayer would find her metal clay work inspiring and not 

intimidating. Some metal clay artists have beautiful, yet complicated pieces, sometimes 

leaving new artists feeling inadequate. (Me!) There is absolutely nothing wrong with that for 

the more experienced clayers! However, Louise’s pieces have a feeling of ease and simplicity 

and I feel seeing her pieces will be encouraging to newbies. This same ease translates to 

her blog as well, giving the readers an enjoyable journey. Take your time and read her older 

postings for tidbits of knowledge. 

OOOh, don’t miss out on her fabulous polymer clay cake toppers, they are the cutest 

toppers I have ever seen! 

http://peculiarforest.blogspot.com 

Always make the time to go through the Archives of any blog you visit. You will encounter 

hours of enjoyment. As I have found through my journeys, you never know what nugget of 

wisdom will be given to you free of charge! 

PS: do remember to get up and stretch! 

It’s good for your brain and your bottom! 

Check out our blog at http://metalclaytoday.wordpress.com/2010/03/ 

Then come and visit our fan page on Facebook! If you do, you’ll be the first to know about 

the new contests, the winners and anything else we decide to leak out to our awesome fans. 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/MetalClayToday/288344465863?ref=mf 


Happy Blogging! 

Lori

Guest Blogger 

outSiDE LooKing into 

thE WoRLD oF MEtAL CLAY 

Blo g 

I remember the day my wife became interested in Metal Clay Art as if it were 

yesterday. She came to me and said, “Honey, I need a killin’!”. I thought ‘oh my, 

who is she mad at?’. So I asked her who she wanted to kill. After a stunned look 

and silence from her, she collected herself and ask me what I was talking about? I 

replied, “You want to kill somebody so who are you mad at?” It then registered with 

her that I misunderstood Kiln with Killin’. And that was my introduction to a complete 

new world and a new vernacular. 

Well, she got her Kiln and she got a whole bunch of other stuff that I cannot even 

remember the names of other than ‘glass’, and ‘clay’ and like all of us on new 

ventures, when we first start, we really are not that good. She would pull something 

out of what I now called the “Oven” and would proudly display a mangled mess 

of something. Having been married a long time and wanting to stay that way, I 

would say that is nice honey but then, stupidly, would blurt out, “What is it?” Oops. 

Fortunately she understood I was ignorant about this Metal Clay world and she 

moved full steam ahead. 

Over time and many classes she attended, I began to recognize stuff coming out of 

the oven (aka Kiln) as being something. And then one day, I noticed how the ‘stuff’, 

although gawky (meaning big to me), was really beginning to look good. 

Eventually she moved from going to classes to teaching classes. Then she began 

writing about how she made ‘stuff’. And more importantly, she was getting published 

on the web and in trade magazines. And because I could now recognize the ‘stuff’ 

coming out of the oven, I could give honest opinions and stay married. After all, she 

was now teaching, she was published and she became a Senior Certified Art Clay 

World instructor and my little comments were not going to break her confidence 

in any way. In fact, she had even been commissioned to make a custom piece for 

a wedding. And the feedback from the wedding party was very positive. I actually 

like it too. So much so I am encouraging her to start her own line. Why not? She is 

good at it and people are now seeking her out to make them ‘stuff’ so, hey, seems 

to me that the next logical step on this journey of Metal Clay Art would be your own 

designer line. 

Anyways, whether or not she does this, in the end, won’t matter. She and two other 

ladies have started an online magazine called Metalclaytoday.com and with over 

1000 subscribers, this is keeping her pretty busy. 

What’s that old saying, “You’ve come a long way, baby!” And although I’m on the 

outside looking in, the inside is looking pretty darn good these days in her world of 

Metal Clay Art. 

– Michael Shea 

Check out Metal Clay Today’s blog at 

http://metalclaytoday.wordpress.com/2010/03/ 


Book Reviews 

Patricia has 20 years of experience with polymer clay, plus 5 years with metal clay. 

She draws on all this experience to write a comprehensive, jam-packed book! There is 

so much information in this book; I had to read it several times, just to take it all in. 


Perfectly Paired: 

Designing Jewelry with 

Polymer and Metal Clays 

by Patricia Kimle 

Kambach Books 2010 

Her step-by-step instructions are clear and concise, while the 

pictures she’s chosen to accompany them are clustered in 

alphabetical order, making them easier to follow. With each 

new project, Patricia adds an extra measure of organization 

by color coding her three different techniques, one for Metal 

Clay, then Polymer Clay, and last, Connections, such as cold 

or soldered, etc. 

Patricia also uses the same colors to tell what tools are 

necessary for each technique, and all the colors are well 

defined in the back of the book. I believe this is a particularly 

helpful way to inform and keep her instructions organized 

for every level of jewelry artist. 

I truly love how she starts with whimsical jewelry pieces, making 

the readers first projects combining the two mediums a whole lot of fun! Berries, 

pencils, paintbrushes, and my favorite, ice cream cones are just a few of the pieces 

she creates. Cute, very very cute and not difficult! 

In this book, Patricia takes the reader on a journey from whimsy... to beauty and 

elegance. Each of her twenty pieces creates a new challenge, as well as teaching new 

skills to the reader. Every new element Patricia adds is explained in more detail in the 

proper color-coded segment in the back several pages, leaving nothing to question! 

Plus, the nitty gritty basics for all three techniques are covered by her meticulous 

instructions, also towards the end of the book. 

I am enormously excited about this book! I know that I will be referring to it often 

because of all of the well presented ideas! Patricia, bravo for all the hard work that 

went into this book! I hope it flies off the shelves! 

PS… I can’t wait to make my own ice cream cone necklace!

Bronze Metal Clay 

Explore a New Material 

with 35 Projects 

by Yvonne Padilla 

Lark 2010 

by Lori Phillips 

From the moment I picked up this book I knew Yvonne had written it to be an extremely 

user friendly reference guide about working with Bronze Clay! 

She’s taken an effective and unique approach to instructing the readers. Starting with 

the Table of Contents all the way to the wonderful drawings, the bases are covered for 

both the visual and auditory learners. (This is important to me as I work with children and 

am very interested in their learning modalities.) 

Yvonne’s extensive use of photographs, showing the step by step process is really 

helpful for those of us who are visual learners. This same approach continued into the 

troubleshooting segment giving the reader clear pictures of each problem that can occur 

during the firing process of bronze clay. 

As an auditory learner, I am one of those students who ask so many questions in class 

that I drive teachers crazy! Therefore, I appreciated how Yvonne answers the readers 

questions before they are asked. There are at least 24, well thought out questions. 

Each answer is detailed enough to appeal to any level of metal clay artist. I, myself, was 

excited about her answer for adding patinas with an ammonia fume. Humm, I think I 

will give it a try soon! 

I was so impressed by the diversity of the projects Yvonne chose to feature. Her jewelry 

projects give metal-clayers enough information to be successful. She’s even included the 

instructions to make your favorite pet, a custom name tag! You 

know you’ve been neglecting them while your claying, so give 

them a treat! 

Worth noting, Yvonne’s excellent photo example from various 

well known artists, dispersed throughout the book, read like a 

Metal Clay Who’s Who! You will find wonderful examples from 

18 of your favorite artists from Tim McCreight to Celie Fago, 

including Yvonne herself. 

I must give Yvonne five thumbs up for writing a book that 

appeals to just about anyone who picks it up. This includes 

jewelry makers, traditional metalsmiths, and anyone interested 

in custom home décor (her segment on making custom bronze 

home numbers, is truly thinking outside the box!) 

This book came out in early May and I assure you, once people hear about it; it will 

be hard to keep on the shelves! 

Yvonne, I see this book becoming a great success! Fabulous Job! Keep on Claying and 

Writing!! 


Pirate Punk Cuff by 

Jungle Tribe.etsy.com 


Trends, Forecasts & Predictions 

Every once in a while we need to remind 

ourselves that women are not the only ones 

who wear jewelry. There are trends turning in 

men’s fashion now that deserve the jewelry 

designer’s attention. 

by Lori Delisle 

The Men of Fall 2010 

Trend - 1930’s & 40’s Military 

Men’s casual wear can have a great nod to 1940’s WWII 

era military jackets in neutral colors, 

belted/fitted at the waist, accented with 

brass buttons and finished off with a pair 

of aviator boots. Think of echoing antique 

Trinity Ring by 

esmeraldadesigns. 

etsy.com 

Deer Head Pin by 

Mondern- 

MeetsWhimsey. 

etsy.com 

brass buttons or military bars in cuff 

Vintage Fox 

Button Cufflinks by 

Krishenka.etsy.com 

links, cuff bracelets or pins. 

Consider mixing in leathers, 

heavy woolens or canvas. 

Trend - Hats 

A man in a fedora, newsboy or 

kangol hat can be super stylish. 

Add to their street appeal with 

masculine hat pins. 

Trend - Men’s Broaches & Lapel Pins 

Men’s suiting can take a cutting edge look with 

broaches and lapel pins. Old world vintage is a 

great look for men, especially Scottish & English 

inspirations on overcoats and casual sport coats. 

Tailored suits can sport a more dapper look with 

a boutonniere of feathers and metal. 

Skeleton Key Brooch by silverowlcreations.etsy.com 

Happy Designing! 

Lori 

Petite Wandering Circle Scarf or Hat Pin 

By DonnaJs.etsy.com 

Entwined Gingko Leaf Brooch 

by knitsteel.etsy.com 

Golden Wedding 

Boutonniere by 

woomi.etsy.com

The MCT Challenge! 

Your challenge is... 

Mixed Media 

Magic 

Create a piece that is composed of at least 50% 

metal clay... and any other medium such as 

polymer, sheet metal, glass or fabric. 

All entries should be named and must be 

accompanied by a caption, in 25 words or less, 

defining how your piece fits this theme. 

Email your 4” x 6” 300 ppi photos along with your name, 

the project’s title, and your contact information 

to editor@metalclaytoday.com by August 7th, 2010. 

We will post your submissions at www.metalclaytoday.com 

and your peers will vote to decide who wins. 

Voting will take place from August 15th to August 25th. 

Winners will be announced on September 1st. 

Projects must include at least 50% metal clay. 

Visit www.MetalClayToday.com for more details. 

First Place Prize - A selection of Spinning Rings 

Sterling Silver Ring Blanks - Courtesy of McDuck Creations 

Second Place Prize - $50 worth of Dichroic Cabs 

Courtesy of GBU-Art 

Third Place Prize - Linda’s Lid 

Hydrating Syringe Holder - Courtesy of NatureScape Studio 


impressed 1 

Joy Funnell 

New Beginnings 

We thank all of the artists who participated 

in Metal Clay Today’s Winter Challenge. 

nurturing of 

the new Child 

Teva C. 

Check out the new challenge at www.metalclaytoday.com 


Resurrection 

Hillary A. 

Copper Cats 

Stanley M. 

What’s in 

Your belly? 

Kathryn C. 

Come out of 

the Circle of time 

LInda S.

aby Coconut Vessel 

Alcina N. 

Secret World .001 

Gale Schlagel 

Spring is here 

Sherry S. 

Springtime 

in the garden 

Melodie O. 

Secret World .003 

Gale Schlagel 

brand new World 

Dyanne W. 

Flutter 

Nicky S. 

Spring Rose 

Anna S. 

Check out the new challenge at www.metalclaytoday.com 


New Beginnings 

Our readers have voted... and here are the results! 


First Place 

Springtime in 

the garden 

by Melodie owen 

Melodie received a $100 

Metal Clay Findings 

Gift Certificate 

Second Place 

Spring Rose 

by Anna Siivonen 

Anna received an 

Artclay Coppr Kit 

Melodie grew up in a family of artists 

in the Southwest and has been influenced 

by them and many teachers as she has 

developed her remarkable style. 

Her passion for jewelry began at a 

young age when she started working in a fine 

jewelry store in her home town of Farmington, 

NM. By the time she left to go to college she 

still owed the store money! 

She studied commercial art in College 

before pursuing her MBA but has always kept 

involved in some form of art. Her studio is in 

Albuquerque, NM. 

She works with various materials but her favorite medium is 

silver splashed with the color of gems, crystals, fused glass, titanium 

and objects found in nature. Her work portrays the eccentric side of 

both the artist and the wearer as she creates pieces that synthesize 

excitement with elegance. 

Melodie is PMC certified and a member of the PMC Guild and the Art 

Clay Society. She has received extensive training through Rio Grande 

and has completed numerous classes with instructors throughout 

the country. In addition to metal clay, she is trained in traditional 

metalsmithing, beading, glass work and other jewelry techniques. She 

enjoys the creative freedom of drawing on the various methods that will 

best accomplish a design. “It just makes you a better artist all around if 

you have an understanding of these various methods.” 

She loves to learn from online exchanges and magazines. “I was 

thrilled when the new Metal Clay Today magazine came out. Such a 

wonderful resource for the metal clay community!” 

Her work has appeared in the 2010 “Art and Design of Metal 

Clay Jewelry” calendar by Gage Designs and the Art Clay Society 

Quarterly www.artclayworld.com. She was recently the featured 

artist of Sia Corrina.com of Athens, Greece. Melodie is pleased to 

have won the New Beginnings design competition sponsored by 

Metal Clay Today. Her work can be seen at MelodieOwen.com. 

“I have been creating 

with different types of 

clay since childhood. 

I especially like sculpting 

which can be seen 

in many of my metal 

clay creations. I first 

heard of silver clay 

in 2004 and was 

mesmerized by the 

possibility to use my 

clay experience and make unique things 

with precious metal. 

My favorite thing is to experiment, to 

learn new techniques and try new materials. 

I love the fact that metal clay is such a new 

material that it´s still evolving. It´s a metal clay 

evolution and I am happy to experience it. 

I am a little bit envious at the metal clay 

people who live in North America since 

most things in the metal clay world seem to 

happening there. 

My latest love is copper and bronze clay, 

it´s great for sculpting and I love the colors 

and patina you can get. 

Anna Siivonen is the writer of ”Skapa i 

Silverlera” (Create in silver clay) the first 

Swedish book about silver clay, the book 

has also been translated and published in 

Finland. To see more of Anna’s work visit the 

gallery at her homepage: www.silverlera.nu”

Third Place 

A brand new World 

by Dyanne Welch 

Dyanne received 25 grams of Silver Clay 

I have to create… 

it is in my soul. 

Working with textiles I 

discovered the diverse 

world of jewelry making. 

Every day brings 

new challenges, new 

techniques, and new 

ways of expressing 

myself through various 

mediums... beads, 

stones, wire, found 

objects, and metal clay. 

When first introduced to Metal Clay, I 

knew it was a medium that would become an 

integral part of my life. I have been fortunate 

to study this medium with some wonderful 

artist instructors and continue to do so. 

I approached it with the philosophy of 

a wonderful chef who said, “First learn the 

rules. Once those are mastered, the real joy 

of creativity can cut loose. “ 

I am having a wonderful time doing just 

that… cutting loose, expressing what is in 

my heart with my hands with this wonderful 

medium Metal Clay. It is exciting, exhilarating 

and fulfilling. 

Inspiration and ideas just seem to find 

me, sometimes even in my sleep. My work 

is influenced by my deep spiritual beliefs, 

children, things of nature, especially the sea, 

life on the ranch and architecture. 

I see it, I feel it in my heart, I then turn it 

over to my hands to shape and form it into 

a piece that is personal and heartfelt. I may 

make just components for several days, then 

when an inspiration comes to me, I assemble 

them into that idea, perhaps adding more 

components, perhaps not. Some ideas come 

and are so compelling, I have to sit down and 

take it from start to finish. 

My wish is for anyone owning a piece of 

my jewelry to hear the song it is singing and 

feel good when wearing it. 

Dyanne is a member of the PMC Guild, Secretary 

of the Mcasa, Metal Clay Artists of San Antonio, 

the San Antonio Chapter of the PMC Guild, a 

member of the Art Clay Society and is Level III 

metal clay certified. 

Third Place 

Come out of the 

Circle of time 

by Linda Stiles Smith 

Linda received 25 grams 

of Silver Clay 

Creating art and crafts all her life, 

Linda earned a BFA at Wright State 

University in 1995. Although fascinated 

with and studying several media in 

college, she earned a fellowship to Yale 

Summer School of Art for her skill in 

painting. As the primary designer of the 

duo, Linda is a a talented multi-media 

artist. She is currently creating jewelry 

in silver metal clay and incorporates 

glass beads and gemstones into the 

designs. “New designs are popping 

out of my head every day!’ 

Linda has taught many courses in 

art history, marketing and studio art. Her 

broad experience and teaching skill has 

afforded her students the opportunity to 

learn and grow from her knowledge. 

Earning certification as a Senior Art 

Clay World Instructor in 2005 and PMC 

in 2006, she continues to learn new 

techniques to share. Combining skill in 

teaching and knowledge of materials 

with an open and caring attitude, (and 

oodles of patience!) Linda enables 

students to discover and experience 

the media that she loves. A variety of 

classes and workshops are offered in 

her studio and at cooperating shops 

and art centers. 

Third Place 

impressed 1 

by Joy Funnell 

Joy received 25 grams 

of Silver Clay 

Based in 

Hastings 

East 

Sussex, 

UK, 

Joy is a 

Craftsman 

of the 

Guild of 

Enamellers and a Senior 

Art Clay Instructor. Having 

originally started out making 

jewellery as a hobby by 

learning from books, she 

made the life changing 

decision to go into it full time 

several years ago. 

Joy teaches on a regular 

basis and specialises in 

tailored one to one workshops. 

She creates unique colourful 

handmade jewellery using 

Silver, Enamel, and Glass. 

Pieces are often reversible 

adding to their individuality. 

She also hand makes many 

of the fine silver chains she 

uses on her larger pieces and 

her bejewelled bracelets. 

Joy uses transparent 

enamels on the fired silver 

so the beauty of the silver 

can shine through. She 

specialises in her Enamelled 

Accents technique where 

jewel like colours are 

captured in fine silver wires 

on the surface. 

www.joyfunnell.co.uk 

www.joyfunnell.blogspot.com 


Class Listings, Show Schedules, Organization News 

Calling all Guilds! 

Tell the world where and when you meet. 

Send information about your class listings, show schedules... 

and meeting times and locations of your 

metal clay, artisan or jewelry making organizations. 

Please include your name, where and when, name and 

e-mail address of the contact person. 

We believe that it is important for all metal clay enthusiasts 

to have a forum for networking and promoting their work. 

international — Australia 

the First international Chapter of the PMC guild 

The Victoria, Australia Chapter, based in Melbourne. 

Meetings are held alternate months. For Information contact carolgregory30@gmail.com 

united States — 

California 

Metal Clay Alchemists Society of San Diego County 

Meets quarterly at the Continuing Education, West City Pt. Loma Campus, room 127., 6:00 pm 

The address is 3249 Fordham St, San Diego 92110. 

Contact Stan or Ann Rosier for more information. All Metal Clay Enthusiasts are welcome! 

San Diego County Chapter of the PMC guild 

Meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 6:30 pm 

5654 Mildred Street, San Diego, CA 92110 

Blog: www.sdcpmcguild.blogspot.com http://www.pmcguild.com/chapters/sandiego/about.html 

Contact Person: Melissa @ mwilcoxson83@aol.com 

San Diego guild 

Contact Louise Shadonix, Oversight Director San Diego PMC Guild for more information. 

Colorado 

the Western Slope Metal Clay Artisans Chapter 

aka grand Junction Chapter of the PMC guild and the Art Clay Society. 

We serve metal clay enthusiasts on the western slope of Colorado and in eastern Utah. We meet in 

Grand Junction, CO on the third Saturday of every month from 10 am to 2 pm where we have studio 

exploration time lead by our members as well as several seminars each year presented by nationally 

known metal clay artists. We are a ‘non-denominational’ group dually chartered by both PMC Guild 

(PMCG) and Art Clay Society (ACS) with interest in all types of metal clay. We have no local dues, but 

members are required to join both the ACS and PMCG after attending one meeting. 

Contact Cindy Holst Chapter Leader cindysancolorado@yahoo.com for more information. 

Florida 

Florida Suncoast Chapter of PMC guild (Sarasota and Bradenton), 

meets at 6:30 on the third Wednesday of each month at the Reinemeyer Studio, 2550 26th St., West 

Bradenton, FL. Contact Wendy Traver or visit http://www.pmcguild.com/chapters/floridasuncoast.html for 

more information. 


PMC Southwest Florida, is the southwest Florida chapter of athe national PMC Guild. The southwest 

Florida chapter meets in the southern half of Florida at least part of the year. We look forward to meeting 

you. Contact Helene K. helene_florida@yahoo.com for more information. 

the Miami Metal Clay Artists, which is the local chapter of Art Clay Society, USA, and PMC Guild 

meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 630 p.m. for social and 7:00 for meeting and project. 

Meetings are held at Torchfire Studio, 4229 Southwest 75th Ave., Miami, FL 33255. We welcome all metal 

clay enthusiasts. Contact chapter leader Bernadette Denoux 305 273-8829.For more information visit 

www.miamimetalclayartists.com Email Bernadette at Miamimetalclayartists@yahoo.com. 

illinois 

Chicago South Metal Clay Alliance welcomes all metal clay enthusiasts: all experience levels, all 

brands, all metals! We are a technique-focused but relaxed and open group who loves to meet on the 

3rd Saturday of each month at 1pm, at Art Clay Society Headquarters. (4535 Southwest Highway, Oak 

Lawn, IL 60453). We enjoy demonstrations mingled with open studios, field trips, and priceless info 

sharing. For more information, please email Katie at Katie@artclayworld.com. We’ll enjoy meeting you! 

Suburban Silver Society meets the second Friday of each month, all metal clay artists are invited. We 

are a hands-on group, we work on a project at each meeting. New techniques and demonstrations are 

presented. For more information contact Deb Wojnorowski at fussyfinery@sbcglobal.net. 

Kansas 

the Kansas City chapter of the PMC guild is an eclectic group of artists from the great Kansas 

City metropolitan area with a common interest in metal clays—PMC, ArtClay, Copper, Bronze. We meet 

the 3rd Tuesday of each month to share a hands-on exploration of a technique or media. Dues are 

currently $10.00 annually. Contact chapter president Lynette Fisk at bylynette@gmail.com or check out 

our website www.kcpmcguild.org for current meeting information. 

Massachusetts 

greater boston Metal Clay guild meets every 4th Sunday of each month at Metalwerx, 

50 Guinan Street, Waltham, MA from 7pm - 9pm. Each meeting we discuss new topics, ideas, have 

a demo, and discuss our current month’s 

challenge. For more information visit them at http:// 

bostonmetalclay.com/ or http://www.facebook. 

com/#/group.php?gid=130525423846 

new hampshire 

the Merrimack Valley Metal Clay 

Collaborative 

meets every third Sunday of the month, 

except holidays from 11 a.m. until ? 

at Art Clay Studio, llc, 

99 Factory St., Ext., Nashua, NH 03060 

Contact Carol at 603-560-5402 No dues 

www.freewebs.com/artclaysocietynewengland/ 

new York 

PMC guild-Syracuse/CnY Chapter meets 

the 3rd Sunday of the month at 3:00-4:45 at the 

Manlius Public Library, 

1 Arkie Albanese Way, Manlius 

upstate new York Metal Clay guild 

Studio 34 Creative Arts Center and Gallery, 34 

Elton St., Rochester, NY 14607. Contact Marilynne 

at Studio34artists@aol.com or call 585-737-5858 

for more information. 

ohio 

the northeast ohio Chapter of the PMC 

guild meets monthly in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. 

For more information please contact the chapter 

representative at neopmc155@gmail.com 

Carol A. Babineau 

Art Clay Master Instructor 

jewelry . classes . workshops 

99 Factory St. Ext., Nashua, NH 03060 603-560-5402 www.artclaystudio.com 


Gallery 

Deep Waters 

Antiqued PMC3 and Lapis 

Picnic table 

PMC3 with King Man Turquoise 


Glenda Skarie 

Photographer: Rebekah Beisner 

geometubes 

PMC3 with Carmelian, Jade, and 

Unikite

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Summer 2010 - Metal Clay Today

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