METAL CLAY TODAY MAGAZINE WINTER 2009 ISSUE

is excited to present...

30 Minute Firing Time! A short firing time allows instructors to easily teach one-day classes and students can take their pieces home the same day. No Activated Carbon or Firing Pan Required! With Art Clay Copper theres no need to deal with the messy handling or clean-up of activated carbon. Use Your Paragon SC-2 Kiln Without Worries! Since the SC-2 Kiln is not recommended for long hold times at high temperatures, the 30 minute firing time of Art Clay Copper is perfect for the SC-2. Under 10% Shrinkage! Art Clay Copper shrinks a little less than 10% during the firing process.www.artclayworld.com ~ [email protected] ~ 708-857-8800 ~ US Toll Free 866-381-0100

COPPER

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Winter 2009

Publishers Notepad

Dear Readers, Happy Holidays! May Peace and Prosperity be yours during this wonderful Season of Giving and throughout the coming year. What a great year 2009 has been for both Arli and me. Since launching Metal Clay Today, we have been privileged to meet, work with and enjoy the company of many gifted artisans whose work is awe inspiring. Were looking forward to 2010 with enthusiasm because it is promising to be a year of growth and many adventures in metal clay. Did you know that part of our Mission Statement includes the promotion of Metal Clay Artisans and their work? So with that in mind, we will soon be launching a beta or test program for Metal Clay Artists. Think of it as the cyberspace version of an Artists Cooperative (co-op) where each Metal Clay Artists can promote and sell their works of art. Only instead of charging the usual percentage or split there will be a small monthly fee. This fee will be used to cover the cost of tech support, advertising, etc. Each member Artist will keep their entire commission. Artists enrolled in the program will have their own web address and will have space to list upcoming classes or shows and a place for their bio. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, then we need to hear from you. We are looking for beta testers to help us work out the kinks. Email us at [email protected] with your name and email address. In this issue we are starting a new feature. Its dedicated to the Guilds, Societies and other forms of social networking available. Todays issue introduces you to our own group, the Metal Clay Alchemists of San Diego County, and in the coming years we hope to showcase other Guilds and Societies from all over the world. Of course, it will be up to the Guild leaders, Presidents or their media chairs to get the information to us about their groups. Who knows, maybe someday a Metal Clay Enthusiast could plan a vacation around the Guilds whose meetings they want to attend! Check out this issues challenge. Its call the Spirit of Giving. And speaking of giving, we would like to thank every Artist whose contributions have graced the pages of Metal Clay Today. We truly couldnt have done it without you! Wishing you all the Joys of the Season. Clayfully yours,

Tes SheaCo-Publisher, Webmaster/Editor Metal Clay Today

Winter 2009 MetalClayToday.com

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January 2010 Volume 1, Issue 2

Artist Showcase AlexDaini

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creatively mixes porcelain with Silver Clay

Rising Star VickieHallmark

whose work is for the birds, so to speak

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New Copper Clay that works as easily as Silver

Itshere...itshere!

Zentangles

A guide to adding silver to glass

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A step-by-step for paper-type metal clay

Tubular

Winter 2009

CarpeBeadumMeet the entrants and the winners of Metal Clay Todays first Challenge.

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Features

3 18 20 21 23 27 31-33WINTER 2009

Publishers Notepad Tips N Tricks Best of the Blogs Trends, Forecasts and Predictions Metal Clay Todays new Challenge Guild News Book & Product Reviews

here Its here. .. its

Its the NewCopper ClayCreate an easy way to roll your clay!

Our cover features the beautiful work of 2 great Metal Clay artists: Alex Dainis Wapa Pendant inspired byAn invitation to Zentangle... Silver on Glass

Meet Artists Alex Daini and Vickie Hallmark

Amazon Indian basketry in Silver, Brass and Gold Vickie Hallmarks hand-carved BronzClay Bird Rings.

Subscribers are free to print this magazine for their own use. Please share it with your family and friends. The intellectual property and photos of the artists is copyright protected.


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Artist Showcaseby Tes Shea

Alexandra DainiWapa pendant Inspired by Amazon Indian basketry Silver, brass and gold

I had the pleasure of meeting Alexandra Daini at the Metal Clay Conference in Chicago IL this past July. She really opened my eyes to new possibilities with her presentation of mixing porcelain with Silver Overlay Paste.River of grass Inspired by the Everglades Silver

Alex lives in South Carolina, around Greenville, where she has her studio and home-schools her son. She was born in Caracas, Venezuela and grew up in a family of artists. Her first art lessons were with her father, the sculptor Hugo Daini. He would give her clay to make her own sculptures while he worked modeling his monumental sculptures. Trained as a designer in Milan, Italy, her artistic career began as a graphic artist. Finally she found her real passion in silver jewelry. It was in 2004 that she started to incorporate Silver Clay into her work.

Comet brooch Silver and enamels

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Winter 2009

Artist Showcase

I asked Alex what inspires her. She told me that she is deeply influenced by her formation as a designer and by the nature around her. She loves textures and color so she can find inspiration everywhere, and she doodles. Keeping a notebook with her to draw the things that interest her. When she returns to her notebook for ideas she will often incorporate one or more of them into the same body of work. 2010 promises to be an exciting year for Alex. She will be celebrating a couple of graduations and launching a new line of porcelain and clay Flames beads for metal clay enthusiasts. During the Ceramics and Silver clay MCW Conference, her black pottery and porcelain creations were enjoyed so much that attendees began requesting she sell them. As an Art Clay Senior Instructor, Alexandra teaches workshops and certification classes at her studio. She has been a guest teacher at the Harvard Universitys Ceramic program, and in 2009 was a presenter in the Metal Clay World Conference. Alex has won several contests including an Honorable Mention at the 2007 Silver Accessories Contest, Japan. and the Judges Encouragement 2009 Silver Accessories Contest, Japan. Currently her work is being represented by the Canadian Ceramic and Glass Gallery, Waterloo, ON. To learn more about Alexandra visit www.adaini.comUrban Jewelry series Ceramics and Silver Clay


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Rising Star

Vickie HallmarkBirdwatching bracelet. Hand-painted vitreous enamel on glass embedded in silver clay with beaded wire linkages

Bridging many media, I pursue my artistic muses in whichever direction calls. My longtime fascinations with glass and metal have led me into explorations of lampworked beads and vessels, fused and enamel painted glass, and metal clay. Originally, I trained and worked as a research scientist, designing and building equipment, then conducting experiments directed at studies of metal and polymer surfaces. Years of playing with technical toys mean that the tools, torches, kilns and chemicals associated with working metal and glass feel very comfortable, even reminiscent of the laboratory. Experimentation with new ideas Spring Migration. comes naturally, and I thoroughly enjoys testing and tinkering. My most recent series of work is inspired by bird watching. My family participates in a birding club and we have bird feeders in the backyard to attract these fanciful creatures. I love to sketch birds in various poses, and many of my silhouettes have been transformed into photopolymer plates with which I create the original textures on my jewelry. Focusing on a limited series like this is really beneficial as it frees my mind to focus on finer detail problems rather than attacking every new project from a blank slate. As in science, the work refines gradually, with each new piece fitting into my overall understanding of the subject.

Hand-painted vitreous enamel on glass, embedded in silver clay.

Bird and Nest earrings. Enamel over silver clay.

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Winter 2009

Rising Star

W o r k i n g across media, creating the same images in glass and Bird rings. Hand-carved BronzClay metal, is also insightful, because the methods of creating the marks are totally different. Mixing media, particularly Sentinel cuff. Hand-carved BronzClay such complementary elements as metal and glass, allows me to step beyond the more practiced methods of each field and create something totally original, bridging the two. The next year holds some exciting adventures for me. Im stepping out more adventurously into the worlds of teaching, designing, and writing.

Fledgling Earrings. Silver clay open lentils with enamel, Swarovski crystals and beaded wire linkages. Nightbird Brooch. Hand-formed tree and bird suspended over opening. Stilt riveted to carved faux bone back Moonbird pendant. Hand-formed tree and bird suspended over opening, faux bone spacer, resin, bezel set rainbow topazes

Flock bracelet. BronzClay tiles, textured with original design photopolymer plates, and beaded wire linkages.

The Birdwatching series will continue as I complete my first round of Masters Registry projects. As always, I have a sketchbook full of ideas waiting for enough time to investigate. Im never at a loss for questions to pursue. What will happen if? Once a scientist; always a scientist! For more on Vickie Hallmarks work, please check the following sites: http://www.vickiehallmark.com http://blog.vickiehallmark.com http://flickr.com/photos/vickiehallmark http://etsy.com/vickiehallmark

Bird in Hand. Silver clay, resin. Strap band construction


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The New Art Clay Copperby Ann Rosier I could hardly wait for my shipment of Art Clay Copper from Art Clay World USA, that would fire in the kiln without carbon. You can also use a butane torch on smaller pieces. I was excited also, because my husband Stan and I could teach a copper clay class in one day. This clay does not have to be refrigerated and it has a 10% shrinkage. You should keep a separate set of tools to minimize cross-contamination between the three metals. Or you can meticulously clean your silver or bronze clay tools to use on the copper. I find its easier to have separate tools. Most of the texture tools that I use, I use for all three clays and really clean them for the next metal clay. When you order this clay from AC World or other distributors, read all the information and instructions before using. I got all my tools and textures ready before I opened the outer package. I read the enclosed directions. Its important that as soon as you open the clay that you have a few pieces of plastic wrap to wrap up the clay you are not using at the moment. This clay will oxidize after opening, but I had absolutely no problems with that, as I wrapped up the unused clay immediately. In the end I used all 50 grams on pieces for a bracelet. If it does oxidize (darken), just simply scrape off the darkened layer and continue to use the clay. If you have any leftover, Jackie Truty suggested that you store it in a vacuum tight sealed bag or wrap it in several pieces of plastic wrap, put it in a plastic bag and use a straw to take the air out.

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I used olive oil on all the tools and my hands, then conditioned the clay with a little drop of oil. I rolled out the clay, textured and cut it into rectangles for the bracelet. I dried it overnight, but you can dry it with a hair dryer for about 10-20 minutes, depending on the thickness, or on a hot plate for about 10 minutes on the low setting. Make sure it is completely dry. You can check the dryness by putting the piece on a piece of stainless steel sheet and leave for a few seconds. If you have a vapor trail, it is not dry! Stan ramped our Paragon SC2 full speed 5 to 1778 degrees. He put the pieces into the hot kiln and held for 30 minutes at 1778 degrees. Remove the pieces from the hot kiln one by one and put them in cold water to remove all or most of the firescale.

Mixed metal linked bracelet by Katie Baum

I was so happy with the pink/red color after quenching, I did not pickle them. But, if you want the true copper clay color, pickle the pieces in Sparex pickle.

More experimenting to come in the future.

Classes in metal clays, Art Clay certification (both Level 1 & Senior level) and cross-over certification for PMC certified artisans are offered at Stan and Anns studio, as well as other classes.Contact Stan and Ann Rosier for more information. [email protected]

619-578-2075Winter 2009 MetalClayToday.com

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Zentangles on Glassby patsy monk

Zentangle is a repetitive pattern of drawing which is taking the country no, the world by storm!

A step-by-step project for adding silver to glassHaving taken the teacher/training workshop in Massachusetts in September, I began finding so many ways to incorporate the process of Zentangle and glass. Since I work with silver and hot glass, it only made sense to Tangle ON the glass. Divide up sections of a small piece of paper and then draw repetitive doodles and designs within each section. When you are done filling in each space with a different design, youve completed a unique piece of art. See www.Zentangle.com for more info.

Supplies include:Art Clay Silver Overlay paste Brush to apply Overlay paste Flat glass Glass cleaner Coffee filter Tools to remove silver: Razor blade Exacto blade Straight pin Clean paint brush Paper/box to catch silver scrapings

Process:Cut/ shape glass... any type glass will work. Clean glass well. Place 2 thin layers of Overlay Paste on glass with paint brush, and let dry. One layer is brushed on right to left, the second layer is brushed on up and down. Let the layers dry between applications. Draw a Tangle on the dry glass. You can do this with a light pencil touch or a thin Sharpie . Use a very light touch so as not to remove the silver under the marks.

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Winter 2009

Hold the glass carefully by the edges to avoid leaving any oil from your fingers. Remove silver with scraping tools as your pattern evolves. Remove the discarded silver over a piece of paper so you can add it to your paste container. When you scrape off the silver, use a clean brush to remove and expose the glass. Do NOT use your fingers! Use whatever tool that fits your hand and is comfortable. I often use an Exacto blade. On occasion, I have used a straight pin. You may need a magnifier to make sure you get as exact a pattern as possible. When you are happy with your pattern, place in kiln. Refer to kiln manufacturer for time and temperature. These are 2 of the pieces I did recently... the face was a fused mask to which I then added silver.

I love BAMBOO, too. These are two pieces I did before Zentangles entered my life.

Read more about patsy monk at www.monkink.com.


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Tubular!

Metal Clay Paper BeadsBy Linda Stiles Smith

Beads, beads, beads..everywhere there are beads of all sizes and descriptions. With two excellent new books on making beads with metal clay, (Metal Clay Beads by Barbara Becker Simon and Pure Silver Metal Clay Beads by Linda Kaye-Moses) I was hard pressed to design a new type of bead. I wanted a large silver bead for earrings, but I didnt want something heavy or bulky, and as I researched shapes that might appeal, I decided on a tube or cylinder. This bead could be made by rolling out a slab of lump clay, but to make it even lighter I chose to try paper type clay. Ive used paper type clay successfully to make a pendant bail, so I thought why not see if I could use the same principle and make it larger for a bead. The challenge was putting a cap on the ends so that I could have a very small hole for a hanging wire. Since paper type clay is thin and flexible, could I make it work and fire it so it would retain its shape and not collapse during firing? Heres the result of my experiment... tubular bead earrings!

Materials:

2 12cm x 3cm strips of PMC+ Paper 1 syringe PMC or paste clay 1 plastic straw cut in half (I used a 7mm diameter straw) Flat nylon paint brush Clay shaper tool Stiff non-stick card (from cool-tools) Water in small dish Tissue blade Paper punches Craft knife Circle template Gridded work surface or sheet under clear work surface The Clay Punch or small hole punch

Tools:

Preparation1. You will need to prepare the clay for the end caps a day ahead of making the actual beads by laminating two pieces of the paper clay together. I made the caps slightly larger than the straw so there would not be the danger of them being too small. Estimate the size you will need for your caps and cut two identically sized pieces from one of the strips of PMC+ paper strips. Place one of the pieces on the non-stick card and brush it thoroughly with water. Aligning the ends and sides, carefully drape the second piece onto the first while smoothing it down. A light, sure touch is the key to all stages of working with the paper type clay in this project. Set this laminated piece on the card aside to dry overnight (do not dry on a hot plate).

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Making the beads2. Carefully roll one short end of a strip of PMC+ Paper around a straw twice so that you have two layers of sheet. You will be able to feel the beginning edge of the sheet through the layers. Gently mark along this edge on the strip with a soft tip marker. Dont worry if your mark isnt exactly straight. 3. Unroll the clay strip and square up on the gridded work surface so that the edges are bordered on at least 2 sides by grid lines. Using the tissue blade, cut on or close to the marked line with a tissue blade using the grid line that is visible on both sides of the clay strip to make a straight cut. 4. Place the other end of the longer PMC+ Paper strip beside the cut one on the grid. Be sure the edges are closely aligned and square on the grid. Cut the second strip the same length as the first one. 5. Lightly oil a straw and start rolling one of the pieces you cut onto it. Where the leading edge meets the rest of the clay, begin brushing water onto the surface of the clay and roll, brush on water, and continue to roll the clay around onto itself smoothly, keeping edges aligned. (Water must be brushed onto all of the clay as you roll or it will not bond with the layer under it.) You will now have two layers of clay rolled up like a jelly roll. I did this while holding the straw and clay strip in my hand. It may be easier for you to lay the PMC+ Paper strip on the work surface and roll the straw up in the clay. 6. Brush water over the seam edge to be sure it is sealed and set it aside to dry. Drying on a hot plate is ok at this stage, but do not place the wet area directly on the hot plate or allow the plastic straw to come in direct contact with the heat surface. Having two beads means you can work on one while the other is drying work efficiently! 7. If you want to hide the seam line, you will have to brush on either paste type clay or extrude a coil of syringe type clay and work it into the seam with water. Be careful with the brush and water, too much will cause the paper type clay to turn to mush and be easily damaged. I like to use a clay shaper tool to smooth and blend at the same time. You can repeat this process with sanding in between to level and smooth the bead surface. 8. Once you are satisfied with the tube construction, the fun begins! Decorate it with cut-outs of paper type clay. Appliqu the cut-outs onto the bead by first brushing water onto the bead surface, lay the cut-out EXACTLY where you want it and tap down with the brush. Add water if necessary to be sure the cut-out has enough water glue to seal the edges down. Caution is necessary here: do Winter 2009 MetalClayToday.com

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not brush across the paper type clay when it is covered with water as it will quickly turn to mush and even tear. Place on a hot plate and allow it to dry completely. NOTE: Since you are working with a rounded form it is advisable to only apply water and appliqus to one area/ side at a time and allowing the application to dry before moving onto another side. If you place the wet paper type clay on a hot surface it will stick to the surface and tear when removed. 9. To make the end caps, use the circle template to find a circle that is slightly larger, 1-2mm, in diameter than the straw. Too large and the overhang will slump when fired. Using a circle too small will not fully cover the end of the tube. Cut 2 circles for each bead from the laminated strip of paper type clay using a craft knife. Hold the template down firmly while cutting so it doesnt slip. 10. Locate the center of the clay circle by laying a smaller opening in the template onto it. Using the smallest brass tube from the Clay Punch set cut a hole in the center (for stringing the bead). You could use a straight edge and draw intersecting lines to determine the center. Note: You MUST cut out the stringing hole before assembling and firing the bead. 11. Gently slide the bead on the straw so that one end of the bead protrudes over the end of the straw. Brush the end cap with water and/or paste and gently press the clay tube onto the circle, centering it carefully. Set this on the hot plate to dry by standing it on the end cap. 12. Slide the straw completely out of the clay tube and repeat the application of the bead cap to the opposite end. Be careful as you do this that you dont squeeze the clay tube out of shape. Dry. 13. Using the syringe type clay, carefully extrude a coil around the bead on the small lip of the cap where it meets the tube. (I used the large grey tip) Apply a small amount of water to seal it to the bead and either leave the coil round or smooth it into the bead and cap with a brush and water. Dry. Sand out any imperfections with a very light touch. 14. Set beads straight up on end in your kiln and fire to 1470 for 30 minutes. 15. Tumble or brush polish, patina and youre ready to create your earrings!USING Art Clay Silver Sheet: These directions work very well for PMC+ Paper. If you work with Art Clay Silver Paper, be sure to modify the directions to accommodate the paper types unique characteristics.

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Winter 2009

SanJose,CAClasses withPatEvansSenior Art Clay Silver Instructor (also Level III PMCC)

Joinmeforbeginningthroughintermediateclasses inmetalclay,fusedglass, basicbeadstringingandwirewrapping. ArtClayCertificationalsoavailable. Fun, creative private or semi-private classes in my studio or your home... makes a great party activity for teens and adults.

[email protected] formoreinformation

METAL CLAY JEWELRYIn this introductory workshop, learn to work with the marvelous medium of metal clay while creating a beautiful pendant and matching earrings of fine silver.No previous experience in jewelry making or metalsmithing is required.Saturday, January 9 1 - 5pm Friday, February 5 9am - 1pm Saturday, March 13 1 - 5pm $50 members / $58 non-members Materials fee: $40.00

Toregister,contacttheBravoSchoolofArt2690 Decatur Road, San Diego (619) 223-0058 www.bravoschoolofart.com


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Tips N TricksFOLD

Easy Rolling SheetFOLD OPENTOP

The best way weve found to roll out clay with no muss... no fuss... no stick... our Easy Rolling Sheet.

OPENTOP

1.Cut a heavyduty Sheet Protector in half. Trim the 2 sealed sides, leaving just the one fold at top. You now have two 5.5 wide by 8.5 high acetate folders with a fold at top... one to use now and one to spare.

FOLD

FOLD

2.

EASYROLLINGSHEETHeres an easy way to roll your clay. Lift the top of the acetate folder and spread a dab of olive oil in the center. Drop the top and rub to transfer the oil to both insides. Place your clay and slats between the top and bottom layers... close the folder and roll away without the clay sticking to the roller or the acetate. www.metalclaytoday.com

Rub a tiny dab olive oil around the center of the inside of the folder. Close the folder and rub the surface which will coat the olive oil onto both sides of the inside. You now have a totally enclosed surface in which to roll your clay without it sticking to the roller.

Print the following page, trim to size, and tape to the back of your folder for a handy sizing grid as you roll.

3.

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Easy Rolling Sheet - continued from previous page 3. Print out and trim to size.Tape to the back of your folder for a handy sizing grid as you roll.

EASYROLLINGSHEETHeres an easy way to roll your clay. Lift the top of the acetate folder and spread a dab of olive oil in the center. Drop the top and rub to transfer the oil to both insides. Place your clay and slats between the top and bottom layers... close the folder and roll away without the clay sticking to the roller or the acetate. www.metalclaytoday.com


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Blo g

Best of the Blogsby Lori Phillips

I was excited to see our first issue pop up in my email. Yep, this is real! All our hard work is out there in cyber space for everyone to peruse through and enjoy. I sure hope all of you are as thrilled as I am! When I last left you, I had given you three sites to explore. I cant wait to hear what you are gaining from your journeys. I call them journeys because you cant visit them all at once. I can only take a web trip once a day, otherwise my mind is reeling with ideas and I cant make it stop. Oh, please make it stop! I have already gotten some blog suggestions from a few of you and I jumped on the chance to check out some new unknown territories. Not all of them were completely unknown to me though. Elaine, I love your blog!! I have been here before, but I was not going to give away all the tricks up my sleeve in the first issue. http://www.creativetexturetools.com/news This blog is the brain child of Elaine Luther. She has worked very hard to provide several how to articles and videos for working with the different metal clays. However, that is not all. She also gathered facts on many related subjects. This site alone can provide hours of entertainment and a plethora of information. Dont you just love the word plethora? I dont get to use it very often. http://pmctips.blogspot.com/ This is a site I enjoyed because it was very easy to navigate. Nicola Callow set up this blog in such a way that you can scroll down to read several postings at one time. When you get to the bottom of the page, hit Older Postings and you can keep on scrolling. I had to force myself to stop. Also, I noticed that just because it says PMC tips, it does not mean other metal clayers wouldnt benefit from checking it out. OK, I found a woman after my own heart. Her name is Vickie Hallmark and she creates incredible items from metal clay, fibers and glass. http://fiberartglass.blogspot.com/2009/10/ welcome-to-jewelry-blog-carnival.html Wow! I was checking out her blog when I came across her posting on November 16th. By this time, I had been on the computer for about 4 hours. I read what she wrote and started feeling a twinge of guilt. I suggest you read it for yourselves and maybe we can all start the new year a bit more artistically inspired! Happy Blogging,

Lori

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Winter 2009

Trends, Forecasts & Predictionsby Lori Delisle

Let your light shine this SpringSpring 2010 runways show two very feminine themes: soft, ethereal luxury bright, tailored and geometric chic

Trend Light/Bright Colors

Soft colors and neutrals are accented by bright colors; a soft gray blouse with a chartreuse satin belt or a navy dress color blocked with stripes of bright orange. Also pretty are monochromatic looks, all in soft icy pastels and neutrals. Check the Pantone Fashion Color Report for Spring 2010 for their top 10 color picks and how designers are using them.

Blue-ming Necklace by amieplante.etsy.com

Design for the Trend Incorporate lots of sparkle and color with gemstones and crystal. On the soft side think of things like rose and smoky quartz, blue lace agate, and aquamarine. On the bright side go for lemon quartz, blue topaz, peridot, turquoise, amethysts, and deep pink spinel.Cameo Tears Necklace, brendamcgowan.etsy.com Sprint Time by artisanimpact.etsy.com

Trend Soft/Feminine Fabrication

Light and airy, soft flowing and shimmery silks, chiffon, satins, high sheen velvet, and suede, with large soft folds and ruffles. On the bold side, designers are incorporating chicly tailored lines with geometric piecing of contrasting fabrics in stripes, wedges, and accented hems and seaming.

Flower Pendant by Unique.etsy.com

Design for the Trend Play with the luxurious fabrics they are using like velvet ribbons and strips or organza. Incorporate soft lines and feminine textures and use the new paper art clay to make soft folds and ruffles. On the geometric side play with weaving, color blocking and stripes of different clays.

Aforfebre.etsy.com

Trend Pieces More of the statement necklaces from fall, but also much simpler designs with, say, a long chain and one medallion piece. Bangles are hot for the wrist. Walnut Square Necklaceby metalworks.etsy.com

Happy Designing!

Scalloped Lace Silver Cuff Bracelet by WhiteFly.etsy.com


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Challenge Contest

Metal Clay Today is sponsoring the

Spirit of GivingCompetitionSend us your 4 x 6 300 ppi photos along with your name, the projects title, and your contact information to [email protected] by January 15, 2010. We will post your submissions at www.metalclaytoday.com and your peers will vote to decide who wins. Voting will take place from January 25th to February 15th. Winners will be announced on February 20th.Projects must include at least 50% metal clay.

First Place Prize - Set of Dynasty Rubber Stamps Second Place Prize - 50 Grams of Silver Clay Third Place Prize - 25 Grams of Silver Clay

METALCLAYARTSIN - ABOUT - FOR METAL CLAY

TOOLS - GLASS KILN SAFE STONES

LiL BeLLA Humidifier HAND CRAFTED ART JEWELRY WORKSHOPS CLASSES PRIVATE INSTRUCTION GALLERY - LINKS - SOURCES [email protected] www.metalclayarts.com metalclayarts.Etsy.com DonnaLewis.Etsy.com

LiL BeLLA


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Carpe Beadum!Seize the Bead! and seize you did!We thank all of the artists who participated in Metal Clay Todays first challenge.

Carol Babineau

Deb Brooks

Sara Cole

Jonna Faulkner Donna Lewis

Deb Jemmot

Check out the new challenge at www.metalclaytoday.com 24MetalClayToday.com

Winter 2009

Gail Moriarty

Lauren King Victoria Siexas

Patsy Monk

Linda Stiles Smith Michela Verani

Check out the new challenge at www.metalclaytoday.comWinter 2009 MetalClayToday.com

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Carpe Beadum!Seize the Bead! Our readers voted and here are the results!

FirstPlace

Roses Everywhere by Gail MoriartyGail received a Ring Kit from GBU-Art.com

SecondPlace

ThirdPlace

Go for Baroque Beads by Michela VeraniMichela received 50 grams of ArtClay Silver

Leaf Ball Squared by Linda Stiles SmithLinda received a $25 Gift Certificate for ArtClay World

Check out the new challenge at www.metalclaytoday.com 26MetalClayToday.com

Winter 2009

Class Listings, Show Schedules, Organization News

Calling all Guilds!Tell the world where and when you meet. Send us 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.

InternationalAustralia

TheFirstInternationalChapterofthePMCGuild

The Victoria, Australia Chapter, based in Melbourne. Meetings are held alternate months with the next one scheduled for late September. For Information contact [email protected]

UnitedStatesCalifornia

MetalClayAlchemistsSocietyofSanDiegoCountyMeets quarterly at the Lapidary Society 654 Mildred St., San Diego, CA 92110 Next meeting October 15, 20096:00-8:30 p.m. Contact Stan or Ann Rosier for more information All Metal Clay Enthusiasts are welcome!

SanDiegoCountyChapterofthePMCGuild

Meetings are 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 @ [email protected]

Colorado

TheWesternSlopeMetalClayArtisansChapter

akaGrandJunctionChapterofthePMCGuildandtheArtClaySociety. 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 [email protected] for more information.

Florida

TheMiamiMetalClayArtists, which is the local chapter of Art Clay Society, USA, meets onthe second Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. for social and 6:30 for meeting and project. We welcome all metal clay enthusiasts. Contact chapter leader Bernadette Denoux 305 273-8829. [email protected] for more information.


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SuburbanSilverSociety 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 [email protected].

Illinois

Kansas

TheKansasCitychapterofthePMCGuild is an eclectic group of artists from the great Kansas

City metropolitan area with a common interest in metal claysPMC, 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 [email protected] or check out our website www.kcpmcguild.org for current meeting information.

Massachusetts

GreaterBostonMetalClayGuild 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 months challenge. For more information visit them at http://bostonmetalclay.com/ or http://www.facebook.com/#/group.php?gid=130525423846

NewHampshire

TheMerrimackValleyMetalClayCollaborative

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/

PMCGuild-Syracuse/CNYChapter meets the 3rd Sunday of the month at 3:00-4:45 at the Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Way, Manlius

NewYork Ohio

TheNortheastOhioChapterofthePMCGuildmeets monthly in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. For more information please contact the chapter representative at [email protected]

beta testersThe Artists Gallery is an online Gallery devoted to Metal Clay Artists who desire to have a web presence, but do not want the expense of developing a website.

ted an W

and other Glass Technique Classes*Check it out at www.kaiserglass.com Or e-mail [email protected] Classes:

Glass Clay Glass ClassesPhotopolymerMask

* Photopolymer Mask and Images on Glass Classes

Wearecurrentlylookingfor betatestersforthisprogram.If you would like to participate, email [email protected] with your name and contact information. 28MetalClayToday.com

Blue Moon Glass, Austin, TX Jan 21-11 And other Glass Technique Classes* Photo-etching Dichro, masking and painting Kaiser Glass Studio, March 6-7 Using Glass Clay toout at www.kaiserglass.com Check it create elements for fusing Blue Moon Glass (Austin, TX) Jan 23-24 Screen printing for jewelry and computer masks to create painting masterpieces Kaiser Galss Studio Mar 20-21

Clay ClassesGlassClay

ImagesonGlass

Or email [email protected]

*Photopolymer Mask and Images on Glass Classes

Winter 2009

Society of San Diego County

This December, the Metal Clay Alchemists of San Diego County celebrated the season with a Holiday Potluck Party at a members home. It was fantastic just the kind of evening you would hope for. There was loads of great and interesting food, lovely music and the constant chatter of friends catching up with each other. That alone would have made it special enough for me. I really enjoy the company of the Alchemists, but this year we added something new to the celebration. We had a charm exchange. The rules were simple: no charm could be smaller than a dime or larger than a quarter, and mixed media was encouraged. Everyone was impressed with the charms they received, and Im fairly certain it will become a Holiday tradition! The Alchemists meet quarterly to talk about Metal Clay. Our membership boasts some nationally known metal clay artists, as well as beginning metal clay enthusiasts. It is a time of sharing, and encouragement. At each meeting we try to recognize the work of our members with our Featured Artist section in which we ask one member to talk about his or her work, and do a show and tell. During our last meeting, Jan Spencley was our Featured Artist. Weve always known Jan to be very funny, but at this meeting we got to see just how talented she is, to boot! At each of our meetings, we have an opportunity to see a demonstration on a particular aspect of metal clay. Last month, Maria Martinez demonstrated her techniques for teaching new students how to work with the clay. As well as being our historian, Maria is a great teacher and I am always impressed with how easy she makes it look. In our charter, the Alchemists are required to provide educational opportunities for our membership. Usually our instructors are drawn from local talent, but we also try to have at least one well known instructor annually. Last year, we were fortunate to have Hadar Jacobson come to teach. Since our members number more than the number of students anyone could be reasonably expected to teach, we had a lottery to earn a spot in the classroom. Fortunately, we were able to accommodate most of the members and it was a wonderful weekend. Hadar is a great teacher and was Metal Clay Todays first Featured Artist. We are all looking forward to seeing what interesting classes 2010 will bring to the Alchemists. You can find out more about our group by visiting http://www.GBU-art.com/index_files/ MetalClayAlchemistSocietyMembershipPage.htm

Metal Clay


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Don Butler - The Carving Glove Guy

5 small Dockyard Micro Carving Toolsthat have been of interest to PMC and Art Clay people. These tools are G2, G15, V15, 75V, SK 15... the smallest of the tools that Dockyard manufactures. Please visit our site at

www.thecarvinggloveguy.com

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MetalClayToday.com

Winter 2009

Book Reviewby Patricia K. Evans

Combining the Brilliance of Glass with Metal Clayby Dana Lee Peters Wapiti Mountain Publishing, 2009 www.artesean.netArt Clay Master Instructor Dana Lee Peters brings a focus on combining metal clay with glass and porcelain. The books 14 projects span a range of techniques using not only silver clay, but also bronze and copper. The spiral binding makes for easy reference at the bench. Directions are generally clear and illustrated well enough that beginners with little clay experience should be able to succeed with most of the projects. Some techniques, such as the syringe pieces which require a careful hand with sanding, will be more suited to artists with a little more practice. Two of the projects make good use of laser cut dichroic shapes. Beginners to glass might have appreciated knowing that these shapes can be purchased pre-cut. The most unusual projects are Peterss experiments with glass in bronze and copper settings. The glass emerges with a pitted surface due to the carbon used in firing, and colors may shift. Nonetheless, these pieces have an intriguing textural quality that makes her process worthy of further experimentation. The book includes a brief but informative section on basic fused glass for metal clay artists who have little glass experience. Peters confesses that she is not an expert in glass, which may explain the discrepancies in parts of this section. For example, Peters says that a full fuse occurs around 1450 to 1550 degrees, but she gives her full fuse firing schedule as only reaching 1425 degrees. This self-published book could have benefited from the hand of a good editor. It is riddled with distracting typographical and mechanical errors, some of which are severe enough to interfere with the authors meaning. In the description of different stages of glass firing, several sentences about annealinga crucial part of glass fusingappear to have been omitted. Nonetheless, All That Glitters brings a collection of interesting ways to work with glass, and it will be a good addition to comprehensive metal clay libraries. Pat Evans is a Senior Art Clay Silver instructor and holds PMCC Level III and Rio Rewards PMC certifications. Pat has been teaching about crafts and creativity to both children and adults for over 20 years. She enjoys designing and writing about all types of jewelry, including metal clay, fused glass and wire-wrapping. Contact her at [email protected], or check out her blog at http://patevansdesigns.blogspot.com/ . Winter 2009 MetalClayToday.com

All That Glitters:

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Product Review

The Art and Design of Metal Clay Jewelry 2010Calendarby Holly Gage

BeInspired365daysoftheyear.Holly Gage has combined the dazzling artistry of Metal Clay with the functionality of the calendar in The Art and Design of Metal Clay Jewelry 2010 Calendar. Keep up with your day-to-day events, and discover upcoming events such as the 2010 PMC Conference, Bead and Button Shows, and contests like the Rings and Things Competition in February. Be inspired by your favorite artists work as showcased in this beautiful calendar. Artists included are Julia Rai on the cover and Elizabeth R. Agte, Lorena Angulo, Claudia Atkins, Carol A. Babineau, Nicola Callow, Debbi Clifford, Angela B. Crispin, Bernadette Denoux, Lorrene Davis, Louise Duhamel, Pam East, Sherry Eckert, Marnie Ehlers, Jonna Faulkner, Liz Hall, Vickie Hallmark, Lora Hart, Leslie Jensen, Patrik Kusek, Donna Lewis, Maria Martinez, Cindy Miller, Christine Norton, Melodie Owen, Catherine Davies Paetz, Kate Qualley Peterson, Lyle Rayfield, Susan Reinemeyer,Diane Sepanskie, Jennifer Smith-Righter, Deb Steele, Katrine Tan, Marsha Thomas, Michela Verani, Linda Warner, Sarah Webster-Eastman, Judi Weers, and Holly Gage. Toorderacopyofthe2010Calendarvisit http://www.hollygage.com/pages/ theartanddesignofmetalclayjewelrycalendar.html.

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MetalClayToday.com

Winter 2009

Book Reviewby Kathy Gallant

Metal Clay Basics and Bench Referenceby Linda Stiles SmithIf you havent had a chance to take a class from Linda Stiles Smith, then you are in luck, because Linda has recently self-published Metal Clay Basics & Bench Reference: A Toolbox Guide to Metal Clay, that reads as though you are sitting in Lindas studio ready to dig into that next project. Dont be confused this isnt a project book, though Linda does offer suggestions for your next endeavor at the end of the volume, rather it is a compilation of the information and wisdom that just flows from her during class. In class, Linda isnt stingy with her tips and tricks and Metal Clay Basics is loaded with all the great ones she has for every aspect of taking a gray lump of pricey clay to an exquisite piece of fine jewelry. Her method of getting a really smooth paste out of leftovers is excellent, but my favorite tip is how to make a small, elegant bezel for your gemstone using clay punches. The book has a spiral binding so it lies flat on your work surface. Another great feature is the space that has been allowed within the text to jot notes or tape info or even sketches. At 8 by 5 it is a nice size to have at your work area, not too big and bulky. One frustration I had in Lindas classes was that while she is dropping her pearls of wisdom my hands were covered with olive oil and expensive gray paste, which wasnt really conducive to taking notes. Now I have her wisdom in a book and Im thrilled. If you have ever had a class with Linda, I know you will want this book. If you havent had a class with her, now at least you can savor her knowledge in her book and take notes while youre at it! Price: $24.95 Discount available when ordering from www.naturescapesstudio.com.


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MetalClayToday.com

Winter 2009

METAL CLAY TODAY MAGAZINE WINTER 2009 ISSUE

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Transcript of METAL CLAY TODAY MAGAZINE WINTER 2009 ISSUE