“I thoroughly enjoyed this Bronze Clay Jewelry workshop. It’s so much fun to explore a new creative avenue. Lauren is a very talented artist.” ‍ ‍

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-Susan Lazarek, New York

What is metal clay?

Metal clay is a sculpting material made of microscopic metal particles, water and organic plant binder. It feels and performs like soft pottery clay. When heated in the kiln, the binder burns away, leaving the metal to fuse at a high temperature into a solid metal piece. It’s available in different shades of copper, bronze, silver. gold, brass, iron and steel, with new brands, tones and compounds introduced regularly.

A newer medium, metal clay has broadened the horizon of jewelry making since it was introduced in Japan by Mitsubishi in 1990. The original PMC (Precious Metal Clay) was created from pure silver particulates harvested from exhausted darkroom chemistry.

Metal clay’s texture is versatile for shaping by hand or with tools and molds, imbedding fire-safe gemstones and findings, or making transfer imprints. With a foundational understanding of working with this material, the metal clay journey is inspired and limitless.

What can I learn to make?

No experience is required to begin making handcrafted jewelry in metal clay. My Introduction to Metal Clay Workshop is an immersive three-day experience that takes you step-by-step through the process of making a solid bronze necklace. Using foundational techniques of handling, rolling, cutting, texturizing, hand-drilling and refining, learners become familiar with the texture of the clay and its many possibilities. From clay history to necklace design, forming and refining, kiln firing, patina, burnishing and final polish… every step is exciting in this jewelry-making process. Workshops for intermediate learners include stone-setting and imbedding, bracelet forming, and mold-making for casting. And for learners ready to dial-up the challenge, ring-making is an advanced workshop.

Please see below to register for an upcoming workshop.