tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90797295772926545922012-02-22T15:29:29.031-08:00Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.comBlogger1021100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-3440445901833155852012-02-20T06:20:00.000-08:002012-02-20T07:49:06.947-08:00

Posted by Lora HartArtistic Advisor I've taken lots of classes. Most of the time I never actually complete the proposed project, but I absorb skills and techniques from each teacher I meet. I also 'take classes' during my day to day activities by practicing what I call 'Mindful Observation'. While looking through books, surfing the web, and handling work in galleries, I look at construction

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-76988655612679085362012-02-13T06:33:00.000-08:002012-02-13T07:58:33.080-08:00

by Linda Kline Director of EducationI just love it when I’m teaching and I hear someone say, “What did she say about ________.” (Fill in the blank.)Of course, I know I’m the “she” they are talking about and I get tickled that they ask a fellow student instead of asking me. So, I listen intently to hear what the answer will be. And I’ve heard some whoppers!I’m always curious why they don’t ask me

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-77331240839344817152012-02-09T10:45:00.000-08:002012-02-10T13:36:31.915-08:00

by Janet AlexanderTechnical AdvisorIn my first post, I mentioned some fabrication skills to consider when making metal clay jewelry. One of these is using a jeweler’s saw for cutting out negative space or open areas in your clay instead of using a file. Here's how it's done.I have a piece of dry (unfired) sterling silver PMC. I want to cut an opening in the center. First, I drill a

Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-4313892158213880852012-02-06T08:13:00.000-08:002012-02-06T08:13:37.878-08:00

Congrats goes to our own Senior Instructor Teva Chaffin for a beautiful entry in the CornerStone Challenge! Original Inspiration Photos Teva was inspired to make this lovely, gothic window pendant and really rocked the design by including a weathered tree trunk to add a sense of depth and dimension to the vista. Thanks for playing along Teva.

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-88771063443656913482012-02-02T12:42:00.000-08:002012-02-03T09:32:55.898-08:00

by Linda Kline Director of EducationWe bring out “bubbly” to toast and celebrate the most festive and long-anticipated occasions -- the arrival of new babies, the christening of ships, weddings, birthdays, graduations, and especially the New Year. Champagne says, “Whew…..we made it over the hump and something newer, bigger, and better is on its way!” We've all celebrated the new year and the

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-62621927840094143672012-01-29T23:19:00.000-08:002012-01-30T08:43:35.782-08:00

Posted by Yvonne YaoGuest BloggerI must first start out by saying that this type of stone setting (which I call Kuppa), was not an original design, but was inspired by a recent trip to Alexis Bittar’s jewelry boutique in Venice, California. The spikey look of her inverse gemstones so captured my heart that I could not help but want a piece of my own recreated in a similar style. Since I have been

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-22522507721168351432012-01-22T15:52:00.001-08:002012-01-23T13:05:16.486-08:00

How long have you been working with metal clay?Steadily for two years, but I started in 1999 when I asked Art Clay instructor Karen Dore to teach a class for the Craft Guild of Dallas. What did you do before that? I was trained in traditional metal smithing with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in metals, at the University of North Texas. I'm also a certified diamond grader and stone setter with

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-541466020154093282012-01-17T16:31:00.000-08:002012-01-21T08:57:07.322-08:00

by Janet Alexander Technical AdvisorI am honored to be the new Technical Advisor for the PMC Connection. For this first post, I thought about writing about myself and my experience. But in the end, I decided you’d be more interested in learning some tips! With over the 35+ years of making jewelry I’ve come up with some shortcuts and tips for getting odd things done. I hope to pass some of

Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-2769074282582257182012-01-16T11:04:00.000-08:002012-01-16T12:16:57.765-08:00

by Jennifer RobertsLike many artists who make a living from their craft, I have learned some hard business lessons over the years. There are days when I feel like I have made every mistake out there. And then I prove myself wrong and execute some new bone-headed move.This year, I will be sharing some of those lessons with our readers. Too often, talented artists are forced into other fields to

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-33298420522070125412012-01-13T17:15:00.000-08:002012-01-13T17:15:25.698-08:00

by Jennifer Roberts I am happy to congratulate PMCC Instructor Janet Alexander, who today takes on two new roles: Senior Instructor and PMCC Technical Advisor. Hollow Ring - Tourmaline by Janet Alexander Janet was appointed a PMCC Certification Instructor last Summer and has quickly become an invaluable part of our team. Janet's extensive background in metalsmithing and her insightful

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-58803029693975491082012-01-09T06:03:00.000-08:002012-01-09T10:10:38.889-08:00

Posted by Lora HartArtistic Advisor Announcing the first CornerStone challenge for 2012, and the last one before Metal Clay Artist Magazine's "Metal Clay Plus..." design competition deadline of February 29th. Use one of these four images as inspiration for your design. Keep in mind that inspiration doesn't mean that your piece needs to resemble the source image (although it can). You can use

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-60573157991631233702012-01-06T08:52:00.000-08:002012-01-06T08:52:36.199-08:00

Posted by Janet Alexander PMCC Certification Instructor and Guest Blogger I began experimenting with Precious Metal Clay (PMC) two years ago. Metal clay offers a quick way of making a piece of jewelry, saving the jeweler hours of work. In one day I can make a prototype and send it off to a casting company to have duplicates made. A jewelry designer can easily texture or hand-carve a piece in just

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-62644319516811699902012-01-02T11:28:00.000-08:002012-01-02T11:34:28.707-08:00

Posted by Lora HartArtistic Advisor America's Next Top Model, Project Runway, Iron Chef, Design Star, Work of Art, Face Off, Shear Genius. What do all of these reality shows have in common? Challenge! Adventure! Innovation! Self satisfaction! Models, designers, cooks, interior decorators, fine artists, make-up artists, and hair dressers are all clamoring to participate, to stretch their

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-76486896720898348052011-12-27T11:39:00.000-08:002011-12-27T11:39:22.617-08:00

And a Very Creative New Year!

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-24432314866906765422011-12-23T14:07:00.000-08:002011-12-23T14:28:26.124-08:00

by Jennifer RobertsWe leave you with our last post before the holidays with more inspiration for your entry in the Metal Clay Artist Magazine contest.We hope you have a wonderful holiday, get lots of rest, and start 2012 with your creative juices flowing!Teva Chaffin - PorcelainLora Hart - PorcelainGale Schlagel - PorcelainJanet Alexander - Enamel

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-10662295389980932292011-12-20T11:16:00.000-08:002011-12-20T11:24:00.080-08:00

by Jennifer Roberts PresidentHadar has posted a very informative update on combining PMC Sterling with copper clay.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-87819691009246908322011-12-19T07:54:00.001-08:002011-12-19T16:06:03.964-08:00

Posted by Lora HartArtistic AdvisorI wore one of my own necklaces to Thanksgiving dinner and my lovely hostess just plotzed over it! She loved the focal Inro type box, the chain design and the overall "look" of the piece. She liked it so much that at the next family dinner, her husband snuck over to my seat and whispered that he'd like to give her a similar piece for Xmas. How fun!! A commission

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-19291288501211488012011-12-15T17:55:00.000-08:002011-12-15T19:43:22.357-08:00

by Jennifer RobertsPresidentHadar is testing the combination of the new PMC Sterling with copper clay and sent us the beautiful examples of sterling and copper below.Hadar has found that following the PMC Sterling instructions for pieces with both sterling and copper clays can result in melting. So, watch those temps. She is hard at work on the tests and will update everyone when she has

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-66147579527008132172011-12-13T14:11:00.000-08:002011-12-13T14:11:07.628-08:00

Posted by Delia Marsellos-TraisterGuest Blogger I personally enjoy placing stones in my work. I am a fan of agates, opals, and other ‘don’t you dare put that in the kiln’ stones. I am a bigger fan of ‘fire in place’ gems. But I’ve not taken the opportunity to test fire a lot. In fact, I don’t actually ‘test fire’ anything. I have a lot of knowledge about gemstones (I’ve been a gem dealer since

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-40128464482726510062011-12-05T09:58:00.000-08:002011-12-06T11:12:27.654-08:00

Posted By Lora HartArtistic Advisor "Hi! My name is Lora Hart. I'm a Senior Instructor and the Artistic Advisor for PMC Connection. As a metal clay maker, teacher, and enthusiast, I love inspiring creative entrepreneurs to discover, re-imagine and refine their artistic voices, develop a conscious intention for their business, and fine tune their working practice. Working one-on-one with emerging

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-15138017239161592362011-11-28T06:30:00.000-08:002011-11-28T18:07:59.587-08:00

By Yvonne Yao The recent rains in Los Angeles reminded me of a design I scribbled down a month ago. My vision was of a three dimensional rain cloud with a cascade of raindrops that would swing with the wearer’s every movement. It’s so peaceful when sunrays peak out from behind a cloud, and the cleansing effect of rain always makes the world look new again after it subsides. I was so charmed by

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-48261411272013626512011-11-25T13:42:00.000-08:002011-11-26T09:44:21.627-08:00

by Jennifer RobertsPresidentIf you are anything like me, you were not lined up outside a big box store hoping to get a great deal this morning. I am sure that there are wonderful deals out there to be had, but I can’t think of a single gadget or toy that I need badly enough to endure the long lines, cranky people, and seriously early (or late this year) hours. I’d rather snuggle with my puppies

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-21940363430239609272011-11-24T07:40:00.000-08:002011-11-24T07:40:45.396-08:00

Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. ~ Marcel Proust Happy Thanksgiving to all of our friends around the world. Without you, there would be no us. 

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-65761583817106030502011-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-18T06:00:15.806-08:00

by Linda KlineDirector of EducationIn my last post I talked about the pros and cons of teaching specific projects versus techniques. As both a student and teacher, I love technique classes. I like learning a new medium, skill, or technique, and then applying that application in my own creative vision.I’m one of those students who signs up for a class and never finishes the project. At my work

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-80757889444893021742011-11-16T15:34:00.000-08:002011-11-16T16:13:20.615-08:00

by Jennifer RobertsPresidentMore inspiration for the latest PMCC-sponsored Metal Clay Artist Magazine contest. Next up, metal clay + glass, compliments of our talented Senior and Certification Instructors.The theme of the contest is “Metal Clay +” which means:“Metal clay needs to be featured prominently in the design. You can use any kind or combination of metal clays you wish! The rest of the

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-13591561362664164312011-11-10T11:59:00.000-08:002011-11-10T12:03:51.203-08:00

by Jennifer Roberts PresidentExciting news - PMC Sterling will be here in just a few weeks.Stay tuned!

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-76852174813046722102011-11-08T09:12:00.000-08:002011-11-08T09:12:05.111-08:00

Congratulations to everyone who took the time, made the commitment, and indulged their creative spark by joining in on this month's CornerStone Challenge! Thank you for entering such inspiring work. 'Stoneware Spoons. The bowls of the spoons were formed in molds I made from shells, an antique button, and a walnut. The spoons were bisque fired and then the bowls glazed. After firing again to

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-19770089719967295612011-11-04T13:16:00.000-07:002011-11-04T15:29:15.451-07:00

by Jennifer RobertsPresidentWe've gathered more inspiration for the latest PMCC-sponsored Metal Clay Artist Magazine contest.The theme is “Metal Clay +” which means:“Metal clay needs to be featured prominently in the design. You can use any kind or combination of metal clays you wish! The rest of the piece must include one or more non-metal materials – resin, polymer clay, glass, enamel,

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-50172247253922206882011-10-18T09:44:00.000-07:002011-10-18T10:48:35.933-07:00

Posted by Lora HartArtistic AdvisorPablo Picasso is attributed with the saying "Good artists borrow. Great artists steal". And I suppose he was a man of his word, because his contemporaries allegedly used to hide their works in progress when he came to visit!Beautiful shank design byJen of Quench MetalworksThe concept of copying another's work is anathema to most artists. And indeed, if a design

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-21110415362812034102011-10-07T15:54:00.000-07:002011-10-07T15:54:54.841-07:00

Well, it's just a few days away from the announcement of the 3rd CornerStone challenge winner, so I went to the Flickr group to see what metal clay and found object beautifulness had been posted - only to find.... Nothing! How sad is that? Things happen, life intervenes, and opportunities pass. But we at PMC Connection have a lovely $25.00 gift certificate sitting gathering dust, so we've

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-26702890517339129792011-10-04T13:36:00.000-07:002011-10-04T13:44:53.877-07:00

PMCC Senior Instructor Teva Chaffin will join us in our Mesquite, TX classroom this Friday from 2:00 - 6:00 PM for her Tree of Life workshop. What better way to spend a Friday afternoon?To register, call 866-PMC-Clay.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-44841517084308758052011-09-24T07:14:00.000-07:002011-09-26T12:15:51.816-07:00

by Mary Ellin D'AgostinoTechnical AdvisorI admit it. I am a tool junkie. I love looking at tool catalogs and love ordering and getting new tools. Budgets being what they are, I can’t buy nearly as many new gadgets and gizmos as I would like, but I still have a pretty good collection.What is my favorite tool? Most of the trade magazines or online lists ask the favorite tool question regularly. At

Mary Ellin D'Agostinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982210491228971866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-25844460919073752112011-09-23T10:48:00.000-07:002011-09-23T10:53:45.067-07:00

Exploring Shrinkage & Discovering the Power of Lavender Oil by Yvonne YaoFor those of you who read my first project post on the “wingtip ring,” you will remember that my ring design turned out much smaller than I had intended. This is because, in my enthusiasm to create my design, I overlooked the importance of properly calculating shrinkage when it comes to working with PMC.Recently, I was

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-86013555208690524432011-09-21T09:56:00.001-07:002011-09-22T16:21:04.522-07:00

by Jennifer RobertsPresidentWe recently announced that we are sponsoring the latest Metal Clay Artist Magazine contest. The theme is “Metal Clay +.” So, what does that mean?“Metal clay needs to be featured prominently in the design. You can use any kind or combination of metal clays you wish! The rest of the piece must include one or more non-metal materials – resin, polymer clay, glass, enamel,

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-16454179630818160012011-09-19T13:13:00.000-07:002011-09-19T13:24:44.164-07:00

Posted By Lora HartArtistic Advisor I belong to an organization called SNAG (The Society of North American Goldsmiths). Every year SNAG devotes an entire issue of their self-published magazine, Metalsmith, to an ‘Exhibition in Print’. The work included is always contemporary, avante garde, and thought provoking. I usually spend an entire afternoon devouring its contents – first pouring over the

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-8016765579313899922011-09-12T18:04:00.000-07:002011-09-12T18:23:19.314-07:00

by Linda KlineDirector of EducationMy last two posts have explored options for where to hold your classes. Considering many different opportunities -- community centers, colleges and schools, shops, galleries, and even your home -- it comes down to the basic premise that ‘one size does not fit all.’ You have to find the location that feels best and works best for you and your students. The same

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-78303215887526546432011-09-09T06:46:00.000-07:002011-09-09T07:57:55.560-07:00

by Mary Ellin D'AgostinoTechnical AdvisorThis is part 3 of my ongoing series on Metal Clay Health and Safety.In Health, Safety, & Copper Based Metal Clay [Copper I] I covered some of the issues surrounding the use of copper clays and promised to continue by discussing high level copper toxicity and inhalation. As noted in my last post, no-one has reported major illnesses relating to the use of

Mary Ellin D'Agostinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982210491228971866noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-64042300885544189822011-09-06T10:03:00.000-07:002011-09-06T10:03:21.005-07:00

Posted by Lora HartArtistic Advisor A FaceBook friend messaged me the other day. She was having a problem that plagues every artist I've ever heard of. She said her creative motivation was on an extended sabbatical and wanted to know if I had any suggestions. I did, and thought I'd share them with you to file away for future artistic ennui. Sir Isaac Newton of apple bopping head fame discovered

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-43226718148186812412011-09-01T16:34:00.000-07:002011-09-01T16:56:44.711-07:00

Distinguishing between PMC+ and PMC3 By Lois Lynn Editor’s note: For our readers just meeting Lois, she is a PMC artisan who last worked with PMC when the only PMC products on the market were the original formation and PMC+. Lois spends a little time getting to know PMC3 and thinking about when each variety of PMC might be the best choice for a project. In doing so, she utilizes a simple

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-53810676573849315912011-08-29T09:00:00.000-07:002011-08-29T09:54:29.018-07:00

Introducing: Peggy Houchin How long have you been working with metal clay?About 10 years now. What did you do before that?I primarily did pottery, made seed bead jewelry, loved to sew and made my own clothes. When I saw an ad for PMC in Ceramics Monthly, I was intrigued so I ordered some. When I received it, I was totally shocked and thought the rest of it was coming later in the mail. :) I

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-54079896435193420472011-08-15T17:32:00.000-07:002011-10-10T08:09:48.843-07:00

Posted by Lora HartArtistic Advisor Victorian hair jewelry (source) Artist Marcel Duchamp elevated found objects to the status of art supplies when he mounted a men's urinal, named it "Fountain" and submitted it to an art exhibit in 1917. Victorians intricately braided, curled, wound, wove and knotted human hair to create heartbreakingly beautiful mourning jewelry. Throughout the ages

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-3436687373007730012011-08-08T16:18:00.000-07:002011-08-08T16:34:23.077-07:00

by Linda Kline Director of Education “There’s no place like home.” - Dorothy, from the “Wizard of Oz” Dorothy said a mouthful with these few words. Perhaps your dream job is to be a teacher of jewelry arts and to travel to different locations to offer classes. It sounds great, doesn’t It, going to new locations; checking out different studios and arts centers; meeting new and interesting

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-82836591391037315502011-08-05T11:19:00.000-07:002011-09-09T05:31:29.002-07:00

by Mary Ellin D'Agostino Technical Advisor This is part 2 of my ongoing series on Metal Clay Health and Safety. Many of us have been using copper-based base metal clays for for a while and, while there have been a few complaints from people who have skin sensitive to the copper, no-one has reported any major illnesses. Still, I have wondered since the beginning about the health and

Mary Ellin D'Agostinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982210491228971866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-29448523730621254372011-08-01T11:09:00.001-07:002011-08-01T11:09:01.044-07:00

Introducing: Teva Chaffin How long have you been working with metal clay? I began my adventures (and addiction) with this wonderful medium in 2008. I traveled to Colorado, Florida and East Tennessee and Texas for the certification classes. What did you do before that? My art background consists of pencil and/or pen drawing, in addition to acrylic and oil painting. I began drawing as a very

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-65507659625092497202011-07-26T08:27:00.000-07:002011-07-26T09:12:02.435-07:00

by Yvonne Yao I took jeweler Ruth Shapiro’s “Metal Etching” class this past weekend at a local gem and mineral show and was instantly inspired to create my own texture plate for my first Cornerstone project. Playing with one of my etched class samples (by rolling modeling clay over it) indirectly led me to the ring design you see in the photos.Little did I realize how many details can be

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-22921269943474427262011-07-20T06:00:00.000-07:002011-07-20T13:47:50.775-07:00

New PMCC Certification Instructors!by Jennifer Roberts PresidentWe are delighted to announce the addition of three wonderful instructors to our education program: Janet Alexander (Dallas-Fort Worth, TX), Gale Schalgel (Kansas City, KS), and Dona Miller (Missoula, MT). You get to know them more over the coming months, but here is a little about each of them.Janet Alexander (Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-14097227125151728012011-07-13T16:55:00.001-07:002011-07-15T07:58:38.799-07:00

by Mary Ellin D'AgostinoTechnical AdvisorThis week I am at the Metal Clay World Conference giving a talk on mixing metals. I will post about that next time, but as long as I am in the mixing mode, I wanted to discuss mixing other stuff with your metal clay creations. I get asked a lot about combining glass with metal clays.Glass and silver clay is a beautiful combination and can work very

Mary Ellin D'Agostinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982210491228971866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-64623068061073309222011-07-08T07:50:00.000-07:002011-07-08T07:52:19.294-07:00

by Linda KlineDirector of EducationStudents tell me all the time that they want to teach. I often wonder if that’s because the teachers that I know exude so much joy and derive so much pleasure from their work, that it isn’t work at all. But having a passion for teaching doesn’t mean it’s easy. In fact, while we may make it look effortless, years of preparation and a big chunk of money have

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-79564981154441324372011-07-04T07:31:00.000-07:002011-07-04T12:18:44.514-07:00

Posted by Lora Hart Artistic Advisor I just got back from a mind blowing 5 days in the forests of Idyllwild, California at Metals Week, a retreat put on by the Idyllwild Arts Academy and Deb Jemmott. This retreat is a little different than most in that each class lasts the entire 5 days! This gives a student the luxurious opportunity to explore, practice, design, experiment and learn a variety of

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-78882906082449766772011-06-28T06:00:00.000-07:002011-06-28T16:04:07.052-07:00

Editor's Note: The journal entry Lois created for us for June was published a little early - before she had a chance to add her photographs. We've all been there. Your computer zigs when you expect it to zag. So, we are re-publishing her entry, this time with a few additional details and the all-important photos. This is a transition many who have not used PMC is some time find themselves making

Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02494096533287993451noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-18816810046150001512011-06-23T01:46:00.000-07:002011-06-27T11:55:00.404-07:00

by Mary Ellin D'AgostinoTechnical AdvisorMany people want to create a smooth, sleek, look with flush set stones in their metal clay pieces. Some time ago, I got the following email from a student and thought I would share my answer with you."Hi! I've just finished a project that involved gypsy settings (these were small CZs set close together - almost touching - in a line, sort of simulated

Mary Ellin D'Agostinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982210491228971866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-11733241323208977722011-06-20T10:32:00.000-07:002011-06-20T10:32:00.733-07:00

Introducing: Sharon GillespieHow long have you been working with metal clay? Eleven years.What did you do before that? Stained Glass, Eggery, Oil Painting.What other mediums do you work with? Glass, Eggs, Paint.How did you come to be a PMC Connection Senior Teacher? What year? In 2009 I was recommended by Sherry Fotopoulos and Marlynda Taylor.What do you think is the most exciting aspect of

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-57434503789980551012011-06-13T16:54:00.000-07:002011-06-13T19:23:26.389-07:00

by Jennifer RobertsPresidentWhile last week’s announcement by the PMC Guild came as a surprise, the expressions of dismay at its passing did not. It is never easy to lose such an institution and the sense of wanting a place to share ideas is even more pronounced in a field as young as metal clay. The gratitude we feel for the people who introduced us to a medium we love so dearly cannot be

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-54522710656317389982011-06-10T05:55:00.000-07:002011-06-10T05:55:00.521-07:00

Posted by Lora HartArtistic Advisor Have you ever thought about what really goes into the making of a single piece of jewelry? I know you're aware of the obvious things like working with wet clay, grooming and perfecting dry clay, firing it into silver (gold, copper or bronze), and finishing it perfectly. Then of course there's the part where you spend time stringing, setting, soldering, chain

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-71336954750194916792011-06-06T15:00:00.000-07:002011-06-06T13:01:58.027-07:00

by Mary Ellin D'AgostinoTechnical AdvisorFrequently, when someone purchases a new kiln and uses it for the first time, they call or email in a panic about their kiln catching on fire or the inside turning black. Usually, they have turned the kiln off. In every case, after they have answered a few questions, I have been able to assure them that everything is fine; that they should turn the

Mary Ellin D'Agostinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982210491228971866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-75290689604181704822011-06-01T10:55:00.000-07:002011-06-01T11:07:47.477-07:00

Posted by Jennifer RobertsPresidentWe have just a couple of seats remaining for Patterns of Color in Metal Clay with Hadar Jacobson, June 3-5, 2011 (this Friday-Sunday!) in PMCC's Mesquite, Texas classroom.Learn how to combine base metal clays to create different color patterns, such as millefiori and mokume-gane. These new techniques were developed to suit the nature of metal clay and are

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-1797729547333980652011-05-30T07:09:00.000-07:002011-05-30T07:09:00.173-07:00

Introducing Vera Lightstone What did you do before you began working with metal clay? I was in a sculpture show with large ceramic abstractions when the gallery director gave me a tiny piece of what looked like clay and asked me to try it.  “Are you kidding?” said I, “I’m working at six feet!” She insisted, and my life changed. What other mediums do you work with? My work had been previously in

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-4463263980696946572011-05-23T17:13:00.000-07:002011-05-23T18:00:57.373-07:00

Editor’s note: Last month, PMCC launched our new series, Artist’s Journal. This post is the second installment and introduces you to our second blogger, Yvonne Yao.Our Artist's Journal bloggers will join us for an in-depth look into their journeys with PMC. Some are beginners, some know their way around metal clay – and all are willing to share the good, the bad, and the ugly with all of

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-82202841164920504312011-05-20T06:00:00.000-07:002011-05-20T06:00:17.357-07:00

by Mary Ellin D'AgostinoTechnical AdvisorEvery type of metal clay suggests the use of distilled water for moistening your clay. Many metal clay users don’t understand why they should use distilled water. Many of us get away with using tap water. Why the fuss? And, what is distilled water anyway?One of the myths regarding the use of distilled water is that it will help prevent mold in your

Mary Ellin D'Agostinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982210491228971866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-81279726991383932812011-05-16T13:40:00.000-07:002011-05-16T13:40:27.629-07:00

Posted by Lora HartArtistic Advisor I have a love/hate relationship with deadlines, submissions and proposals. I know they're good for me. I'm a procrastinator and seeing a deadline looming in my near future is often the shot of adrenaline I need to get the job done. But the extra biochemical push that gets my heart racing towards the finish line also prompts me to just drop the ball and let it

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-29851474655584597412011-05-06T13:52:00.000-07:002011-05-06T13:24:23.012-07:00

by Mary Ellin D'AgostinoTechnical AdvisorNow that silver is so very expensive, more and more of us are trying out the base metal clays. One of the questions that comes up regularly is about firing gemstones embedded in copper and bronze clays.For the most part, any stone that can be fired in place in fine silver clay using a 1650°F/2 hour firing schedule can be fired in place in carbon.

Mary Ellin D'Agostinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982210491228971866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-79304750867544988642011-04-27T06:00:00.000-07:002011-04-27T06:00:00.610-07:00

Linda Kline Director of Education and Senior Instructor"A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles." ~ Tim CahillHere we were at last in Istanbul, Turkey -- the legendary city of breathtaking beauty situated at the crossroads of two continents; the ancient land of the Roman, Byzantium and Ottoman Empires; home to the oldest bazaar in the world; an international shopper's mecca!

Linda Kline Designsnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-37445232871201707432011-04-25T14:29:00.000-07:002011-04-25T14:49:12.911-07:00

Editor’s note: PMCC is proud to launch our new series, Artist’s Journal. We’ve asked artists to join us for an in-depth look into their journeys with PMC. Some are beginners, some know their way around metal clay – and all are willing to share the good, the bad, and the ugly with all of us.Meet our first artist, Lois Lynn. . . Recently I received an email from my certification teacher inviting me

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-85434971646681979002011-04-17T06:00:00.000-07:002011-04-17T14:53:32.803-07:00

Introducing Ruth Greening How long have you been working with metal clay?  I was introduced to metal clay in 2000. What did you do before that? I still have my dreaded 'real job'. I'm an electric meter journeyman. Not a meter reader - I install, test and build industrial metering for the power company. I have always had some form of art in my life however. I started with a simple cake

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-81527540566326680062011-04-14T14:18:00.000-07:002011-04-14T15:27:52.323-07:00

Posted by Jennifer RobertsPresidentJoin us at the PMCC International Artists' Retreat, May 2-6, 2011 and learn how focusing on negative space can open up whole new worlds of design.Accentuate the Negative with Lora HartNegative space and intentional voids make a powerful statement when what’s left out is just as important as what’s included. Learn how to incorporate nothing into your work as

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-33506085222655350372011-04-14T11:27:00.000-07:002011-04-15T10:40:27.359-07:00

Posted by Mary Ellin D'AgostinoTechnical AdvisorWhen metal clays come out of the kiln, they still require a bit of work. Silver clays have a matte white surface (this is the natural color of the crystalline silver). Base metal clays may have beautiful or not so beautiful patinas and a matte surface. Generally, these surfaces scratch easily and are not stable. There are multiple ways to finish

Mary Ellin D'Agostinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982210491228971866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-9004121720206637722011-04-11T08:42:00.000-07:002011-04-11T10:09:47.930-07:00

Posted by Jennifer Roberts PresidentOf all the classes we are offering at our 2011 International Artists' Retreat, Jennifer Smith-Righter's Metal in Motion class has drawn the largest number of questions from potential students. So, we asked Jennifer to tell us what's it all about? Is it really as complex as it looks? How will skills learned translate to students' personal styles? Is the class

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-46487363225840473002011-04-08T06:00:00.000-07:002011-04-08T06:00:08.736-07:00

Introducing Mary Elllin D'Agostino How long have you been working with metal clay? Since 1998. What did you do before that? I have always done art, but prior to finding and falling in love with metal clay, I was an anthropologist and archaeologist just completing my PhD. I taught and fixed computers and was interviewing for university academic jobs when I took a turn onto the road less

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-27603120132940917602011-04-06T06:00:00.001-07:002011-04-06T06:00:09.767-07:00

Posted by Lora HartArtistic Advisor So many wonderful pieces were submitted for the second Creative Key challenge! Thank goodness that we let the random number generator give away the prize. I would never have been able to decide by myself. Congratulations to Lorena Angulo for her fabulous Creative Paper Clay ring, "Verde es Vida (Green is Life)"! Verde es Vida (Green is Life) by Lorena

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-68656715641664743972011-04-04T20:51:00.000-07:002011-04-04T20:56:35.710-07:00

Posted by Mary Ellin D'AgostinoTechnical AdvisorPeople often ask about what they need to fire their silver clay. Do they need a kiln? Can they use their old ceramic or glass kiln? What kiln should they buy? Let me say first that silver and gold clays do not care what your heat source is. Heat it long enough and hot enough and you will have a good result. Heat it too hot and it will melt.

Mary Ellin D'Agostinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982210491228971866noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-56559308393652428812011-04-04T15:15:00.000-07:002011-04-04T15:53:36.355-07:00

Posted by Jennifer RobertsPresidentPMCC is thrilled to host Patterns of Color in Metal Clay with Hadar Jacobson, June 3-5, 2011 in PMCC's Mesquite, Texas classroom.Learn how to combine base metal clays to create different color patterns, such as millefiori and mokume-gane. These new techniques were developed to suit the nature of metal clay and are significantly different from polymer clay and

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-18801798670488169612011-04-01T09:22:00.000-07:002011-04-01T09:22:06.011-07:00

Posted by Lora HartArtistic Advisor I don’t remember where, when or why I first heard the phrase “hard metals”. It’s certainly not a description that goldmsiths use to describe their chosen supplies. It refers to the difference between the kind of metal that traditional jewelry makers use - milled, drawn, forged, stiff and hard; and the kind we use - malleable, carveable and moldable, mushy even.

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-64368646508658480032011-03-30T12:32:00.000-07:002011-03-30T12:32:45.065-07:00

Well, today is the last day to get your images to Lark Books for the next 500 Rings book. But you have two more days to submit a design based on the theme "Wearin' of the Green" to our Creative Key challenge! The rules of the challenge are simple: • Use any material you like to realize your vision. If you need to hone your hard metal skills - use traditional fabrication. If you're a whiz with

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-29175583223252939592011-03-28T06:00:00.000-07:002011-03-28T06:00:07.900-07:00

Posted by Jennifer RobertsPresidentThe Surrealists were on to something when they turned this parlor game into an enriching artistic exercise.At its heart, an Exquisite Corpse is a method by which a collection of words or images is collectively assembled. The assembly happens in a linear progression, with each person adding something to the end of the creation. This can take many forms and

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-43476515028319928402011-03-25T06:00:00.000-07:002011-03-25T06:00:10.051-07:00

Posted by Lora HartArtistic AdvisorDo y'all know about Crafthaus? The Ning hosted  website is the brainchild of self described craft nerd and mixed media artist Brigitte Martin. CH is a little corner of heaven in cyber space where Professional craft artists display their work, and connect with each other across all fields of interest. As metal clay artist's we are lucky to have more than one

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-37003417195644203082011-03-21T09:49:00.000-07:002011-03-21T11:39:15.362-07:00

Posted by Jennifer Roberts PresidentThe InvitationWe are all asked to take a lot of surveys in our lives. So many, that I often wonder if anyone actually looks at the results. But the new survey published by the The PMC Guild and Mitsubishi is one you don’t want to miss. They want to know who you are and how they can better serve you – and they are listening to your responses.Changes in the metal

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-53873793971416105642011-03-18T12:30:00.000-07:002011-03-20T12:10:40.154-07:00

Posted by Mary Ellin D'AgostinoTechnical AdvisorSpring is here and lots of things are growing, including mold. Questions about mold in metal clay come up regularly this time of year. Here is probably more than you ever wanted to know about mold in metal clay.The health issues related to mold revolve around breathing the mold spores and the mycotoxins they produce. Unless you have allergies,

Mary Ellin D'Agostinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982210491228971866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-22692994410921911512011-03-14T06:00:00.000-07:002011-03-14T06:00:32.928-07:00

Posted by Jennifer RobertsPresidentAny time a natural disaster strikes, our hearts go out to the people affected. We listen for news and watch our TV’s, hopeful for good news. When we see images of devastation, we recognize how lucky we are to be safe and we do what we can for those who are not.The metal clay community has a special relationship with Japan – the birthplace of PMC. In the 24 hours

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-53618936254599062512011-03-11T12:02:00.000-08:002011-03-11T12:03:51.137-08:00

Posted by Linda KlineDirector of Education "Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." ~ Miriam Beard With the writing of this blog, I'm sitting on my bed surrounded by piles of clothes, an open suitcase, and a rather anxious looking dog. Bear, my Golden Retriever, is giving me the evil eye. All you have to do

Linda Kline Designsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-79065042228304420082011-03-07T06:00:00.000-08:002011-03-07T06:56:37.946-08:00

Posted by Lora HartArtistic Advisor And The Award Goes To... The excitement has been building, the artists have been designing, principal photography has been completed, the nominees have gathered on Flickr to screen their masterpieces.  Today the results will be broadcast the world over! And no one had to squeeze into a couture gown or fight through crowds of paparazzi to learn the results.

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-44973595707479684902011-03-04T06:00:00.000-08:002011-03-04T06:00:07.961-08:00

Posted by Mary Ellin D'AgostinoTechnical AdvisorI have known for some time that one can revitalize old dried or partially dried cork clay by adding water, letting it sit, and kneading relentlessly. But now that wood clays have supplanted cork clay, many of us want to know how to rejuvenate the wood clays. Since wood clay made an entrance, there have been two brands used and sold by metal clay

Mary Ellin D'Agostinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982210491228971866noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-21664296157759647642011-02-28T06:00:00.002-08:002011-02-28T06:00:07.258-08:00

Posted by Jennifer RobertsPresidentThe semi-annual PMCC International Artists Retreat is a wonderful educational experience for anyone interested in metal clay. Great teachers, a huge variety of classes, lots of new tools and toys to peruse. You know all that.But the retreat is more than just a great learning opportunity – it’s a great vacation. So, while you contemplate all of the wonderful

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-58943653322232046592011-02-25T06:00:00.000-08:002011-02-25T09:19:06.180-08:00

Introducing Debbie Rijns How long have you been working with metal clay? I discovered metal clay about nine years ago and have been at it ever since. What did you do before that?I was a porcelain restorer in my former life (or pre-PMC days) and enjoyed bringing treasures back to their former glory. My specialty was the restoration of Oriental porcelains and marble busts. What other mediums do

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-26801936082373829382011-02-21T06:00:00.000-08:002011-02-21T06:00:14.693-08:00

Lora Hart Artistic Advisor The Boy Scouts were certainly on to something when they coined that phrase. And the world must agree or it wouldn't have migrated into the popular lexicon. It's such a universal truth that professional chefs say something similar to emphasize the importance of preparing a dish. Or so I learned on Worst Cooks in America. The term struck such a chord that I'm still

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-10591016919113392072011-02-18T06:00:00.000-08:002011-02-18T10:32:32.182-08:00

Posted by Mary Ellin D'AgostinoTechnical AdvisorWhile it is clear that we almost always need a bit of slippery stuff when working with metal clays, I am often asked questions about what type, how much, where, and when to use it. Feel free to chime in if I leave anything out!Why Oil?Why do we need to grease up? Metal clay can be sticky. It can cling to your hands, tools, textures, and work

Mary Ellin D'Agostinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982210491228971866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-62784287222700986822011-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:002011-02-14T08:09:20.150-08:00

Linda KlineDirector of Curriculum "How can we expect another to keep our secret if we have been unable to keep it ourselves?" ~ Franćois de La Rochefoucauld ~ Writing this post got me thinking of all the different expressions we have for divulging secrets. Who spilled the beans? She let the cat out of the bag. He sang like a canary. Loose lips sink ships.....You get my point. We just love to

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-66384528047772650712011-02-11T06:00:00.000-08:002011-02-11T06:00:11.620-08:00

Posted by Jennifer RobertsPresidentLast month, we looked at perspective and its role at the beginning of the creative process. But, how you choose to look at your finished piece is just as important to your growth as an artist. So, how do you get an objective opinion?The Finished PieceI heard someone talking on TV recently about what dress she was going to wear to an awards show. She told the

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-66904195745263037102011-02-09T06:00:00.000-08:002011-02-09T06:00:04.303-08:00

Introducing Linda KlineDirector of Curriculum and Teacher Development How long have you been working with metal clay?11 years What did you do before that?    Do you mean a “day job”? I worked in public relations and marketing in higher education and the travel industry.  If you mean, what did I do artistically - metalsmithing and fiber artist, primarily. What other mediums do you work with? Fiber

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-58695395903536250142011-02-07T06:00:00.000-08:002011-02-07T09:06:12.838-08:00

Posted by Lora HartArtistic Advisor When did the public at large begin to take part in mass challenges? The first media contest I remember seeing was Queen For a Day when I was a child. What started as an obsession for game shows has evolved into a passion for reality based one upmanship. From who can last on a desert island longer, to which master chef concocts the tastiest tidbits, to

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-37899314079438862302011-02-04T06:00:00.000-08:002011-02-04T11:56:14.400-08:00

Posted by Mary Ellin D'AgostinoTechnical AdvisorAh, a brand new package of metal clay! There are no bumps, lumps, bits of toothpick, cat hairs, or other detritus in it. The moisture is just right and I can make it do what I want it to do. It is always so tempting to open up a new package of clay for my projects. But what about all those abandoned un-fired projects? The lump of too-dry clay in

Mary Ellin D'Agostinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982210491228971866noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-7251976171833788882011-01-31T05:00:00.001-08:002011-01-31T05:00:14.034-08:00

Posted by Jennifer RobertsPresidentPerspective, both before you start a piece and after it is finished, is critical for an artist. Being in the right frame of mind can be the difference between a masterwork and the scrap pile. Similarly, having the ability to analyze your work to see where you have grown, what you did well, and what needs to be refined is key to growth. But, whether it is

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-45773939792004824832011-01-28T06:00:00.000-08:002011-01-29T18:43:26.772-08:00

Posted by Lora HartArtistic Advisor Did you notice the phrase "Great Grey Goop" over there in the Welcome message? Have you ever heard it before? I can't actually remember where I first heard it. It's a description of metal clay that Linda Kaye Moses came up with many moons ago. Linda says "I initiated the use of the phrase Great Grey Goop to add a little levity to our favorite material, somehow

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-3591745768723427252011-01-24T06:00:00.000-08:002011-01-24T09:06:20.559-08:00

Posted by Peggy HouchinDirector of Education Marketing If you're thinking of beginning a teaching career, starting a local guild, or just looking for people in your local area that share your love of metal clay or any other hobby or interest, Meetup Groups may be perfect for you. I started my N. Colorado Metal Clay Meetup group about a year ago. I have had great success advertising and

Peggy A. Houchinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-7372508253145648122011-01-21T12:20:00.000-08:002011-01-21T16:47:44.106-08:00

Posted by Mary Ellin D'AgostinoTechnical AdvisorOk, so you have rolled and rolled and rolled and just can't get that perfectly sized, even, and smooth slab to create your masterpiece in metal clay. Cracks, seams, thicker in the middle, raggedy edges...What is the problem? Aaarrrggghhh!Whether you are a beginner or a pro, there are a few things to keep in mind when trying to roll your clay out

Mary Ellin D'Agostinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982210491228971866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-66347578735569146762011-01-19T06:00:00.000-08:002011-01-19T14:33:22.470-08:00

Introducing Ken and Mary Ann DevosFormer Directors of Education Ken and Mary Ann Devos How long have you been working with metal clay?Ken: Since 1999Mary Ann: I have worked with metal clay since 1996. I participated in Tim McCreight's first class for studio jewelers. In 1999 I trained in Japan with Art Clay and helped introduce their products to the US and Europe. What did you do before that? 

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-8531346498166362312011-01-17T06:00:00.000-08:002011-01-18T07:34:07.223-08:00

Posted by Lora HartArtistic Advisor Didja notice that slide show of pretty jewels down there in the right sidebar? I've instructed the Flickr robots to scour all the photos that were uploaded there to look for a specific tag word. They'll pick the most recent 20 pics and send them over here so we can see what wonderful work is being made  all over the world. Every time a new photo appears on

Lora Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10130010633665730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-88423045266352441922011-01-14T06:00:00.000-08:002011-01-14T06:00:18.133-08:00

2011 is already two weeks old. It started slowly for me, in the cold, snowy silence of a Montana vacation. But of course, the to-do lists and pressures of my daily life were just lying in wait. I came home to a mountain of work, the news that a friend had ended his life, and the tragedy of the shootings in Tucson. And then, just when I thought people might stop for one second and consider how

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14739048870215150618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-7105156069584149232011-01-10T06:00:00.000-08:002011-01-24T09:07:15.463-08:00

Posted by: Linda KlineTitle: Director of Education “I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework.” ~ Lily Tomlin as "Edith Ann" I love this quote. Its innocence says so much about what we do as teachers. When we teach we open up a whole new Universe for our students. We ignite a fire in them and send them home with new skills; expanded vision; and a

Linda Kline Designsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-71107459388945799542011-01-06T08:04:00.000-08:002011-01-07T10:20:59.409-08:00

Don’t burn yourself. Don’t breathe smoke, dust, or fumes. Work in a well ventilated area. Avoid cutting yourself on those sharp tools. Don’t eat or drink in your studio. Don’t sniff glue or eat paste. And don’t eat the silver clay, even if it does say it is non-toxic. Basic, simple, common sense advice, right?But the truth of the matter is that life and studio work are more complicated than that

Mary Ellin D'Agostinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982210491228971866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079729577292654592.post-18890478813439366502011-01-05T12:04:00.000-08:002011-01-05T15:44:05.032-08:00

I am delighted to be the new technical advisor for PMC Connection. I will be making regular posts to CornerStone on the techniques, technology, and technicalities of metal clays and related materials and issues. If you have a particular issue you want covered or a question you want answered, let me know and I will tackle the topic for you. I will begin with the first installment in an ongoing

Mary Ellin D'Agostinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982210491228971866noreply@blogger.com4