PMC Conference

Terry Kovalcik - Beauty: It's in the Details
You've heard the quote 'The devil is in the details' and often it's true. With PMC jewelry it's those details that can make a piece stand out. But knowing that they are important and getting the details right are the same thing. Terry will discuss a 10-step action plan to help make those details work for you. Steps include: Planning, the Materials, Making it Yours, Making the Parts, Refining the piece, Those Little Surprises, Other Metals, Finishing, Color, and Movement. By giving focus to those details you'll bring more beauty to your creations.

Tonya Davidson - Mixing the Media and Finding Your Voice
Have you been itching to add color and visual stimulation to your work? Or maybe you've been seeking a way to find your own voice. Set your work apart from others through mixed media! Let me guide you as you learn to combine metal clay with various other materials. Maybe your second passion will be resin, enamel, concrete, colored pencils, or polymer. See new products and learn how they can be used.

Patrik Kusek - Brainstorming to Unleash Your Full Creative Potential
For a few lucky souls, creativity is practically channeled from another dimension. For most of us creativity comes and goes like a fairy godmother who showers us with a few precious gems then leaves us wanting more. As this talk will show, there is nothing magical about learning to be creative. With the right tools and proper attitude you'll be able to overcome those creative roadblocks. Patrik will explore a variety of different brainstorming methods and attendees will also be asked to participate in a brainstorming process to effectively demonstrate the process. You'll leave with a handful of creative brainstorming tools to help you work to the next level.

Susan Dilger - Positioning and Pricing your Product
Whether you are a novice jewelry maker, a pro who has been selling for years or somewhere in between, you'll benefit from Susan's presentation. Susan not only shares tips for identifying the best venues for selling your work and a simple formula for pricing, but also takes on the complicated 'art' of pricing your product. If you'd like to become more professional in presenting your work and dealing with galleries and stores, don't miss this opportunity to learn insider tips from a former marketing executive turned jewelry maker.

Holly Gage - Are You Seizing the Moment?
The advent of metal clay is dramatically changing the landscape of metalwork and jewelry making. Changes are coming fast and furious,Aeiwe are truly witnessing a revolution. This burst of creative energy has given birth to a world of opportunity. New tools and supplies abound and businesses are thriving in a recessionary economy. In this dynamic presentation, Holly will discuss how metal clay innovators, pioneers, and inventors take a start with an idea and through trial and error invent new products and tools. The veteran as well as the newcomer to metal clay will learn just what it takes to see an opportunity and seize the moment.

Noël Yovovich - Metalsmithing for Metal Clay
Metal clay offers non-traditional solutions to the age-old challenges of connecting metal parts. But when attaching parts of other metals, or materials that cannot tolerate high heat, techniques developed by traditional metalsmiths may be just what you need. This presentation will demonstrate conventional methods such as soldering and riveting with the special adaptations necessary for metal clays. Different solutions for silver, bronze, and copper clays will be explored along with innovative ways to avoid having to solder your metal clay in the first place!