PMC Conference

Sherrie Styx - Incorporating Dichroic Glass into PMC
Glass adds breathtaking colors to compliment PMC and you will be inspired by the variety that glass offers. This presentation will explore the basics of glass from cutting to firing, and show how to create economical dichroic glass cabochons. Explore kiln techniques and discover how to use the kiln to melt glass shapes,. Learn unique easy ways to build clay bezels around glass elements. Prior glass experience isn't needed.

Carmen Alvarez-Keefer - Combining Bronze and PMC Clays with Other Metals and Firing in the Kiln
Through my experiments with PMC I became convinced that I could combine the new Bronzclay with metal and fire in the kiln also. I have had success and have created many pieces using brass wire and bronze mesh. I have fired stones in the place as well, with varying success depending on the kind of gemstone used.

Judi Weers and Carol Hamilton - How Well Do Bronze, Copper, and Silver Play Together?
Each of these metals has their own unique properties and separately they have their own firing schedules and special working conditions. Blending two or all three of them together into one piece creates a whole new set of requirements. Learn how this can be done and some of the things to watch for. Variety is the spice of life, so why not have it all?

Janet Harriman - Textures and Handmade Stencils on Bronzclay
My presentation will cover creating an original hand-made stencil that is then pressed into moist rolled Bronzclay to make a pendant. A tree design will be sawed or pierced carefully out of a brass sheet to make the stencil. Texture will also be added to the wet Bronzclay with found objects. Plastic pins and additional stencils will also be worked into the moist Bronzclay. Polishing techniques such as planishing and buffing will be shown for finishing the fired metal Bronzclay.

Cindy Silas - Enamel Illusions
Learn a new method of adding color to your silver clay that rivals the look of transparent vitreous enamel. After taking a 9-week enameling workshop, I was curious to see how well I could imitate the sparkle and transparent color of my workshop enamel using kiln-free coloring methods on silver clay. This quest involved loads of experimentation, comparisons of similar products, and resulted in a few discoveries. I will show you the winning process with step-by-step instructions and samples.

Louise Shadonix - Technical Textures
You can create texture in a myriad of ways now available through the use of modern technology. Using your computer, printer, and die cutter, learn how to make custom stencils, molds, tear-away sheets, silk-screens, and more. Learn how to use these unique textures for your designs. You will be introduced to a special way of capturing your own artwork to turn it into texture. Using personal artwork offers flexibility and sets your work apart. All artists whether beginner or professional can use technology to enhance their creativity and design potential.

Marian Ward - Repousse and Chasing Techniques Using Photoshop and PMC Sheet
I will demonstrate how to turn two-dimensional photographic images into 3-dimensional wearable art using PMC sheet, simple Adobe Photoshop procedures, and the ancient techniques of repousse and chasing. I will discuss the steps necessary to resize and enhance a photographic image into a three-dimensional raised image in metal. Finally, I will show how to back the piece and finish it as a pin, pendant, or belt buckle.

Catherine Davies-Paetz - Water Etching Tips/Etching Hollow Forms
Learn tips and tricks for successful water etching on metal clay. See the process and the results, as well as examples of embellishment ideas for your finished designs. Understand how to create and prepare your metal clay hollow forms for water etching. Learn what to consider when etching your pieces for enameling.

RobinBeth Faulkner - Make Perfect Endcaps
Most metal clay artists find the need, sooner or later, to make endcaps for necklaces and bracelets. Most of the time we roll out a thin layer and wrap it around a form to get a specific shape. While doing this any pattern we have on the clay gets mushed at the edges or elsewhere on the piece. I have developed is a way to get perfect roundness or any other form without the bump at the seam and to have a clean pattern on it, too.

Sherri Haab - Green Textures for Metal Clay
Learn everything you've ever wanted to know about creating textures for metal clay including new technology that uses easy, non-hazardous solutions for electro-etching. Etched copper sheet can be used to make personalized texture plates for metal clay. You can also etch on all types of metal clay (silver, bronze, and copper) with electrical etching. This presentation will also feature all types of resist used for etching including new types that make etching foolproof. All methods displayed will assure safety and they will keep your studio green.

Elizabeth Agte - How Do I Finish?
Do you have a drawer full of PMC masterpieces that you don't know how to make into finished jewelry? You can learn simple techniques for putting elegant finishing touches on PMC without having a fully equipped metal shop. With just a few basic handtools you can add interesting and distinctive embellishments to your PMC creations such as bails, hollow rivets, pierced sterling or copper sheet, handmade jump rings, findings, and more. I will be happy to offer suggestions on exciting ways to complete pieces you have already created.

Yolanda Nieuwboer - Enameling on Copprclay Using Oxidation
This presentation concerns using different white and transparent enamels on Copprclay A variety of colors can be achieved by changing the thickness of the layer enamel, the firing time and the firing temperature. Instead of preventing oxidation, I use this chemical reaction to create lovely greens, blues, pinks, oranges, yellows, and reds on fired Copprclay. This technique exploits the rich textural and shaping potential of Copprclay to as colors become more vivid.

Barry Kaiser - Glass Clay
Glass Clay is an exciting new medium that expands the techniques available to glass and metal clay artists. This presentation will demonstrate how to make the medium that is the base for glass clay, then describe the method for creating the clay, including different formulations for different uses. Also on display will be illustrations of how to work with and fire glass clay to achieve exciting results.