Art Clay Silver Class

I am a certified instructor for Art Clay Silver, a clay that when fired in a kiln becomes fine silver. It is worked like polymer clay, for example, using tools, stamps, cutters, etc. When it is dried, finish work is done with files and sand paper. It then is fired, and when it is cool the magic begins! Brushing and burnishing turn it in to fine pieces of jewelry—pendants, charms, rings, findings, whatever you can imagine in a silver form! Tumbling and antiquing are additional procedures.

I offer all-day classes at my home for three to five students at a time. (My silver clay teaching season is December through April; otherwise I am on the road with lots of shows.) If you live in the greater Portland/Vancouver/Salem area (or farther if you want to make a “vacation” of this opportunity), this may be just what you are looking for. Here’s what you need to know:

Email me for more information or to schedule a class. It would be great fun for a crafter/artists’s birthday or for an established group (beaders, polymer artists, etc.) to learn a new art form.

Class Details

  • Class Fees:
    Private Class (one person): $100
    Two students: $80 per person
    Three or more students: $60 per person
  • All day at my house (directions separately). So if we begin about 9 a.m. and try
    to end by 5 p.m., we’ll have plenty of time to make several items, to have coffee,
    and to each lunch. (I have an espresso machine, so we’ll make lattes and americanos; for lunch, it’s BYOB(agged lunch).
  • If anyone wants to bring a snack to share, we’ll set up a table close by so we don’t
    have to go far. (I find that when I get involved, I don’t like to stop to eat—
    imagine that!
  • There will be lots of examples that I have made to examine. Also I have several
    books and articles with wonderful ideas. I will prepare for each of you some
    photocopies to keep and use as inspiration.
  • Tools and equipment to share and kiln and tumbler time for the whole day are included in the class fee. If you prefer your own set of tools, order a tool kit below (It’s an excellent buy.) Extra kiln time can be arranged for a small fee.
  • I have lots of rubber stamps, shells, and button molds, but feel free to bring items that can create texture on the clay (wire mesh, lace or fabric scraps, toothpaste caps, etc.) Also, favorite polymer clay tools work well also.

Kits Available for Purchase (All products are Art Clay Silver)

A typical earring or bracelet charm will take about 2-4 grams of silver. A pendant will need about 10-15 grams. We will have time to make several things. All kits will be packaged for you before you arrive. Since the metals market has risen recently and keeps changing, kits will be priced at current market prices.

Large Comprehensive Kit Slow Dry

50 Grams Lump Clay (the basic molding clay)
10 Grams Paste Clay (“slip” used to finish and glue)
10 Grams Syringe Clay (for setting stones and embellishing)
1 Paper Clay (to cut or punch for embellishment)

Small Kit Slow Dry

40 Grams Lump Clay (classic form—faster dry, less work time)
10 Grams Syringe Clay
10 Grams Paste Clay

Tool Kit

Agate Burnisher
Rubber Block
Roll-Up Kit
(w/ roller, plastic slats, 6” flexible blade/case, craft knife mini-file set,
flat end and fine end paintbrushes, spatula/cleaning tool,
stainless steel brush, adjustable ring sizer, bamboo skewer)

Other Items Available for Purchase

What I’ve Learned from Past Classes

Email me for more information or to schedule a class. It would be great fun for a crafter/artists’s birthday or for an established group (beaders, polymer artists, etc.) to learn a new art form.