Creating With Precious Metal Clay - Softcover

Landenwitch, Jeanette

9781553694700: Creating With Precious Metal Clay

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1553694708 ISBN 13: 9781553694700

Publisher: Trafford on Demand Pub, 2002

Creating with Precious Metal Clay offers in-depth discussion about Precious Metal Clay (PMC), along with over 200 color and black & white photographs. This book is divided into two sections. The first half gives all the information you need to work with PMC. The entire process is explained, including the types of PMC, tools, techniques, firing, and finishing. The second half includes 15 in-depth projects that allow hands-on experience. Some of the techniques taught include joining, texturing, draping, layering, three-dimensional hollow forms, such as beads and vessels, setting stones before firing and afer firing, making bezels, carving, cutwork, and forming and shaping rings and bracelets. A special section about using PMC with fired ceramic glazes is also included. After learning the methods in this book you will be able to design and create your own pieces in your own special style!

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About the Author:

I began working with Precious Metal clay in early 1999 and immediately became intrigued. Since then I have worked extensively with the material, and have completed the program, through the PMC Guild, to achieve my Certification for teaching. I teach PMC classes and workshops to all age groups. I am a juried member of Artisans United Craft Gallery in Annandale, have pieces in shops nationally and internationally, and have had pieces on display internationally. I have been a contributing author to the PMC newsletter, 'Studio PMC'.

My background is extensive in arts, crafts, and design. I am a custom dressmaker, and also have a BA degree in Interior Design. My hobbies include knitting, cross-stitching, and photography.

Introduction

PMC is a revolutionary development in the precious metal industry. It allows for easy creation of detail in designs that would be very difficult and painstaking to achieve using conventional forms of metal and methods of working. Expensive tools and equipment are not needed to work with PMC.

It is a very versatile product. The silver and gold PMC can be used separately, or in combination with each other, as in two-tone pieces. PMC can be combined, before firing, with other materials such as potter's clay, sterling silver, high-fired ceramics, synthetic corundum stones, and, after firing, using epoxy, or soldering methods. It can be enameled, carved, or even wheel-thrown. Three dimensional pieces and hollow forms such as beads and vases can easily be made.

PMC is a very 'forgiving' medium. Changes in the piece can be made at any stage of creation, allowing for the design to truly evolve. New designs can be tested with very little time commitment. You will also learn that, with a little vigilance, there is virtually no wasted PMC. Slightly or completely dried PMC can be re-hydrated to working consistency, or made into slip (a paste form of PMC used for joining and repairing).

PMC has incredible potential and limitless possibilities. Your designs can be as simple or as intricate as you desire. As you learn about PMC, your imagination will be more than sparked. You will find yourself thinking of more design ideas than you have time to create. By all means try new things and experiment with new ideas. This is a product that is in its infancy. It has tremendous potential and is very easily individualized. Experienced artisans, jewelers, clay workers, bead-makers, etc., will find ways to incorporate PMC into existing methods of working. Novice hobbyists and budding artisans will have wonderful success from the very beginning. You will find great satisfaction and encouragement when you see the professional results you can achieve. Those who experience PMC will add a dimension to their work that has been unavailable until now.

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