My favorite websites:
polymerclaydaily.com
polymerclaycentral.com
glassattic.com
FENNOfashion.com
spinningalpacayarns.com
Craftcast.com
dailyartmuse.com
Organizations I belong to:
pmcguild.com
mdpag.com
npcg.com
misilversmith.org
I am certified in:
Metal Clay by -
RioGrande - by Tonya Davidson
PMC Guild - by Linda Bernstein
PMC Connection - by Linda Berstein
Polymer Clay by -
Breyer State University
by Karan Schneider, Ph.D.
Photography Degree -
New York Institute of Photography
Where I Shop:
wholelottawhimsy.com
ornementea.com
munrocrafts.com
metalliferous.com
RioGrande.com
I am a metal clay and polymer clay artisan and instructor dedicated to bringing quality workmanship and exceptional instruction to my clients. - Georgeann "Georgie" Galante
Metal Clay Workshop
Above: Metal clay domes place on pre-made fine silver ring shanks. All done by first time students.
PPhothoto of metal clay workshop. Domes
Projects & Info
Free Project at:
www.jacquardproducts.com
Click Here:
Info on Polymer and Metal Clay
More metal (fine silver and basic*)clays and polymer clay
classes coming after the holidays.
*Basic metal clay was introduced to the market about three years ago. Now available in copper, bronze, rose bronze, white bronze and pearl steel. If you are interested in learning or working with basic metal clay please contact me.
Metal Clay
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Considering the price of silver these days, working with the new copper, bronze and steel (basic metal) clays are becoming more popular. The costs are considerably less and the amount of clay is more. With a couple of classes and a kiln the new clays might be worth checking into.
Photos of projects coming soon.
For more info on basic metal clays:
www.hadarjacobson.com
Polymer Clay
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There is so much you can do with polymer clay and it is very affordable. This product can imitate just about anything from bone to mokume gane. It can be painted, carved, polished, shaped, textured, sculpted - truly endless. It is used by doll makers, craftartists and painters, but it doesn't stop there.
Check out polymerclaydaily.com a blog maintained by Cynthia Tinapple. You'll see remarkable things made with polymer clay from artists all over the world.
Other Media
Taking classes and workshops in other mediums is not only fun, but will also expand your creativity.
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The Bead Babes meet for a few hours, once a month at locations in Brooklyn and Jackson, Michigan. A great group of women who share their expertise on beading. There is no fee. Yep, it's free.
For info email: geogal48_gmail.com
Kristine Haddox is a great metalsmithing teacher. She can be found at Ann Arbor Art Center in Michigan.
What is metal clay? Metal clay is silver particles, binder and water, not to be confused with sterling silver, which contains silver and another metal usually copper. Metal clay is available in 6 to 45 grams, and price is market-based. When metal (lump) clay is taken out of its package it is soft, moist and grey in color. It air dries so there is a limited time to work it, however, there are techniques to keep it moist longer. While the clay is still moist it can be stamped, reshaped, carved, sliced, cubed, or rolled into a shape that is desirable, including rings. Then it is either air-dried overnight or forced dried via a food dehydrator or a hair-dryer, which removes any remaining water. After drying, the piece has only the binder and the silver left. At this point it can be sanded, refined and patina applied. Firing the piece in a kiln or with a small butane torch removes the binder. With the binder gone, what is left is pure silver (.999) and a one of a kind masterpiece! It truly is simple and easy, however, be aware - it can be extremely addicting.
Metal clay is easy to work with, no previous experience in metal smithing is necessary. However, taking a class will help you with some dos and don'ts. In a class students learn the various techniques and types of metal clay, how to fire with a small butane torch, where to get metal clay at the best prices, which organizations will suit your needs.
Metal clay has the reputation of being “too expensive”; it does not have to be. Costs can be minimal and once set up with the basics making a one of a kind pure silver piece can be done in a matter of hours. In the past two years, or so, basic metal clays have been created and are available at a fraction of the cost of silver. These clays come in bronze, copper, and steel.
Metal clay also comes in a paste form (used to join lump clay onto itself or other pieces), which can be used to cover organic objects. For example: leaves, paper, clay cork, paper clay, insects, etc. Clay cork or paper clay can be formed into a 3-D subject and covered with paste.
Polymer clay is made up of polyvinyl chloride and plasticizers. Once conditioned, it can be worked into just about anything; then baked (in a toaster or convection oven) and finished. This is a very inexpensive and easy to learn craft. It is called "clay" because it is malleable, but polymer clay is not true clay.
Polymer clay can duplicate just about anything, including faux leather, jade and raku. The leather can be made into a bowl or even a bookcover; the jade can be made into a stone and placed in a bezel; the raku can cover a switchplate or a small lamp. It can be placed in sterling silver or metal clay. Make buttons, ornaments, mosaics...it's endless.
Info On Polymer and Metal Clay
More to Come
Copyright (c) 2010 Georgie Galante All rights reserved
