Polymer Mokume Bracelets with PMC Adornments

October 5-8

4 day class

Suitable for all levels.  Experience in PMC is helpful.

Nowhere else in polymer clay work can you see the range of this versatile medium as clearly as in bracelet construction.  The brand of clay, the proportion of different brands if you mix clays, the thickness and the firing duration are all factors that relate to strength, durability, rigidity and flexibility; all issues routinely negotiated in the design of a polymer clay bracelet.

In this class you’ll make mokume bracelets (pictured) adorned with PMC rings and dangles, both 2 and 3-dimensional.

You’ll also make bracelets constructed onto brass forms.

About the techniques covered in the class:  The polymer portion of the class will cover polymer clay mokume: You’ll use the tools and techniques I’ve developed to produce the vivid, resonant colors and porcelain-like finish characteristic of this polymer version of mokume gane, an ancient Asian metalworking technique. This advanced design process, adapted for polymer clay, produces exotic, calligraphic patterns revealed through layers of gold leaf and delicately tinted translucent clay.  

As time permits, we will explore the tools and techniques best used for carving polymer bracelets, as well.  

PMC Techniques: You’ll use hollow form construction techniques combined with principles of ring making (for sizing) to make bracelet adornments and embellishments such as tube beads, cones, and other cylindrical forms.  You’ll explore variations on the lentil (inside out, pierced, etc.) and other fresh and dry-stage constructions. Several approaches to making unique nametags, basic riveting and coloring metal will be explored in this dynamic class. 

We’ll be using OneFire PMC Sterling.  For more about this wonderful clay please visit my blog. 

The class cost is $525

The Material Fee is $115

The material fee includes supplies and consumables, tear away textures to use, Teflon, packages of polymer clay, sterling silver, Argentium Sterling, sterling, brass, copper, Celie's demo materials (PMC, polymer, precious metals), finishing materials, including sand papers for PMC and polymer, studio rent, studio prep, administrative costs, and handouts.  Also included are many tools and supplies (both general and those specifically developed for making mokume) for you to use including a glass work surface, glass palettes, and a desk lamp.

I suggest you budget 2, 25 gram packs of OneFire PMC Sterling (at least) for this class (or equivalent amounts of other PMC types).

Basic supplies will be available to purchase individually during the class.

I’ll have ‘emergency clay’ for sale during the class.

A list of local lodging choices will be sent upon registration.

A supply list will be sent in the beginning of August. 

The class will be capped at 9 people.

TO REGISTER:  E-mail me first to make sure there is a spot in the class. (If you've already emailed me, your spot is secure.) Then send a check for $640 by July 1st.  After August 1st  this is non-refundable, unless a replacement can be found, in which case your refund would be the tuition minus a $50 registration fee.  

Please e-mail me if you would like to split the tuition into two payments.