Description
PMC for Beginners, Precious Metal Clay
PMC earrings with flower texture
This PMC workshop open to everyone, from complete beginner through to more advanced. This class is no longer included in the yearly program. It is available to book as a private class @ £330 per day for up to 2 individuals, or by request @ £65 per day. If you are interested in attending by request please contact us to express your interest. This class is also available as a downloadable 12 page booklet on the downloads page. Buy it here.
What is PMC?
Often called PMC or Art Clay, Precious Metal Clay is made up of minute particles of metal mixed with water and an organic binder. It is formed whilst in its clay state and then fired. The firing process burns away the binder to reveal the metal.
Is it different to traditional Silversmithing and jewellery making techniques?
Yes, using PMC is very different indeed. It is a fantastic medium for creative expression as the material lends itself to free-forming and texturing. It is also a great addition to making jewellery in the traditional ‘Silversmith’s’ way as it can be easily soldered once fired. This opens up a lot of exciting opportunities for you to incorporate it in to your traditionally made jewellery.
Silver bracelet with PMC and Art Clay charms
What will we do on the day?
We will go through the basics of using PMC, including how to roll it and handle it, how to add textures and how to form it in to jewellery. We will then look at ways to dry the clay, finish it in its raw state, fire it without the need for a kiln and finally finish the clay once it is metal. There is also instruction for setting stones.
Materials for this class is included in the fee. This is based upon one person. A small additional fee will be payable on the day if an extra person attends.
At lunch time
The cafe by the canal is open at weekends and is a great place to go for the lunch break. There’s also a picnic area if you prefer to bring a pack-up weather permitting. Locally we have a Morrisons supermarket nearby where there is also a cafe, cash point, etc. The studio is closed and locked over the lunch break and it is fine to leave any belongings if you wish.
How to book
Book your day above, then we will contact you to arrange a date to suit. Private classes are usually held at weekends but weekdays can be arranged if preferred.
Download work books to complete at home
Cath Johnstone (verified owner) –
Another lovely day learning a new technique under Angela’s excellent tuition. Going forward I’ll now be able to make small decorative items to add to my jewellery pieces which would be impossible or far too fiddly to create by any other means. Impressing decorative stamps into the clay came out particularly well – I’m going to have a go at enamelling them 🙂
Nicola Parsons, Chesterfield –
Was very surprised at how much I enjoyed the class and will be able to achieve a lot at home with PMC as I don’t attend a class at the moment. Very happy with what I made and we had a lot of choice to use our own creativity.Would definitely recommend.
Moira Bannister, Sheffield –
A completely different skill set in terms of working to produce finished silver articles. Does not replace ‘silversmithing’ but really enjoyed it. A relatively straight forward process to produce a good number of usable charms. Good course, well timed – will try at home.
Louise Bullard, Greenhill Sheffield (verified owner) –
Enjoyed the whole day. PMC is really versatile and easy to use to work with. Surprised at how many designs and imprints can be incorporated to add a additional charms and designs to standard silver.
Kate Singleton, Hollingwood, Chesterfield –
Absolutely delighted with my creations today. A small amount of silver clay goes much further than expected. The course content was excellent and I learned loads. Will definitely use PMC again. (I made much more than I expected) Particularly liked the texturing.
Coral Talbot. Chesterfield –
Really enjoyed the class. This is a very interesting subject and I will definitely try this again at home. lots of interesting techniques to try.
Debbie Small (verified owner) –
Really enjoyed this class. Enjoyed being able to make small fiddly bits and I think I will definitely have another go at it. It will definitely be a new skill that will compliment the skills I have learned in the silversmithing class.
Sue Muddeman, Burton on Trent (verified owner) –
I loved this course and have made some really nice pieces to make in to charms, earrings, etc. Certainly something I would use in the future. Well worth attending – adds a whole new dimension. Good small class size means we got plenty of individual attention.
Sarah France, Mansfield (verified owner) –
I have been wanting to use PMC for ages but to be shown what to do is a great benefit. Something I feel I can do at home that adds a new addition to current smithing skills.
Judy Dunlop, Chesterfield –
Totally inspired by this technique, it’s a great compliment to traditional silver jewellery making. Excellent tuition, paced perfectly. A thoroughly enjoyable day, thank you.
Lindsay Bennet, Mickleover, Derby (verified owner) –
Had a brilliant day learning techniques to use pmc and was surprised to come away with five or six small pieces on the day made by me! Ange was very patient and helpful as always 🙂
Natalie Smedley –
Really enjoyed learning a new skill to add to my jewellery making. A fun different way to make jewellery. Was surprised how much we made in class and love all the little pieces we made. Will be trying to make some at home as easy to do and quite cheap for all the tools you need. Thanks Ange
Ann Coope, Chesterfield (verified owner) –
Was fascinating watching the clay turn silver with a bit of elbow grease. Great to be able to try at home without too many tools. A small class gives you the individual attention you need. Thank you Ange.
Rowena Bunning, Chesterfield. –
A very enjoyable class. We made some beautiful charms in silver. The class compliments other classes I have attended. A good subject to try, linking the use of silver with use of pmc. Give it a go!
Alison Evans, Mansfield –
This day has been great, met some really nice ladies. I have learnt some new skills and I am taking home some nice charms to add to a bangle I have at home.
June Eales. Chesterfield –
Very enjoyable course. Time went so fast. Would find it easy and would be happy to carry on with this craft at home.
Sandy Jarrett, Boston, Lancs –
As a total beginner this course was ideal. A lovely introduction to PMC and the process. Delighted with the outcome and Ange was so patient and helpful with all aspects. Can’t wait to wear and show off my charms. Thank you.