All levels of ability
Taking it to the next Dimension by learning how to create 2 and 3-dimensional jewelry pieces. We will explore two different, but similar ways of sculpting. You have a choice of working directly with Metal Clay or with Polymer Clay. The Polymer Clay option gives you endless working time. You would then mold it and fill it with Metal Clay. Finally, you will carve and detail the dried Metal Clay. We will cover how to convert your ideas, into a dimensional form; use the additive and deductive process for creating depth; learn various carving, refining and detailing methods; and the best tools and methods for each process.
Materials Needed: 25 - 50g 960 (this will be our own hand mix of Art Clay Fine Silver and PMC 925 Sterling - great carving ability and for designs with thin appendages needing strength) Ball stylus, #0 Conical rubber shaper, Dental tools/carving tools, Diamond drill bit assortment, Needle files, 1/8” foam paper or applicator for smoothing, Super Sculpey® Original Polymer Clay, Toaster oven, Drawing, photograph to scale, 2-part molding compound — MYOM® molding silicone plastique compound, great for detail. www.makeyourownmolds.com/, Wood or cork clay, 3M polishing papers, Eve® Rubber polishing wheels and knife edge for Silver, blue (medium), pink (fine) for rotary tool, 3M Radial Bristle Brushes 400 grit to fine, Props for dimensional forms, Basic Tool Kit, Kiln.
Carving and Sculpting in Metal Clay Tutorial by Holly Gage
Lessons are in a PDF format are for students who need no teacher guidance with the lesson. You do, however, have an option to purchase a 1 hour question and answer session by appointment. To purchase a private session in addition to the self guided lesson, select the "A Private Session with Holly Gage." separately. You can select how many sessions you would like. Sessions are live on the Go to Meeting platform. This option is for seeking answers to questions and have an interest in seeing Holly Gage perform select demonstrations. ©2021 Gage Designs. All rights reserved. This lesson and information within are protected under copyright law. Sharing or reproduction in whole or part are prohibited.
Each tutorial suggests what Metal Clay to use, but you can use the clay you choose with these guidelines in mind since clay preference is an individual choice.
I tend to use Metal Clay with a good melting surface, which means adding water to eliminate imperfections on the greenware surface makes an excellent "self slip" that you can move around with a brush or healing tool to smooth the surface. Many of the lessons use this technique.
Since PMC Sterling is discontinued, the handmade 960 (1/2 PMC Sterling and 1/2 Art Clay Silver) you see in some lessons can be replaced with another strong clay with good carving properties — 950, 960, Sterling Clays, and Base Metal Clays that carve smoothly without chipping.