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Aztec Spirit Moon by Holly Gage
There are many ways to set gemstones, from the understated, minimalist design to more innovative and elaborate solutions. Here, we will explore 14 Creative Gem Settings in Metal Clay, and the common thread will be setting Fire in Place Gemstones and Cultured Opals in the greenware stage of working with Metal Clay. Most of the instructions will be for clays that shrink up to 18%, and I will also share tips for those high shrinkage clays. 

We’ll cover the basics and well beyond to create several new and exciting bezels for accent or focal gems:
  •  Seat gems properly
  • Have nice clean settings with no cracks
  • Void gem hazing
  • Carve your own unique bezels with several think-outside-the-box ideas
  • Properly polish and finish your bezel
     
Materials List:
  • Metal Clay of your choice - pay attention to match clay type and shrinkage with the right technique.
  • Fire in Place Gems or
  • Cultured Opals
  • Conical file
  • Triangle file
  • Circle Cutters
  • Gem bur (same size as the round faceted stone)
  • 2-part molding compound
  • Pencil
     
Basic Tool Kit:
  • Acrylic Snake Roller
  • Plastic Wrap
  • #2 brush
  • Exacto® knife
  • Playing cards
  • Non-stick work surface
  • Conical shaper tool

     
Finishing Tools
  • 3M Polishing Papers
  • Healing Sponge
  • Rotary Tool
  • Goggles
  • Dusk mask
  • Eve® Rubber Knife Edge Polishing Wheel for Silver Fine (Blue)  Extra Fine (Pink)
  • Bench Pin

Creative Gem Setting In Metal Clay

$18.00Price
    • Tutorials 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 hr. question and answer session by appt.
    • See "Product Options" to purchase a 1 hr. private session in addition to the tutorial. Sessions are live on the Go to Meeting platform. This option is for those who are rather independent workers seeking answers to questions and have an interest in seeing  Holly Gage perform select demonstrations.

  • The Online classes are live and interactive with Holly Gage on the Go To Meeting platform. All you need is a camera on your computer or phone.

    •  A week or so prior to class, Holly will send you a PDF file of the lesson.
    • During each class she demonstrates a part of the lesson and you will spend the week trying it on your own and you will come back to the next class with your "Creative Development Homework" so far.
    • Together you will discuss it, ask questions, talk about challenges, or just celebrate what you've achieved.
    • The sessions continue in that manner until you are done with the course.
    • Classes cover design concepts as well as technique.
    • Classes are kept small and personal, about 4-5 students to keep them light and enjoyable engaging all members of the class.
    • f you miss a class, you can catch up at the next session where I will give a quick review of the prior session.
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