All levels of ability
Learn the secrets of transforming original photos or drawings into highly detailed, low-relief images, which look similar in style to traditional Repoussé. Discover how to wet-work a reverse polymer mold of your image, manipulate silver Metal Clay and use tools to create different hand-wrought textural effects, and carve details for the finishing touch.
The Repoussé Effect is only achieved by this technique and is different from photopolymer plates. The results are unique and original, beautifully echoing the hand of the artist.
Students should have an “original” drawing or photograph. Anything that inspires you is fair game. The photo or drawing will be reduced in size with a photocopier if needed. A 3" x 5" picture/photo would be fine. I will teach the students how to frame and focus the viewers' attention as part of the lesson.
Materials List: PMC3 or low fire Art Clay 25g, 400 grit sandpaper, 3M polish paper, polishing cloth. Super Sculpey Original beige polymer clay, Eve® Rubber polishing wheels and knife-edge for Silver, blue (medium), pink (fine) for rotary tool, 3M Radial Bristle Brushes 400 grit to fineAll basic tools needed for class will be available. (Bring your favorite metal clays tools, carving tools, ball stylus, or ott light optional,) Torch or Kiln.
25 g size restriction with torch use.
Repoussé Effects 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.