Precious Metal Clay Classes
(See What is Metal Clay?)

I just love to teach, so I'm happy to hop on my flying carpet and travel near and far to offer Silver Metal Clay Classes or Lecture on new techniques. My presentations emphasize developing the creativity of the artist within. Innovative technique based lessons are presented to inspire, strengthen technical and design skills, and elevate the students abilities to the next level.

I have experience speaking at conference settings, the classroom and privately. I've written articles on my own new pioneered techniques for magazines such as Art Jewelry, Lapidary Journal, Bead Unique, Bead Style, and Step by Step Wire to name a few. Additionally, my finished work has been published in over 55 publications. So let me put my experience to good use, while I inspire the next generation of Metal Clay pioneers.

For more information, to arrange a class, or give a presentation, please give me a call at
717-445-5755 or e-mail me at hgage1@ptd.net.

Metal Clay Class Schedule

Following is a list of classes I am presently teaching. I am always adding new classes to the list, so come back often.

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February   2 - 3, 2013
The Ranch Center for Arts and Crafts
Snohomish, Washington
http://www.artattheranch.com/1548.html
Contact: Randi Harper 360.568.7709, or Randi@ArtatTheRanch.com to register for the class below.
Beginner - Advance Welcome

Repoussé Effects in Metal Clay (Almost Full)
To register go to their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/events/371208079631637/

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 to 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.

Student Materials needed: PMC3 25g, sandpaper, polishing papers & cloth, Bake and Bend polymer clay.
Students should bring: Bring 3 - 4 “original” drawings or photographs to choose and together we can pick the best for the project. Anything that inspires you is fair game, so no photo anxiety needed . The photos or drawings will be reduced in size with a photo copier if needed. So 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.

Class includes all tools and equipment, handouts, firing and expert instruction.
Optional: Your own personal tools, carving tools, magnifying lens, Ott

Catered gourmet lunch by Christopher's Catering
http://www.christopherleegage.com/#!chef/c42f

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Feb. 23 & 24 • 10 am - 5 pm
Design to Cast Jewelry Line
2 Day Metal Clay Workshop, (Optional 3rd day )
Stoudtburg Village, Adamstown Pa
Contact me at hgage1@ptd.net or 717-445-5755

Day 1 & 2
Casting in the jewelry industry is a tried and true practice for making multiples of a single design or making several components to be put together afterward. Several well-known artists and companies such as Tiffany, have used casting to create a line of jewelry distinctly their own.

Designing a piece for casting is a bit different than regular jewelry design. Not all designs are good candidates, so we will start the class with designing dos and don’ts.

Next we will design a piece in Metal Clay to be cast as we put in practice design rules from our discussion.
You should come to class with an idea of what you'd like to do, drawings, etc. as the goal is to have something done in the 2 day period. Of course I can help in class.

Here are some ideas:

1. Keep it simple... this is your first go, so go easy on yourself.
2. Consider making a component or two that can be used in multiple ways. For example a component that could be an earring drops, bracelet components or mixed with other elements, so think about component(s) that are diverse.
3. Stay away from anything where sizing is an issue, like rings (remember the keep it simple rule)

Finally, we will go over how to find a reputable caster, what to include in your conversation with the caster prior to casting, appropriate molds for metal clay, and other burning questions about the casting process.

Day 3: Feb 25 (optional)
We will tour the facilities of International Manufacturing Casting Company. Detailed discussion will include the process and equipment used in casting giving the student a full understanding. Following the tour will be a half hour question and answer session. Lastly we will stop for lunch before returning home.

Casting projects will be dropped off during our visit. Further communication will be with the caster and the student will take place on an individual basis. It is up to each student to communicate with the caster, pay for multiples made by the caster, shipping, proofs, and anything related to the actual casting process.

***Furthermore, Holly Gage can not be held liable for travel, cost or loss related to the casting process or satisfaction of the finished product produced by the caster. Class includes all tools and equipment, handouts, firing and expert instruction. Optional: Your own personal tools, carving tools, magnifying lens, Ott , etc.***

Student Materials Needed: Silver Metal Clay, sandpaper, polishing papers & cloth. Optional: Your own personal tools, magnifying lens, Ott , etc.

Catered gourmet lunch available by Christopher's Catering http://www.christopherleegage.com/#!chef/c42f

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March 15 - 18, 2013
Two 2 Day Workshops
San Antonio, Texas
Contact: Jacqui Leonardo, 715-451-5108 or jacqui.leonardo@att.net

March 15 - 16
Ever-Changing World: Kinetic Jewelry 2-day Class • All levels of ability

Personal memorabilia and the theme of moving on in an "ever-changing world" will become the inspiration for the elements in your kinetic necklace. The technical portion of this project is inspired by constantly changing designs in wind kinetics and wind sculpture. We will push it to the limits as we explore free moving parts, riveted connections, and the mesmerizing sub-patterning created through this process to make a beautiful piece of jewelry that makes a statement.

Bring a piece of personal memorabilia that has meaning to you, anything can be uses as inspiration such as pattern on a piece of cloth, a trinket, or picture. This item is meant to stimulate your creativity, so no anxiety necessary.

Student Materials Needed: Metal Clay, stencil paper, tracing paper, pencil, fire in place gems (optional), sandpaper, 3 M polishing papers, polishing cloth, sterling wire 14 g, your favorite metal clays tools and textures

Catered gourmet lunch by Christopher's Catering
http://www.christopherleegage.com/#!chef/c42f

• • • • • and • • • • •

March 17 - 18
Elegant Meadow Pods 2 -day Class • All levels of ability

Nature has a wonderful way of inspiring us. If we look closely to the pods that are left behind by a flower or plant we can see the beautiful symmetry of nature. Pods represent a renewal as it releases its seeds to start the life cycle a new. In this workshop we will capture the elegance of pods and fashion them into jewelry. We will explore "constructing" pods that look realistic with texture. The detail in this method can not be captured with merely painting slip on the surface as this would only capture the basic form, and capsulate the detail on the inside where no one can see it.

Student Materials Needed: 1 - 2 pkgs 25 g PMC3, 3 M polishing papers, Polishing Cloth, 2-Part Molding Compound, polymer clay. All basic tools needed for class will be available.

Optional: Bring some pods or borrow some at class. (We will discuss what works and what doesn't so just bring what you have.) Your own personal tools, magnifying lens, Ott , etc.

Catered gourmet lunch by Christopher's Catering
http://www.christopherleegage.com/#!chef/c42f

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Sat., April 6 & Sun, April 7, 2013 • 10 - 5
Repoussé Effects in Metal Clay
Holly Gage's off-site studio
Stoudtburg Village, Adamstown Pa
To register, call: Holly Gage at 717-445-5755 • hgage1@ptd.net

Beginner - Advance Welcome

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 to 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.

Student Materials needed: PMC3 25g, sandpaper, polishing papers & cloth, Bake and Bend polymer clay.

Students should bring: Bring 3 - 4 “original” drawings or photographs to choose and together we can pick the best for the project. Anything that inspires you is fair game, so no photo anxiety needed . The photos or drawings will be reduced in size with a photo copier if needed. So 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.

Class includes all tools and equipment, handouts, firing and expert instruction.

Optional: Your own personal tools, carving tools, magnifying lens, Ott, rotary tool

Catered gourmet lunch by Christopher's Catering http://www.christopherleegage.com/#!chef/c42f
(Lunches are $20 per person per day. Lunch menu and sign up will arrive with your class reminder before the start of class.)

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Sat., May 4 - Sun., May 5, 2013
Empowered Goddess
San Juan Capistrano, CA
http://www.dynastycreativearts.com
Contact: Candace Gates at studio@dynastycreativearts.com to register or call 949-240-1800

We worship goddesses for their strength and beauty and for years I have been creating goddesses with empowering traits. They usually have the characteristics I wish I possessed. Instead, I wear my goddess to empower me.

Part 1: Making the Base and Prongs

One of the methods I use to set Titanium and other objects is with hand built prongs. So come with me on an exploratory trip into incorporating Titanium, or any found object of your choice, into a piece of fine artisan jewelry. In the process you’ll learn how to work with any uniquely shaped item whether it is titanium, a shell, coral, a branch or other found object. You will learn how to make and incorporate handmade prongs into your work, proper placement and structural consideration for the prongs, basics do’s and don’ts of prong making, as well learning how to design with shrinkage in mind.

Part 2: Adding the Bezel and Stone

The key to a professionally set stone is with good craftsmanship and a clean and well-finished bezel. During class you will learn to make a bezel for a stone of your choice using fine silver bezel wire. The bezel will be attached to the base made in part 1, which has been designed and fired in class. Afterward, you will attach the bezel to the rest of your piece and prepare for a second firing. Finally, the stone will be set and ready for the final touch. The result will have people wondering, “How did you do that?”

The class will include demonstrations and handouts on procedures covered as well as direction on elements of design. Your finished piece will be of your own unique design inspired by your individual titanium or free-formed item of choice.

To prepare ahead for class, bring a stone (approximately 8 mm - 10mm). This is for the head of your goddess. Faceted stones, cabs or glass cabs welcome – please stay away from irregular shaped stones until you gain confidence and experience with this new bezel setting technique. You will also need an titanium for the body. You can purchase a beautiful piece of titanium here for that purpose.

Student supplies needed per person: (2) 25 g pkgs PMC3 or low fire Art clay, Art Clay Brand Oil Paste (brand specific), 3M polish paper, sandpaper, polishing cloth, bezel wire, advantedge rubber wheels (available for purchase)

Bring stone for setting and an object or titanium for the body (titanium, and limited stones available)

All basic tools needed for class will be available.

Optional: Your own personal tools, textures, magnifying lens, Ott , etc.

A gourmet lunch option by Holly's husband will be offered for $20 per meal payable at the workshop.
Find out about the chef at: http://www.christopherleegage.com/

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June 21 - 27th, 2013
Aloha ‘Aina Hawai’i (Love of the Land) (Only 2 spots Left)
Hawaiian Metal Clay Adventure with Gordon Uyehara and Holly Gage
Workshops inspired by the beauty of Hawai’i
For registration information: http://hgage1.wix.com/hawaiian-adventure
Contact: Holly at hgage1@ptd.net
Click here for full details!

Come along on a week-long metal clay workshop in beautiful Honolulu, Hawaii with Gordon Uyehara and Holly Gage! Enjoy a modern take on the ancient art of the petroglyph when Gordon and Holly team up to combine Hawaiian elements with metal clay. Sculpt a stunning fine silver lei inspired necklace with Holly as you interpret the flora of Hawaii and make it your own. Learn Gordon’s techniques for combining copper and bronze metal clays to create beautiful three-dimensional Hawaiian fauna art. We’ll take time to journey to beautiful sights around the island, experience a festive luau, and become more familiar with the island known as “the gathering place”!

Our workshop will be conducted in the gorgeously renovated private home known as the ArtZone (the center of creativity), located in the serene hills of Nuuanu. This cleverly designed “One of a Kind” Private Art Gallery, Theater in the round, and studio space all in one is a uniquely inspiring with art surrounding you everywhere. Exotic palms encircle the property with accent lighting. Gigantic beach scenes (30 ft) make you feel that you are “On the Beach”. This unique space was featured in “Look What I Did” and “Offbeat America” on HGTV. The ArtZone is 15 minutes from Waikiki Beach, 15 minutes to Kailua Beach, 5 minutes from Honolulu’s downtown district, and 5 minutes to
the world famous views at Pali Lookout up the street. Lots of free street parking and bus stops nearby.

Our own personal chef! Christopher Gage (Holly’s husband) will fire-up the state-of-the-art kitchen to serve on-site gourmet breakfast and lunches. His meals will be inspired by our theme, “Love of the Land, as he serves up dishes with regional flare using yummy local produce.

7 Day Package Includes:
1 Aloha Welcome Reception
7 Full Breakfasts served
7 Full Lunches including entree, side, beverage, and dessert
3 Workshops — (2) 2-day workshops, (1) 1 1/2 day workshop
1 Island Excursion Day
1 Luau Night
Click here for full details!

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Aug 9 - 12 , 2013
Metal Clay By the Bay (I hear all classes are filling fast)
Westin, Gaslamp San Diego, CA
For information: http://www.metalclaybythebay.com/

August 9 - 10
Jewelry that Rocks
Exploring Art, Design and Line through Music
2 -day Class • All levels of ability
To register: http://tinyurl.com/ajhsmzr

Music is a powerful trigger to our senses. Music can have energy, movement and emotion. For this lesson we will let different musical selections guide the way as we explore design and line and transform the musical melody into an inspired pair of earrings or pendant.
The jewelry will be made with a Music CD set in a frame of fine silver. The techniques learned include cutting the CD, riveting, polymer plate making with an emphasis on how line is used to create motion, tension, drama, and direction in your surface embellishments.

Bring a music CD that has an interesting design on the surface for cutting or buy one cheapy at class

Student Materials Needed: PMC+ 28g, photopolymer plate, acetate, Music CD, 20g sterling wire, sandpaper, 3M polishing paper, polishing cloth

• • • • • and • • • • •

August 11 - 12
Ever-Changing World: Kinetic Jewelry
2 -day Class • All levels of ability
To register: http://tinyurl.com/bscfjyn

Personal memorabilia and the theme of moving on in an "ever-changing world" will become the inspiration for the elements in your kinetic necklace. The technical portion of this project is inspired by constantly changing designs in wind kinetics and wind sculpture. We will push it to the limits as we explore free moving parts, riveted connections, and the mesmerizing sub-patterning created through this process to make a beautiful piece of jewelry that makes a statement.

Bring a piece of personal memorabilia that has meaning to you, anything can be uses as inspiration such as pattern on a piece of cloth, a trinket, or picture. This item is meant to stimulate your creativity, so no anxiety necessary.

Student Materials Needed: Metal Clay, stencil paper, tracing paper, pencil, fire in place gems (optional), sandpaper, 3 M polishing papers, polishing cloth, sterling wire 14 g, your favorite metal clays tools and textures

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September 5, 6, 7 & 8, 2013 - Conference
September 9 & 10 - Workshops

MOJO Metal Clay Retreat
Guest House Retreat Center
Chester, Connecticut 06412
http://www.metalclaymojo.com/#!home/mainPage

Ever-Changing World: Kinetic Jewelry
A levels of Ability

Personal memorabilia and the theme of moving on in an "ever-changing world" will become the inspiration for the elements in your kinetic necklace. The technical portion of this project is inspired by constantly changing designs in wind kinetics and wind sculpture. We will push it to the limits as we explore free moving parts, riveted connections, and the mesmerizing sub-patterning created through this process to make a beautiful piece of jewelry that makes a statement. Bring a piece of personal memorabilia that has meaning to you, anything can be uses as inspiration such as pattern on a piece of cloth, a trinket, or picture. This item is meant to stimulate your creativity, so no anxiety necessary.

Materials Needed: Metal Clay, stencil paper, tracing paper, pencil, fire in place gems (optional), sandpaper, 3 M polishing papers, polishing cloth, sterling wire 14 g, your favorite metal clays tools and textures.

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September 28 - 29, 2013
Elegant Meadow Pods (Almost Full)
The Ranch Center for Arts and Crafts
Snohomish, Washington
http://www.artattheranch.com/1548.html
Contact: Randi Harper 360.568.7709, or Randi@ArtatTheRanch.com to register for the class below.
Seats are limited, early registration is recommended.
Beginner - Advance Welcome

Elegant Meadow Pods, 2 -day Class
Nature has a wonderful way of inspiring us. If we look closely to the pods that are left behind by a flower or plant we can see the beautiful symmetry of nature. Pods represent a renewal as it releases its seeds to start the life cycle a new. In this workshop we will capture the elegance of pods and fashion them into jewelry. We will explore "constructing" pods that look realistic with texture. The detail in this method can not be captured with merely painting slip on the surface as this would only capture the basic form, and capsulate the detail on the inside where no one can see it.

Student Materials Needed: , 1 - 2 pkgs 25 g PMC3, 3 M polishing papers, Polishing Cloth, 2-Part Molding Compound, polymer clay
All basic tools needed for class will be available

Optional: Bring some pods or borrow some at class. (We will discuss what works and what doesn't so just bring what you have.) Your own personal tools, magnifying lens, Ott , etc.

Catered gourmet lunch by Christopher's Catering
http://www.christopherleegage.com/#!chef/c42f

"This was a tremendously rewarding class. So many new techniques were presented and those processes used frequently were reinforced"

~ S. Powell, Repoussé Class, England

I'm not sure if you realize how your course has pushed me to be more experimental and 'brave' with the clay, but you have given me that confidence.

~ Janette Anderson,
Elegant Pods Scotland

"Loved Holly's Class, very informative, tips galore, and fun, fun, fun, can't wait till she comes back"

~ Carol Hamilton at Lorton Work House
Art Studios
the class was wonderful

"I have to say my expectations were far exceeded. Holly - you're personable, supportive and you have that knack of offering just enough information so I didn't get overwhelmed.
totally great!

Thanks,
Lisa H

"Yes, Holly's class was just super!!! What a boat load of information..."

~ Ann Davis

"Great Class, Holly! I enjoyed meeting you and appreciated all the info. you shared! I also think your background in education was a huge plus! You explained everything very well and were patient with us when we needed a repeat. I appreciate your hard work and talent"

"Holly is amazing. She made me take that perfect little leap in knowledge that made that internal light bulb turn on and say, Ahhh, it all ties together now. We learned TONS, created beautiful 'interesting' pieces and laughed a lot. Holly is nothing if not flexible. And funny."

~ Renee Kutcher

"I just wanted to publicly acknowledge what a gift it is you give when you teach others. Your knowledge, skill and generosity are all impressive."

~ M.D. Jemmott

"Holly, I really benefited. What an unforgettable treat .... Thanks for pushing me and keeping me focused and entertained with your humor and insight"

~ Val, Tucson

"I really admire your work. It is beautiful and soulful. I am new to PMC and have been collecting the tools recommended by different PMC artists, but it is the reading of the generous tips and tricks on your website that helped so much and I can’t say enough about your classes, they are so informative with a unique approach to MC."

~ M.K. Oberreit