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Master Metal Clay Workshops

Attend a workshop with Holly Gage

The following jewelry workshops are great for a Private 1 to 1 Live Online Class,  Groups, Art Centers, Guilds, or Retreats onsite or in my PA studio. 
 

All classes include

•  Design and technical skills.

•  Hands-on demos step by step demos.
•  Detailed illustrated handout with photos for you to keep.
•  Video Recordings for online classes


Browse an exclusive selection of workshops and click the button to jump to the appropriate form for signing up.

Radiant Opal Pendant
3-day Class Onsite • 6-1 hr sessions Online Private or Group
All levels of ability
 

Bold design and delicate textures surround beautiful Fire in Place Cultured Opals with a combination of surprising techniques. You'll create intricate open spaces and surface textures with your rotary tool and a variety of diamond burs in the greenware stage of your Silver Metal Clay. Yeah, your rotary tool! And it's easy on your hands!

Then you'll capture the allure of  Heat-Resistant Cultured Opals having all the radiance and iridescence you love in a good quality Opal, but unlike Nature Opals, these can be fired at 1650º F or 900º C without burning up from the extreme heat needed to sinter the Metal Clay. After being told a long firing isn't probably, I went on a quest to figure out how to fire them in place in Metal Clay. After many tests and lots of trial and error, I figured out the secret of firing long and hot for strength without cracking the stones, discoloration, or hazing. I’m really excited about the possibilities, but more than that I can't wait to teach you.
 

Materials Needed
30g Fine Silver Metal Clay,  Fire in Place Opal Round Gems of your choice Gem Burr to match,
Other shaped gems need a matching template 2 – 3 mm bigger than the stone, Super Sculpey Original® or Premo® Polymer Clay, Foam Shaper/Healing Tool, Rotary Tool, Diamond Burr Set, Carbon Paper, Ball Point Pen, 3M Polishing Paper Set, Tissue Blade, Small Pottery Loop Tool, Polishing Pads, 3M Polishing Points - 3mm, Eve® Bristle Brushes, Eve® Rubber Wheels, and Knife, Edge sets, Fused Silica Bead Firing Dish or Fiber bowl, Vermiculite, Grafix® Incredible White Mask, Liquid Frisket, Basic Tool Kit, Kiln or torch.

How to Inlay Opal Shards is a "bonus" section to be discussed only.
Materials Needed: Art Resin® Epoxy Resin, Opal Shards or Crushed Opal, Toothpick, 3 Small Cups for mixing resin
 

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Opals and Opal Shards available at http://www.HealingPhoenixLapidary.com

Whimsical Critters
4-day  Group Class Onsite • 8-1 hr sessions Online Private or Group
All levels of ability
 

Bold Critters full of personality are ready to jump right off your bench. This masterclass is for those seeking a sense of fun and whimsy in their work making it hard not to chuckle along the way. Using Photopolymer plate-making techniques you'll create your own textures, as well as utilizing found textures to form the Metal Clay body of your favorite critter. This outer layer will be laid over a “backbone” structure creating a hollow form. Using dried to dried construction you'll put the critter together allowing you to explore proper dimensional construction, forming, and carving.

Finally, you will be presented with options for including a gleaming glass eye. Either a premade eye from a professional glass artist will be fired in place in a 2-part firing, or you will learn how to hand paint your own and add it in a cold connection.
 

Optional UV Kit ($134 + $22.00 shipping = $156.00) 

  • UV Light

  • (5) 3 x 2/12 steel-backed photopolymer plates,

  • Exposure frame

 

Material List:

20 g + 5 g Art Clay Fine Silver and 25g  PMC Sterling 925 (We will make our own 960 using a 50/50 mix of the Fine Silver and PMC 925), Your own original drawing or photograph, Borosilicate Glass Eye (test fire to 1250˚ F), buy or bring, UV Light, (5) 2 x 2.75 Steel backed photopolymer plates, Exposure frame, Soft brush, Overhead Projector Sheets compatible with your printer, Black fine tip markers of any 3 sizes, Super Sculpey® Original Polymer Clay (Beige) or Sculpey® Premo (light color), 21 g. Sterling Wire if you are making a pin, #0 Conical rubber shaper, Carving tools or dental tools of your choice, Needle files, Diamond drill bit assortment, Needle files, 1/8” foam paper or applicator for smoothing, 3M polish paper, 400 grit sandpaper, polishing cloth, Rotary tool, Eve® Rubber polishing wheels and knife-edge for Silver, blue (medium), pink (fine) and 3M Radial Bristle Brushes 400 grit to fine for a rotary tool., Basic Tool Kit (whatever you have), Kiln

If painting your own glass eyes:
Vitrea 160 paints, white black, and the colors you want to paint the eye.
Glass cabochons the size you want for the eyes.
Aves Apoxie Clay (2 part epoxy clay)

Nefertem Perfume Bottle: God of Perfume
2 or 3-day Class Onsite • 5-1 hr sessions Online Private or Group
All levels of ability

The earliest use of perfume bottles is credited to the Egyptians with Nefertem being the god of perfume, beauty, and healing. Our lesson will focus on creating an original bottle design by using radial symmetry and balance concepts in our planning. We’ll start with a combustible core in which to form our hollow construction, apply a foot to the bottle, and a flange at the top. Repetitive design elements of varying sizes will be used in dry to dry construction techniques to decorate the surface of the bottle, and an ornamental bottle stopper and stem will finish it off elegantly. I think you will be surprised you can achieve complex construction with step by step instruction and proper planning.

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Materials:
Art Clay Silver 25 g and PMC Sterling 925 25g  (we will mix to make our own 960, which s 50/50 of each clay),  texture sheets, Wood or cork clay, Elmer® Gel glue, 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, A block of polymer clay to make "props" for dimensional forms, Basic Tool Kit, Kiln.

Jorvik Viking Purse
2 or 3-day Class • 6-1 hr sessions Online Private or Group
All levels of ability
 

This chain draw-string purse was inspired by the Viking history of York, England. It’s a twist on leather pouches carried during the Viking era. Our warrior conquest will start with learning to make your own patterns and designs for embellishing the front and back panels of your Silver Metal Clay using photopolymer plates. Then you will learn to make all-in-one “castle” knuckles and rivet a pin to secure it. Next, you will cut and punch soft supple sheepskin leather and attach it to form the clever purse bag. In the final step, a chain is threaded through the leather to make a functional Silver purse.
 

 Materials Needed:
960 Sterling (25 g Art Clay or PMC3 and 25 g PMC Sterling 925), 2mm small link chain - should be flexible, smooth, rounded links, used for the draw string so as not to abuse the leather, another matching chain for the necklace -- size optional, 2 head pins, 2 small gems or pearls, 4 - 5 mm,  14 ga straight junk wire, 16 ga sterling, 20 ga sterling, 6” square thin sheep skin leather,  2 - 3 mm leather punch, Striking hammer, Bench block or hard surface, Tracing paper, UV light, Set of pliers, round nose, chain link or flat nose, wire cutters, 3M polishing papers, Metal back polymer plate, Overhead projector sheets, Clear report cover, Scotch guard for swede, Clear tape, Masking tape, Deodorant contain with a nice long curve, Sharpie® Black Pen, A compass (optional), Basic tool kit, Eve® Rubber polishing wheels and knife edge for Silver, blue (medium), pink (fine) for rotary tool, 3M Radial Bristle Brushes 400 grit to fine, Kiln.

Carving and Sculpting in Metal Clay

3-day Class • 6-1 hr sessions Online Private or Group
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.

Pivotal Moments

2-day Class • 6-1 hr sessions Online Private or Group
All levels of ability

The influences of Old Yorkshire architecture with richly detailed arches, towers, stained glass and gable windows meet modern interpretation as we explore making a graceful pendant balancing beautifully in motion as the center spins to reveal a reversible focal design. A Repoussé Effects in Metal Clay technique is used to create the beautiful relief texture, and a unique gem-setting technique for setting all stones at once will wow you. It's punctuated with the romance of pearls and will become a keepsake for sure.

 

Materials Needed: 960 Silver Metal Clay (PMC Sterling 925 and Art Clay Fine Silver mixed 1:1 ratio), 2 – 5mm fire in place gems (dark colors, no nano gems), 2 half-drilled pearls 3 – 5 mm, 18g hard sterling wire, 16 junk wire, Super Sculpey® Original (beige) polymer clay, Carving tools or dockyard tools, Dental tools, Ball stylus, 18 g drill bit, Elmers gel glue, Steel bench block, Rubber or nylon mallet, 5 min. 2 part non-yellowing epoxy, Tracing paper. Rotary tool, Eve® Rubber polishing wheels and knife edge for Silver, blue (medium), pink (fine) for rotary tool, 3M Radial Bristle Brushes 400 grit to fine, Kiln.

Romancing the Stone: Reverse Stone Setting
2-day Class • 6-1 hr sessions Online Private or Group
All levels of ability
 

Delicate gems need special treatment and an extra-special setting.  Many beautiful stones can not be fired in place, so when you wish to overlap the stone with details you add an additional challenge to the design of your piece. My solution is to set the gem from the back.  It may sound as if you have to design the whole piece backward, but this is not the case. Not only that, but you can even make a reversible pendant if you so desire and it is much easier than you might imagine! 

We will discuss a successful design to enhance the stone, bezel setting, tube bails, tube set gems, flush set gems, buds, snake charming, finishing techniques, and more. This is like my Bezel Setting Like a Pro Class on steroids!
 

Bring to class a 15 – 25 mm flat stone or faceted stone with a flat table or front surface. Beware of stones having a deep pavilion or back as they may not sit flat on the body. Other fire-in-place gems are optional.
 

Materials List: PMC 3 or Low fire Art Clay, Art Clay Paste Type® (Brand-specific), Glycerin, Fine silver bezel wire the height of the stone, Texture plate,  Extruder, and tube adapter, Carving tool or mini Dockyard® tools, Mascara brush (optional), 4 - 6 mm fire in place gem, Gem bur the size of the stone, Rotary tool, Eve® Rubber polishing wheels and knife-edge for Silver, blue (medium), pink (fine) for rotary tool, 3M Radial Bristle Brushes 400 grit to fine for rotary tool, 3M radial bristle discs coarse to fine for silver to fit your rotary tool, Bezel rocker or burnisher,  Basic Tool Kit, Torch or Kiln. 25 g size restriction with torch use.

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Looking for a stone for your project? Check out my husband, Christopher Gage's 10 at 10 am on Friday Auctions.

Modern Hawaiian Petroglyph by Holly Gage

Modern Hawaiian Petroglyph Pendant
2-day Class • 5-1 hr sessions Online Private or Group
All levels of ability

Petroglyphs or primitive rock carvings can be found all over the islands in Hawaii. The symbols tell the stories of the ancient Hawaiian people. Presented is a modern take on the traditional Hawaiian Petroglyph. This fun, mixed-media project designed by Holly Gage and Gordon Uyehara will include traditional or colored sand, silver metal clay, and pearls. You will learn step by step how to make the beautiful 3- dimensional framework in silver clay, capture the hardened sand, and inlay your silver metal petroglyph symbol. Cleverly hidden wires allow you to decorate your framework with pearls, and there is a clever bail, attachments, and choices for more complicated designs.

Materials Required: Low fire silver clay 20 g or more • Sand (your color choice • Cardboard or plastic stencil paper • 1/2 drilled pearls, 5 - 8 mm • 20 gauge fine silver or sterling wire • 1 pkg. any type polymer clay • Rotary Tool, Eve® Rubber polishing wheels and knife edge for Silver, blue (medium), pink (fine) for rotary tool, 3M Radial Bristle Brushes 400 grit to fine • Art resin® kit, •3 plastic cups for measuring • Tool picks • Epoxy resin • Bench block, nylon mallet, small sheet of leather • Basic Tool Kit, textures optional, Kiln

Tropical Flora Lei Brooch

2-day Class • 6-1 hr sessions Online Private or Group
All levels of ability​

 

The flower Lei is used as a show of affection to welcome guests to the islands. You will practically smell Honolulu’s native tropical flora and remember the traditions when you bring home this beautiful pendant suggesting the beauty of the floral leis. I will show you how to make your own embossed Metal Clay texture plates using easy to manipulate copper sheet and ball stylus. The design will focus on stylized techniques to help you interpret flowers with your own unique flair. I will assist you in exploring new and distinctive ways to set a fire-in-place gem to create a unique and dynamic focal point, and finally your own handmade pin back so you can wear your gorgeous new brooch.

 

Materials Needed: (1 - 2) 25g pkgs. Silver Clay of your choice, (1) 5 – 8 mm fire-in-place gem. 2” 18g sterling wire, 3 M polishing papers, 400 sandpaper, 1 small package of polymer clay, copper sheet 34 gauge. Basic tools kit, (Bring your favorite metal clays tools, and textures. A rotary tool, Eve® Rubber polishing wheels and knife-edge for Silver, blue (medium), pink (fine) for rotary tool, 3M Radial Bristle Brushes 400 grit to fine, embossing tools, and pliers sets are optional. Torch or Kiln. 25 g size restriction with torch use.

Jewelry that Rocks!
Exploring Art, Design, and Line through Music
2-day Class • 4-1 hr sessions Online Private or Group
All levels of ability
 

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 pendants.

 

The jewelry will be made with a Music CD set in a frame of fine silver. The techniques learned include cutting the CD, riveting, and polymer plate making to create your own textures. There will be an emphasis on how line is used to create motion, tension, drama, and direction in your surface embellishments.
 

Materials Needed: 25g of Silver Clay of your choice, 20 gauge sterling wire, Steel backed photopolymer plate; a Music CD that has an interesting design on the surface for cutting, 400 sandpaper, 3 M polishing papers, polishing cloth.
All basic tools needed for class will be available. (Bring your favorite metal clays tools, and textures. 
Barrel sanding drum for rotary tool, #67 drill bit, Eve® Rubber polishing wheels and knife-edge for Silver, blue (medium), pink (fine) for rotary tool, 3M Radial Bristle Brushes 400 grit to fine, jewelers saw frame and spiral saw blade, steel block, riveting hammer, rawhide or plastic mallet, and pliers sets are optional, Torch or Kiln. 25 g size restriction with torch use.

Ever-Changing World: Kinetic Jewelry
2-day Class • 6-1 hr sessions Online Private or Group
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 explore:
• Multiple free moving parts and kinetic motion.
• Purposeful design while creating sub-patterns as the spinners pass one another.
• Flush and Metal Clay tube set gem.
• Ball set riveted connections.
• Stilt connections.
Bring a piece of personal memorabilia that has meaning to you. Anything can be used as inspiration such as a piece of cloth, a trinket, or picture. This item is meant to stimulate your creativity.

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Materials Needed: Materials Needed
Art Clay Silver, 25g and PMC Sterling 925, 25g  (we will mix to make our own 960, which is 50/50 of each clay), (4 or 5) 3 - 5 mm fire-in-place gems, Gem setting bur the size of the gems, Pencil, Ultra Fine Tip Sharpie®,  6” 14g Argentium Sterling wire, Foam sponge applicator, 400 grit sandpaper
3M polishing papers, Circle divider - provided by instructor, Plastic stencil paper for templates, Pin vise, Carving tools, Soft brass wire brush, Flexible shaft or rotary tool, #52 & #67 twist drill bits, Liver of Sulfur, Riveting Hammer, Masking Tape, Wood or Steel Hammering Plate, Polishing pad, 3M Radial Bristle Brushes, (Coarse to fine), Eve® Rubber polishing and knife-edge wheels for Silver (Coarse to fine), Basic Tool Kit, Heatproof bowl and Vermiculite, Tweezers, Handheld torch, Kiln

Lesson: Elegant Meadow Pods in Metal Clay

Elegant Meadow Pods
2-day Class • 6-1 hr sessions Online Private or Group
All levels of ability
 

Nature has a wonderful way of inspiring us. If we look closely at 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 anew. 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 cannot 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. Vines, leaves, and other plant forms will be explored as well.

 

Materials Needed: (1–2)  25g of Silver Clay of your choice, pods, leaves, stems, and a collection of natural textures; 2- part molding compound, 400 sandpaper, 3 M polishing papers, polishing cloth.
Basic tool kit, along with your favorite metal clays tools, textures, carving tools, combustible compound – wood clay, cork clay, or delight paper clay, Eve® Rubber polishing wheels and knife-edge for Silver, blue (medium), pink (fine) for rotary tool, 3M Radial Bristle Brushes 400 grit to fine, Torch or Kiln. 25 g size restriction with torch use.

Lesson: Making Innovative Prongs in Metal Clay

Innovative Prong Solutions
2-day Class • 6-1 hr sessions Online Private or Group
All levels of ability
 

Hmmm, how do you go about setting free-formed objects or stones? One method for setting irregularly shaped objects is by making your own hand-built prongs. Our exploratory trip will highlight innovative, handmade prongs solutions from Metal Clay, proper placement and structural consideration for the prongs, basic do’s and don'ts of prong making, as well as learning how to design with shrinkage in mind. Your finished piece will be of your own unique design inspired by your individual object or free-formed item of choice.
 

Bring your own irregular-shaped item for setting. The recommended size is between 20mm and 40mm.

 

Materials Needed: 50 g  PMC3 or low fire Art Clay Silver or 960 Sterling (which is a 50/50  mix of 25 g Art Clay or PMC3 and 25 g PMC Sterling 925), 3M polish paper, 400 grit sandpaper, polishing cloth, Eve® Rubber polishing wheels and knife-edge for Silver, blue (medium), pink (fine) for rotary tool, 3M Radial Bristle Brushes 400 grit to fine, burnisher, your favorite metal clays tools, textures, Kiln.

Lesson: Empowered Goddess in Metal Clay and Titanium

Empowered Goddess
3-day Class • 7-1 hr sessions Online Private or Group
All levels of ability
 

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 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 is seamless.
 

Your finished piece will be of your own unique design inspired by your individual titanium or free-formed item of choice. Design discussion will be surrounding what the body conveys when positions in certain poses.
 

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 irregularly shaped stones until you gain confidence and experience with this new bezel setting technique. You will also need something for the body — a piece of coral, a stick, piece of metal, anything that looks figurative. Y
 

Materials Needed:50 g  PMC3 or low fire Art Clay Silver or 960 Sterling (which is a 50/50  mix of 25 g Art Clay or PMC3 and 25 g PMC Sterling 925), Art Clay Paste Type (this specific brand), glycerin, 400 grit sandpaper, 3M polish paper, polishing cloth, bezel wire as tall as the gemstone, Eve® Rubber polishing wheels and knife-edge for Silver, blue (medium), pink (fine) for rotary tool, 3M Radial Bristle Brushes 400 grit to fine (available for purchase)

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

All basic tools needed for class will be available. (Bring your own personal tools, textures, magnifying lens, rotary tool, pliers set, Ott  light, etc., optional), Kiln.

Lesson: Negative Space Caning with Metal Clay

Negative Space Caning©
2 or 3 day Class – your choice • 6 or 7-1 hr sessions Online Private or Group
All levels of ability
 

Negative Space Caning© is a high-energy workshop focusing on: creating filigree; chambers for resin; enamel, or polymer inlay; and patterns easily duplicated for tessellating designs by combining Metal Clay and a combustible material that disappears after firing in a kiln. This exciting new technique, developed by Holly Gage, is a springboard idea for looking at and working with Metal Clay in a whole new way.

 

Day 1 & 2: Class will include a presentation and handouts on the basic cane making process, what combustible materials are suitable for the process, as well as simple and advanced assembly techniques. You will also learn how to make a complex cane. Your finished piece will be of your own design, ready for polishing and a patina at the workshop, or inlaid on your own.

 

Optional Day 3: You will learn how to add a resin inlay. The glassy effects are stunning with silver surrounding each chamber.

 

Materials needed: 25 g – 50g low fire Metal Clay, Wood Clay, Cork or Delight Paper Clay
(Wood preferred for first-timers), 400 grit sandpaper, 3M polish paper, polishing cloth.
Eve® Rubber polishing wheels and knife-edge for Silver, blue (medium), pink (fine) for rotary tool, 3M Radial Bristle Brushes 400 grit to fine. All basic tools needed for class will be available. (Bring your own personal tools, textures, diamond drill bits - various sizes, magnifying lens, rotary tool, Ott  light, etc., miter box or saw frame and jeweler’s blade optional, ) Kiln.

Materials List Needed for Resin Addition Only
UV Resin Dyes, UV Clear Resin, UV Resin Cleaner  (Purchase a portion at class optional)

Peruvian Style Jewelry

Peruvian Applique Style Jewelry

1-day • Great for beginners! • 4-1 hr sessions Online Private or Group
All levels of ability
 

This project is fun and spontaneous. You will learn an applique technique to make a sheet of patterned Metal Clay of your own design. From there, you will add and assemble other elements to create a series of pieces that can be used for a pendant, matching earrings, bracelet components, or other set. The class will feature demos highlighting:
• Basic Tools
• Rolling & Cutting Metal Clay with ease​​
• Creating Your Own Texture with the Applique Technique
• Wet and Dry Construction
• Adding a Bail
• Understanding Shrinkage
• Understanding Sintering
• Firing your Piece with a Torch or in a Kiln
• Making Wire-like Forms in Metal Clay
• Fire in Place Bezel Gem Setting
• Best Practices for Construction

• Making Holes in Metal Clay for Jump Rings and Dangles
• Finishing Techniques

• Liver of sulfur patinas
I'll work my hardest to make sure you leave more informed than when you came, providing tips, tricks, and handouts all in a relaxing environment.

 

Materials List: Fine Silver Metal Clay such as PMC3 or low fire Art Clay 25g, 2- 5 mm fire in place gems ( must withstand 1650 ˚F or torch firing). 400 grit sandpaper, 3M polish paper, polishing cloth. tumbler or Eve® Rubber polishing wheels and knife edge for Silver, blue (medium), pink (fine) for rotary tool, 3M Radial Bristle Brushes 400 grit to fine, liver of sulfur, basic tool kit, also your favorite metal clays tools, Torch or Kiln. 25 g size restriction with torch use.

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Lesson: Repoussé Effects in Metal Clay

Repoussé Effects in Metal Clay
2 -day Class • 5-1 hr sessions Online Private or Group
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 bring 3 to 4 “original” drawings or photographs to choose from, and together we can pick the best for the project. Anything that inspires you is fair game. The photos or drawings 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.

Bezel Setting Like A Pro
2-day Class • 4-1 hr sessions Online Private or Group
All levels of ability


A fantastic stone needs a fantastic setting and in this workshop, that’s exactly what you’ll learn to make. The key to a professionally set stone is good craftsmanship and a clean, and well-finished bezel. This 2-part firing method of working with bezel setting and Metal Clay is clean and forgiving, so no soldering, no investment placeholder, no pull away from embedding the wire, no distortion, and the stone fits every time! During the class, you will learn design concepts surrounding the creation of a bezel for a stone of your choice using fine silver bezel wire. The bezel will be attached to a piece that has been designed and fired first. 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?” So come and join me, and you too will be setting stones like a pro.

To prepare ahead for class, bring a stone or glass cab (approximately 15 mm – 30 mm). Faceted stones, cabs, or glass cabs are welcome – please stay away from irregularly shaped stones until you gain confidence and experience with this technique.


"Evolved Design Exploration" will also be covered. It's a guided method of finding your motivation and pushing yourself to new levels of awareness and evolving your design to the next creative level. Your perceptions are sharpened and your imagination can develop beyond what was previously available by going deeper within.

Materials List:
Cabochon, 15 mm and up, PMC 3 or  Art Clay Fine Silver, Art Clay Paste® type  — brand specific, must be this brand), Glycerin, Fine Silver Bezel Wire —must go just above the curve of the stone or just above the height of a flat stone. Too high is better than too low. 26 – 30 gauge. (Up to a 15 mm stone, use a thinner gauge wire such as a 30 gauge. Larger stones use a thicker gauge wire such as 26 - 28. All, however, will work), 1/8 thick foam paper sponge applicator,
Black Sharpie® Fine Point Marker, 400 grit sandpaper, 3 M polishing Papers®, Polishing cloth,
Bench Block, Nylon, Plastic or Rawhide Mallet, Rotary tool Eve® Rubber Polishing Wheels and Knife-edge for Silver, Black (coarse), Blue (medium), Pink (fine) with mandrel for rotary tool
Barrel-shaped Diamond Bur, 3M Radial Bristle Brushes 400 grit to fine, Tweezers (Cross-lock Optional), Flat, round, and chain nose pliers, Flush cutters, Basic Metal Clay Tools, and Textures, Burnisher or bezel rocker, Torch or Kiln. (25 g size restriction with torch use)​

Looking for a stone for your project? Check out my husband, Christopher Gage's 10 at 10 am on Friday Auctions.

Lesson: Design to cast line with Metal Clay

Design to Cast Jewelry Line

2 Day Metal Clay Workshop (Optional 3rd day ) • 5-1 hr sessions Online Private or Group
All levels of ability
 

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 by 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 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: (optional)
We will tour the facilities of a local 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 light, etc.***
 

Materials List: PMC3 or low fire Art Clay 25g, 400 grit sandpaper, 3M polish paper, polishing cloth, Eve® Rubber polishing wheels and knife-edge for Silver, blue (medium), pink (fine) for rotary tool, 3M Radial Bristle Brushes 400 grit to fine.  All basic tools needed for class will be available. (Bring your favorite metal clays tools, ott light optional)

Finishing with Holly Gage

Professional Finishing
1 -day Class • 3-1 hr sessions Online Private or Group
All levels of ability

Putting the finishing touches on a favorite piece can take it from good to great. The main focus of this class will be on using your rotary tool and various attachments to get that professional look. Learn which attachment to use for different jobs from shaping, to sanding, smoothing, and polishing; how to get in nooks and crannies; how to polish textures and smooth finishes; how to remove tool marks on bezels and prongs; and how to achieve different finishes from ghost finishes to mirror finishes.

The demo is for silver, but you can bring other metals and your own appropriate labeled wheels for that metal and I can help you navigate that as well. Bring 2 silver pieces in the greenware stage to be finished, to explore mirror finish, polishing textures, and satin finish.

 

Materials List:
Handheld rotary tool of choice - Dremel, Foredom, flex shaft, etc., 1/32 collet fitting for the rotary tool or have an adjustable tool head to accept rotary attachments,  Craft Foam Paper 3mm thick.

You may choose to get the disks individually or the kits mentioned here.
- EVE Silicone Polisher Kit
https://www.riogrande.com/product/polisher-advantedge-unmtd-kit/3326001
- Mandrels, Stainless Steel 1/16" Screw Mandrel, 3/32" Shank
  https://www.riogrande.com/product/screw-mandrel-304-stainless-steel/333120
- 3M 3/4" DiameterRadial Bristle Disc Kit
  http://www.riogrande.com/Product/3M-3-4-DiameterRadial-Bristle-Disc-Kit/332597?Pos=4

Private Online Sessions with Holly Gage

$85.00Price

My Online classes are live and interactive with me on the Go To Meeting free platform. I like to keep them light and enjoyable. All you need is a camera on your computer or phone. I start by sending you a well-illustrated step-by-step pdf, and then, in each class, I demo a part of the lesson; you will spend the week trying it on your own and come back to class with your progress so far. 

 

We then discuss it; you can ask questions, discuss challenges, or celebrate what you've done. It's like sitting around a table with a friend! We do it repeatedly with each session until we finish the course. 

Classes cover design concepts as well as techniques.

I also record the lessons for those who attend so you can watch them again later with no time limits. 

 

Nothing excites me more than to see you succeed. My 42 years in the jewelry industry include a Metalsmith and Metal Clay focus and retail and wholesale experience. This extensive experience allows me to develop and offer my signature jewelry-making techniques and business guidance. My job is to help you feel confident with your new skills and help you get to your next level.

 

I can teach an entire lesson, or for those purchasing a session with a self-guided lesson in the "Metal Clay Tutorials section," you can select how many sessions you would like in 1-hour increments on that page. I am here to answer questions and perform all or select demonstrations. After your private session request is made, I will contact you to set the time(s) we are mutually available. So let's do this and have some fun!

Private 1 to 1 Online Sessons
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