Metal Clay Classes Begin January 2014!

We are very excited to begin our program of metal clay classes in 2014!

Here are all the details and dates!  Click on a date to register for that class. Be sure to purchase your metal clay at registration so we can be sure to have it for you the day of class.

Metal Clay 101 – Introduction to Metal Clay

Explore the unlimited potential of Precious Metal Clay during this exciting and in depth workshop while you create a unique, one of a kind, pendant and earring set. This program is designed to give you hands on experience in basic techniques for working with metal clay. You will learn what metal clay is, the different forms it comes in and how to best care for, work with and store it. An extensive overview of tools and equipment will be provided. You will be shown best practices for working with the clay, including rolling, texturing, cutting, shaping, coiling, layering, drilling and embellishing. Once you create your unique pieces, you will be shown how to sand, refine and further embellish them. Then they will be fired. Post firing finishing will then be covered, including brushing, polishing, tumbling and adding patina if you so desire. While the pieces are firing, your instructor will demonstrate advanced techniques to inspire you for future projects.

This six hour program is offered on Saturdays, from 10-5 with a one hour lunch break, or on two consecutive Thursdays, from 6-9.

Cost is $95 plus a materials fee of approximately $25-50 – Class size is small to allow for individual attention

Registration Now Open: Saturday – January 11 – Taught by Alexis Crowley
Registration Now Open: Saturday – January 18 – Taught by Alexis Crowley
Saturday – February 1 – Taught by Lis-el Crowley
Saturday – February 8 – Taught by Alexis Crowley
Registration Now Open: Thursdays – January 16 & 23 – Taught by Julie Booras
Thursdays – February 6 & 13 – Taught by Julie Booras

METAL CLAY 102 – Hollow forms – lentils & beads

Basic understanding of metal clay is required for this program.

During this workshop you will be shown how to create a variety of hollow forms and beads including lentils and tube beads. Basic skills learned during this class will include drying and forming clay over molds, bonding pieces together to create hollow forms, forming clay over other media, and creating seamless forms. While pieces are being fired, advanced techniques will be demonstrated.

This six hour program is offered on Saturdays, from 10-5 with a one hour lunch break.

Cost is $110 plus a materials fee of approximately $65 – Class size is small to allow for individual attention

Registration Now Open: Saturday – January 25 – Taught by Lis-el Crowley

METAL CLAY 103 – Rings

Basic understanding of metal clay is required for this program.

Creating rings in metal clay opens the door to all kinds of creative potential. During this class you will be taught how to work on a mandrel and allow for shrinkage to be sure your rings will be the right size. You will be shown several types of ring possibilities from which you can choose to create your own unique design. Pieces will be fired and completed during class. During firing advanced techniques will be demonstrated.

This six hour program is offered on Saturdays, from 10-5 with a one hour lunch break.

Cost is $110 plus a materials fee of approximately $65 – Class size is small to allow for individual attention

Saturday – February 22  – Taught by Lis-el Crowley

About the Instructors

Alexis is a certified Art Clay Instructor and has a fresh and unique approach to metal clay. She teaches introductory classes in Metal Clay, Fused Glass, Printmaking and Metal Smithing. Her work is sold in galleries throughout Connecticut. She has served as Manager of Art & Soul Gallery, in Windsor, CT and co-produced the Metal Clay Mojo Conference in Chester Ct in September of 2013.

Lis-el Crowley is a Senior Certified Art Clay instructor and has traveled and taught metal clay and other classes throughout the United States. Her work has appeared in magazines and online exhibits and is shown in galleries and shops throughout New England. She is the founder of the Metal Clay Artisan Guild in Connecticut and produced the Metal Clay Mojo Conference in Chester, CT in September of 2013.

Julie Booras, the owner of Heart and Stone, has a degree in Fine Arts from the George Washington University where she studied photography and graphic design. Julie has been working in metal clay and jewelry design since 2007.