Metal Clay Jewellery course London: City Lit

Introduction to working in metal clay for jewellery makers

Explore this revolutionary material, which handles like clay but turns into pure silver when fired. Learn the basics and more innovative uses to create original items of jewellery.

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Key course information

Dates
03/06/12 - 10/06/12

Day(s)
Sun

Duration
2 weeks

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £138^NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VV976

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

^NC: No concessionary fees available as there is no government funding for this course.

Enrol now

Call enrolments: 020 7831 7831

Still got questions?
visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2700

Course outline

What is the course about?

The course is designed for both the complete novice and the experienced jeweller and offers the chance to explore the exciting possibilities of the new metal clay, (known by the brand names of PMC and Art Clay Silver).

The course will begin with an introduction to the work area and the safe use of equipment. The tutor will demonstrate and show by example how to use metal clay effectively in jewellery design. Once the basic techniques have been covered, you will be encouraged to develop your ideas and designs, exploring the possibilities of this new jewellery material by working directly with the metal clay.

What topics will we cover?

- how to set up a work area
- basic tools and what they do
- the techniques of rolling, making holes, creating texture, wrapping clay, firing, polishing, and patinas.
- how to make stamping tools and moulds using polymer clay, and basic tools.

You will be encouraged to design and make several pieces in the practice medium of polymer clay, thus allowing you to develop and refine your ideas before making your designs in metal clay.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

• be aware of the properties of the different types of metal clay, and how best to handle them
• use a range of equipment and tools to make a metal clay piece
• fire a metal clay piece with a hand torch
• use textures to create a design on metal clay
• colour metal clay using a patina
• sand and polish metal clay
• consider design techniques suitable for metal clay.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is for beginners as well as experienced jewellers who want to incorporate metal clay into their mainstream jewellery designs. The course will also appeal to bead makers and clay artists.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Through demonstrations, practical work, advice and guidance, examples of jewellery made from metal clay and technical notes, as appropriate.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

General tools and equipment, polymer clay for practice pieces and 9g of metal clay (PMC3) and metal clay slip will be supplied.
Please bring the following:
•an apron
•an empty film case or clean pill bottle
•plastic coated playing cards
•note book and pencils etc
•cheap, fine tipped paint brushes.

Optional extras (if you're feeling keen): clay shapers, badger balm, small cookie cutters, items for texture such as leaf skeleton, lace or textured wallpaper.

You may wish to purchase extra metal clay. You will be advised where you can find it on the first day of the course.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

City Lit runs a number of other specific metal classes, both vocational and non-vocational. These enable you to further broaden your skills. The course will also serve as an introduction to metal clay and will meet the requirements of the proposed OCN being considered by the PMC Guild UK.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please email us for advice or call us during these times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00

Thursdays - 9.00-12.00

Saturdays - 14.00-17.00

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Select another date / day / time

Dates	Day(s)	Time	Duration	Fees	Snr	Conc	Code	Availability
03/06/12 to 10/06/12	Sun	10:30 - 16:30	2 weeks	£138	£138	£138	VV976	Available	» Select
16/10/11 to 23/10/11	Sun	10:30 - 16:30	2 weeks	£138	£138	£138	VV852	Finished	» Select
14/01/12 to 21/01/12	Sat	10:30 - 16:30	2 weeks	£138	£138	£138	VV895	Finished	» Select

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