What's New on the Metal Clay Academy Website?
This page provides you with a quick idea of what's been added in the past month. If you are a regular visitor, you can see what we've added since your last visit here.
Archived What's New pages for earlier months can be seen here
March What's New Archive - you can see everything that was added during March 2009 here.
30th April
A new artist selling her work has been added to the gallery.
Jira Collection
Lots of variety on Andrea Jira's website. Particularly good are her pieces with a combination of fine silver and polymer clay. Buy direct from the website.
A new supplier was added to several pages.
Reactive Metals
US supplier of niobium, titanium, Mokume gane, bimetals, alloys, niobium and titanium findings, titanium chains, mini nuts and bolts and beads.
29th April
New suppliers were added to multiple pages.
Beadaholique
US supplier of metal beads, lampwork beads, Miyuki beads, Pandora style beads, porcelain beads, wooden beads, Swarovski beads and elements, base metal chain, brass chain, copper chain, polyester chain, sterling chain, plated chain, findings and components, threading materials, wire, cord, tools, storage and packaging.
Burhouse Beads
UK wholesale supplier of beads, pearls, tools, packaging, display items, components and findings. You have to open a trade account to buy from them which requires you to provide proof of your business.
A new metal clay training school was added to several pages.
Moondust Jewellery - Cheshire, Leek, Stoke on Trent
Art Clay beginner, intermediate and certification classes. Also specialist classes like ring making, lentil beads, glass, mixed media and bronze clay. Private tuition also available.
28th April
New suppliers were added to multiple pages.
Just Beads
UK supplier of glass beads, metal beads, shell beads, wood beads, cloisonne beads, seed beads, Swarovski crystals, wire, thread, chain, tools and accessories, packaging, findings and jewellery making components.
Regal Crafts
UK supplier of bugle beads, crystal beads, glass beads, gem beads, metal beads, plastic beads, seed beads, semi precious beads, wooden beads, findings, thread, chain, wire, tools.
27th April
New suppliers were added to multiple pages.
Beads Direct
UK supplier of acrylic, resin and plastic beads, bone and horn beads, ceramic and clay beads, fabric beads, glass beads, metal beads, Miyuki beads, pearls, seed beads, semi precious beads, shell beads, wooden beads, Swarovski crystals, chain, findings, components, stringing materials, wire, gift boxes, tools.
International Craft
UK wholesale supplier of semi precious stone beads, beads and glass cabochons, pearls, coral and shell beads, Swarovski crystals, jewellery findings, wire and threading materials, tools, packaging and display supplies. Minimum order £25.
26th April
New suppliers were added to multiple pages.
Constellation Beads
UK wholesale and retail supplier of bone beads, ceramic beads, glass beads, horn beads, resin beads, pearl beads, semi precious beads, shell beads, wooden beads, Swarovski crystals, sterling silver beads, findings, wire and stringing materials, chain and tools.
GJ Beads
UK suppliers of bone beads, glass beads, ceramic beads, acrylic beads, metal beads, plastic beads, semi precious beads, wooden beads, seed and bugle beads, findings, stringing materials, cord and wire, tools.
25th April
New suppliers were added to multiple pages.
Beady Kate
UK supplier of gemstone beads and nuggets, Murano glass beads, Mother of Pearl and shell beads, porcelain flower beads, lampwork beads, fossil beads, acrylic beads, artwood beads, Spectra glass beads, millefiori beads, Desert sunglass beads, pendants and focal beads, Swarovski crystals, tiara making supplies, memory wire, cord and thread, chain and findings.
Bead Master
UK supplier of gemstone beads and cabochons, Czech glass beads, bone beads, metal beads, porcelain beads, wooden beads, plastic beads, acrylic beads and cabochons, Swarovski crystals, pearls, metal findings and components, chain, wire and cord, tools, packaging and wedding accessories.
24th April
New suppliers have been added to multiple pages.
Creative Beadcraft
UK supplier of bone, shell and horn beads, acrylic beads, ceramic beads, Czech glass beads, metal beads, plastic beads, wooden beads, semi precious beads, Swarovski crystals, pearls, wire and chain including sterling silver and antique chain, findings, jewellery components and tools.
Jillybeads
UK supplier of lampwork beads, chunky beads, acrylic beads, connector beads, woven beads, porcelain beads, unusual beads, charm beads, Swarovski crystals, wood, clay and shell beads, spacer beads, metallic beads, findings, components, wire and chain, knitted wire and stringing materials, tools.
23rd April
New suppliers were added to multiple pages.
PJ Beads
UK supplier of gemstone beads, metal beads, cabochons, pearls, glass beads, shell beads, wooden beads, Swarovski crystals, tools, thread and wire, and gold and silver findings, beads, tube and components. Wholesale and retail sales online.
Bead Exclusive
UK supplier of metal beads, wood, shell, seeds and natural beads, pearls, Swarovski crystals, ceramic and porcelain beads, glass and seed beads, Thai silver beads, semi-precious beads and shapes, plastic and acrylic beads, findings and components, wire and threading materials, tools, display and storage supplies.
A new resource for photographing your jewelry has been added to the business resources section.
Lenses for Jewelry Photography
Photographing jewelry may use a variety of lenses popular with professional photographers. Learn about lenses and practice your jewelry photography with this free product photography video from Expert Village.
22nd April
A new supplier was added to multiple pages.
Fred Aldous
UK craft supplier selling wooden beads, metal beads, acrylic gems and cabochons, plastic beads, glass, seed and bugle beads, sequins, bead thread and stringing materials, findings, components, stainless steel chain, jewellery making tools, metal sheet including aluminium, pewter and copper, friendly plastic, enamelling equipment including kilns, rubber stamps and stencils. Offers a custom stamp design service.
A new blog has been added to the resources section.
Jewelry by Heart2Heart
Linda Allard's blog focusses on gemstones. Read all about pearls in the March blog.
A new website company was added to the business resources section.Homestead
Website hosting company with an easy to use method of building and publishing a website. Over 2000 ready to use templates you can customise. Build a professional looking website web quickly and easily.
21st April
A new competition was added to the gallery section.
The Museum of Arts and Crafts - ITAMI
International craft exhibition 2009. The theme of 2009 ITAMI International Craft Exhibition is "Jewellery".
Application deadline June 19th, 2009, and the last day for receipt of work is 4th July. The exhibition will run from 30th October to 6th December.
A new supplier has been added to multiple pages.
Little Beads Nest
US supplier of crystal, glass, lampworked and metal beads, findings, chain and jewelry making components. Includes bronze components and findings.
20th April
A new supplier was added to multiple pages.
Mr Bead
UK supplier with large selection of beads and pearls. Beads include semi precious stones, metal and gothic beads, cloissone beads, coral beads, lava beads and wonderful amber beads. Tools, jewelry beading thread and wire, components and findings are also supplied.
A new business resource was added to the insurance page.
Coverzones - UK
Coverzones are a small business insurance comparison website, aiming to provide the best possible prices from the UK's major commercial insurance companies.
19th April
New sites for selling your work were added to the business resources section.
Found Handmade
FoundHandmade.com is a new kind of site for all buyers and sellers of everything handmade, vintage or supplies. They have artists, designers, store owners (that sell handmade, craft supplies, and vintage goods) from all over the web that have linked their store(s) to one convenient location.
Made it Myself
Site for selling your work. Selling is currently free. Register free to create an account.
18th April
A new supplier was added to multiple pages.
Crystal Bead Shop
Canadian supplier of beads and stones, Swarovski crystals and pearls, tools, chain and findings.
A new site for selling your artwork was added to the business section.Artistry Arts
Artistry Arts is an all inclusive artisan marketplace where you can buy handmade, sell handmade and shop handmade. They officially opened on February 16, 2009. Your sales are not based on a percentage fee, listing fee or relisting fee...and they promise that your membership fee of only $3/ month will NEVER increase!
17th April
New suppliers were added to multiple pages.
Ohio Beads
US supplier of all types of chain including brass and copper, a wide variety of beads and stones, jewelry making components and findings, wire and tools.
Stone Corner
UK supplier of beads and stones, wire and cord, stringing materials, components and findings, display and packaging supplies, and tools.
16th April
A new website resource was added to the business section.
Tips for Ranking Higher on and with YouTube
"Did you know that YouTube is the 2nd largest search engine and the 4th largest web property? It also attracts hundreds of millions of users a month, and 15 hours of video are uploaded every minute." This useful article from WebProNews includes lots of tips for getting yourself noticed on YouTube. Video is a great medium for metal clay artists. Not only does it allow you to put tutorials online, it can also be a great way of showcasing your work.
A new financial resource was added to the business section.
1st National Processing - USA
Credit card processing for all sizes of organization. Credit card machines and processing.
15th April
A new source of inspiration was added to the creativity section.
MC Escher
The official site of the artist includes a fantastic gallery of his work. Amazing buildings and complex symmetrical patterns feature.
A new magazine was added to the resources section.
Metalsmith - Society of North American Goldsmiths
- Inspirational, innovative, and thought-provoking
- Fascinating articles, intriguing artists
- Engrossing guest columns
- Captivating exhibition and book reviews
- Illustrated throughout with gorgeous images of stunning work
- Stimulating intellectual and visual interest
Now in its third decade, award winning magazine Metalsmith is the document of record for jewelry and metalsmithing in North America.
14th April
Two new merchant service providers were added to the business resources.
Sam's Club - USA
Merchant services provided by First Data. They provide credit card processing terminals. Apply online.
Costco - USA
Merchant credit card processing. Very clear pricing and fee structure so you can easily work out what it is going to cost. Sign up online.
13th April
A new website for selling your work as added.
Misi
UK based one stop shop to buy and sell artisan handmade gifts, Handmade Jewellery, Handmade Quilts, Unique Clothing, Unique Baby Gifts, Sock monkeys, Wedding Gifts, Craft gifts, Craft forum. Plus loads more Crafted gift ideas. Launched in October 2008. Shop is free to set up and you are charged 20p per listing and 3% commission on sales.
A new merchant services provider was added to the business resources section.
First American Bank - USA
Merchant services including processing online credit card transactions.
12th April
Happy Easter!
A new teacher was added.
Fired Silver - Nether Alderley, Cheshire
Precious Metal Clay PMC beginners and project based classes including ring making and combining PMC and glass. Also runs enamelling training. Private tuition available. Call 01625 890594 or email for more information.
A new metal clay artist selling her work was added.
Fired Silver
UK based Rebecca Crabtree sells her metal clay work from her Etsy and Misi stores.
11th April
A new event was added.
Hattie Sanderson Comes to the UK!
When: 5th & 6th December 2009
Where: Art Clay Scotland - Edinburgh
This December Hattie Sanderson will be coming to Edinburgh to teach two Master classes in Metal Clay. Hattie is an artist and instructor specializing in metal clay. She is known for her enthusiastic, thorough and approachable teaching style. Certified to teach both Art Clay and PMC metal clay classes, Hattie is among the first international artists to achieve the prestigous Metal Clay Masters Registry II credential. This is her first trip to the UK and is a truly not to be missed opportunity to be taught by one of the finest in the field!
5th December - Reversible Box Focals Workshop
Full day workshop with Hattie learning how to create reversible box style hollow forms in metal clay for pendants or bracelets. Just flip the jewelry for a totally different look!
6th December - Spinner Ring Workshop
Full day workshop with Hattie creating a metal clay ring with 
interchangeable spinning parts. The design also allows you to vary the height of the spinning parts! This is a fast paced workshop and is best suited to Intermediate or Advanced Students.
Bookings open in early May - but ensure you don't miss out by registering your interest NOW.
A new supplier was added to the molds page.
Pink House
This US based company specialise in life molds. They sell two products that may be useful to metal clay artists. Reducit is a positive casting material which will shrink uniformly, resulting in scale replicas from most molds. In a single stage of reduction, a Reducit cast will shrink to approximately half of its original volume, or 2/3 its original size in linear dimensions. Expandid allows you to increase the size of your original without distortion and with controlled expansion. The Pink House website contains complete instructions on how to use these products.
10th April
A new tool was added to the business pages.
Submitterbot
Semi automatic directory submissions tool. Free.
A new competition was added.PMC Studio UK
Enter this FREE competition, simply produce a unique design in Precious Metal Clay and send it to them, you could win one of a number of prizes. Your design can be a piece of jewellery, a functional object or a display ornament. Upload an image of your design through the website. Only open to UK residents.
Competition closing date is 1st May
9th April
New suppliers were added to multiple pages.
Over the Rainbow - Australia
Supplier of beads, charms, tools, wire, polymer clay, PMC and display and packaging supplies.
The Bead Tree - Australia
Supplier of beads, charms, crystals, pearls, stringing supplies, findings, jump rings and components.
8th April
New suppliers were added to multiple pages.
Bead and Crystal Heaven - Australia
This supplier has a huge selection of Swarokski crystal products including beads, buttons and components. It also supplies gemstone beads, handmade glass beads, plastic, resin and seed beads, wooden and natural beads, pewter charms, pears and shells. Findings, stringing supplies and tools are also available.
La Vidalerie - France
Semi precious beads, glass beads and Swarovski crystals. Also supplies tools, charms and findings, good selection of clasps in sterling silver, copper and brass. They also run jewellery making workshops in Aveyron.
7th April
A new training school was added to the jewelry making page.
Evanston Art Center - Evanston, Il
Adult jewelry making and metal smithing classes at all levels.
A new event was added.
Best Bead Show Miami
The Best Bead Show Miami event will be taking place on April 24-26, 2009 at the DoubleTree Merchandise Mart, (West Hall), 711 NW 72nd Ave, Miami, FL 33126.
-SHOP to your heart's content with exhibitors from all over the country and beyond!...
-LEARN: Sign up for a class to add to your talent level...
-STAY: Take advantage of the discounted hotel rates
($119/night when you call 305-261-3800 and use code "bestbeadshow")
Showroom hours: Fri: 12pm-7pm; Sat: 10am-6pm; Sun: 11am-5pm.
Class Times vary
This show is OPEN TO PUBLIC... Retail/Wholesale
ADMISSION FEES: (Cash only; waived if taking a BBS class)
$8/day*, $11/2-day*, $13/3-day*
*$3 discount with show registration (form at door & online; disc. prices:$5/$8/$10)
Children under 16 FREE!
6th April
A new supplier was added to multiple pages.
The Bead Shop
UK based supplier of beads including glass, metal, ceramic and wooden, Swarovski crystals, tools, wire and stringing supplies and tiara making supplies.
A new supplier was added to the US tools page.
Jewelry Supply
US supplier of tools for jewelry making. Includes watch repair tools, ultrasonic cleaners, bench tools and wire wrapping tools.
5th April
A new source of custom stencils was added to the texture and stamps page.
Stencil Ease
US site. Online supplier of laser cut plastic stencils. Words, designs, alphabet and number stencils plus you can design your own stencils which are then sent to you.
A new supplier was added to the unique textures page.
Font Generator
YourFonts.com is a FREE online font generator that allows you to create your own OpenType fonts within a couple of minutes. Go make your own handwriting as a font!
4th April
A new supplier was added to the general items page.
Beadpen
US based supplier of stainless steel pens, letter openers, wine stoppers, cutlery and key chains that can be embellished with beads. These items are specially designed for you to add your own accents.
A new supplier has been added to the jewelry making page.
Clasp on Clasp off
US based supplier of clasps and components. They have a wide variety of clasp styles including clasps with glass, stones, embossed, vintage, magnetic. Connectors, spacer beads, tubes and slides. Buy direct from the website.
3rd April
A new article has been added to the Bronze clay page.
Xuella Arnold - Bronze Clay Exploration
Xuella has written up some of her experiences with Bronzclay™ especially for the Metal Clay Academy.
A new kiln supplier was added.
Mud in Mind - US
This pottery supplier sells a range of kilns which would work great with metal clay. They also sell a range of tools.
2nd April
A new supplier of jewelry making classes was added.
Knot Just Beads - Greenfield, WI
A variety of classes including bead weaving, jewelry making, chain making, glass bead making, Viking knit and others.
A new supplier was added to multiple pages.
eNasco
Art Clay supplier, also supplies tools, findings and wire.
The suppliers menu has changed and we've added some more pages. You'll now find the stones, beads and gems pages divided into UK, US and International suppliers, each on its own page. We hope this will make it easier to find suppliers in your area.
1st April
New suppliers were added to the beads and stones page.
Knot Just Beads - Greenfield, WI
This bead shop also has online sales. Create an account to buy online. Seed beads, Swarovski crystals and beading supplies.
Unicorne Beads
US supplier of handmade lampworked beads. Buy online. A wide variety of different shapes, sizes and colors.
