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
January What's New Archive - you can see everything that was added during January 2010 here
28th February
A new video was added to the advanced video tutorials page.
Nancy L T Hamilton - How to make a metal cone
Great tutorial for anyone doing the Masters Registry Program
A new tutorial was added to the copper clay tutorials page.
Beading Arts - General Instructions for Working with Copprclay
Brief and useful article about working with Copprclay.
27th February
A new downloadable tutorial was added to the textures page.
Clay Lessons - How to Create your own Texture Plates
Clay Lessons specialise in polymer clay but some of the tutorials are also applicable to metal clay. This free tutorial shows how to make your own texture plates using scrap polymer clay. You need to register to download all tutorials which is free. They also have tutorials to buy.
A new video has been added to the beginners videos page and the safe working page.
Kate McKinnon - Working Safely with Metal Clay
26th February
A new metal clay class provider was added to multiple pages.
Adornments by Diane - Prince Frederick, Maryland
Introduction to metal clay classes, chain maille, wire wrapping and beading classes, Art Clay Certification classes and advanced, project based metal clay classes. Private lessons also given.
A new video tutorial was added to the Bronze Clay video's page.
Lorena Angulo - Making a Pot or Vessel with a Water Balloon
25th February
A new video was added to the advanced metal clay videos page.
Rio Grande - Using the Metal Clay Ring Maker
A new tutorial was added to the beginners project downloadable tutorials page.
Syringe Seahorse by Barbara Diane
This well illustrated PDF tutorial shows how to make a seahorse using syringe metal clay.
24th February
The Syntax of Objects (revised)
by Tim McCreight - Amazon.com
In 2005, Tim McCreight wrote The Syntax of Objects, his first foray into the genre called creative nonfiction. His elegant book consists of short musings on the relationship we have with the objects in our lives. As a maker of objects, he wonders out loud about the way our memories and senses relate to decisions about what we make and how we go about making choices in the studio and in our living material world.
The revised edition uses the same text, but packages it in a smaller and thicker volume. The new Syntax augments the text with pinhole camera images like the original edition, but this book includes more of them.
Cool Tools - Textured Bar Chain
In this workshop, you'll learn to make a very simple bar chain. This chain is very easy for a beginner and adds a fabulous touch to your jewelry creations.
23rd February
A new supplier was added to the stamp page.
The Stamp Maker
US site providing custom rubber stamps along with other stamp supplies.
A new webzine was added to the magazine page and the newsletters page.
Metallurgia
This French language webzine is well worth checking out.
22nd February
A new supplier was added to the international bead supplier page.
Shri Ram Gems - India
Manufacturer and exporter of precious gemstone beads like Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Semi Precious Beads such as Citrine, Amethyst, Peridot, Blue Topaz, Cut Stones, Studded Jewellery and Gemstone available in different designs and shapes. Ship internationally.
A new video tutorial supplier was added to the video resources pages.
Rio Grande YouTube Channel
Have a browse through the video tutorials from Rio Grande. They cover metal clay, bronze clay, some tool videos and other things. Well worth a browse.
21st February
Two new metal clay books were added.
Bronze Metal Clay: Explore a New Material with 35 Projects
by Yvonne Padilla - Pre-order from Amazon US
Due out 4th May 2010
Bronze metal clay is the natural next choice for the large silver metal clay market; it’s far less expensive, so crafters can expand their creativity creating larger-scale pieces. As a member of the Technical Support Team for Rio Grande (a huge online distributor of jewelry supplies), Yvonne Padilla is an expert at answering crafters’ questions about bronze. In addition to providing step-by-step instructions for 30 projects, she explains how bronze differs from silver clay, how to work with it, and how to attain the lovely verdigris patina that only bronze has. An inspirational gallery and a trouble shooting section complete the fantastic package.
Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry: Techniques and Explorations
- by Kate McKinnon - Pre-order from Amazon US
Due out 1st May 2010
Beginning with an overview of the properties of metal clay, including safety information and metalsmithing terms, this thorough resource offers detailed procedures for creating a variety of components, settings, findings, attachments, 3-D forms, and textured effects. Each technique is shown with step-by-step photography to make it easy for jewelry makers at the advanced beginner to intermediate levels to learn the art of metal clay, while the enclosed DVD offers the opportunity to see the author’s signature style in action. The 12 unique projects within have multiple components made from metal clay, including clasps, chains, and settings; moveable and removable pieces; unusual textures and patinas; and unique construction and engineering. Creative tips on incorporating beads are also included. This handbook offers jewelry artists the design inspiration needed to create gallery-level pieces that are truly wearable art.
20th February
A new tutorial was added to the Advanced Project page and the Copper Tutorials page.
Mary Ellin D'Agostino - Alloying Silver and Copper Metal Clays
In this tutorial Mary Ellin shows how to combine silver and copper clays to create alloys and “married metal” projects. She has developed this technique through extensive experimentation and testing.
A new downloadable tutorial was added to several pages.
Beading Daily - Fusing Silver
Download this pdf tutorial about fusing fine silver jumprings. Clearly shows the process for fusing.
19th February
Two new bronze clay tutorials were added.
Sabine Alienor - Prometheus Bronze Clay Tutorial in French
Nice tutorial showing step by step instructions to make a pair of earrings using Prometheus Bronze Clay. Although it's in French, the pictures are so good you can easily follow along as Sabine shows you how to use this low fire bronze clay. This includes how to fire the piece using a torch.
Sabine Alienor - Prometheus Bronze Clay Tutorial in French
Another great tutorial from Sabine using the new Prometheus Bronze Clay. This one shows how to make a pendant.
A new training provider was added to the PMC beginners training and PMC Certification training pages.
The PMC Studio France - France
Introduction to PMC and PMC Certification Module 1, 2 and 3 classes. Private tuition by appointment.
18th February
A new training provider was added.
Tracey Crewdson - Silsden, West Yorkshire
Introductory and intermediate silver clay classes.
A new supplier was added.
Sculpt Nouveau
US based site specialising in metal patinas.
A new downloadable steel clay resource was added.
Instuctions for using Hadar's Quick Fire Stainless Steel Clay
Quick-fire Stainless Steel is the newest version of stainless steel clay in the form of powder. It is fired in one phase only. This downloadable tutorial tells you all about it.
17th February
A job opportunity has been received by the MCA.
London Jewellery School –PR and Operations Co-ordinator
Mon-Fri 9-5pm £16,000p.a + £2000 training budget for our courses.
London Jewellery School are looking for an PR and Operations Co-ordinator to carry out the day-to-day running of the school, and assist the Director in a full range of tasks at the school.
London Jewellery School is an independent training provider of fun and professional jewellery courses, set up in 2008 by designer jeweller Jessica van Zanten.
It is now a busy, thriving school and we run 100’s of regular classes throughout the year including evening, weekend and midweek courses for adults. We also run very popular jewellery parties for both adults and children and work closely with the local councils to deliver jewellery classes in schools and libraries in and around London.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Passion for jewellery making, jewellery and training
- PR and advertising experience
- Confident on computers, using internet, social networking, and using basic word, excel and office packages
- Punctual, hardworking, trustworthy with an open and engaging attitude.
- Excellent telephone manner
- Excellent attention to detail
- Proof reading experience
- Able to cope well under pressure
- Able to work well individually as well as part of a team
If you think you could thrive in this role please ask for an application pack from London Jewellery School
A new event was added.
Bead Fest Philadelphia
When: 18th - 22nd August 2010
Where: King of Prussia, PA
Registration is open, view workshops here.
A new training provider was added to multiple pages.
Wired Up Beads - Southlake, Texas
PMC beginners and introductory classes, project based metal clay classes, bronze clay and copper clay classes.
A new supplier was added to the US bead supplier page and the jewelry making classes page.
The Bead Strand - Ocala, FL
US retail store selling wide selection of semi-precious gemstones, Japanese seed beads, Swarovski crystals, and much more. They also run a variety of beading and jewelry making classes.
16th February
New books were added to the new books page.
Sherri Haab Jewelry Inspirations
- Pre-order from Amazon UK
Sherri Haab Jewelry Inspirations: Techniques and Designs from the Artist's Studio
- Pre-order from Amazon USA
Due out on 9th March 2010 in the USA and 7th May 2010 in the UK
In Sherri Haab Jewelry Inspirations, jewellery designer, instructor and author Sherri Haab invites jewellery crafters into her home studio to learn all about what inspires her to create her fresh, charming designs, while also providing her signature comprehensive instruction on a variety of popular techniques. The book begins with an introductory section, ""In the Studio,"" which offers guidance on how to cultivate ideas and provides an overview of essential techniques, including wirework, polymer clay, metal clay, resin and image transfer, along with information on resin clay and an eco-friendly technique for etching copper. Sherri then shares her personal archives, collections and reminiscences in five chapters that each offer two sources of inspiration in 25 new projects.
The Art of Metal Clay, Revised and Expanded (with DVD): Techniques for Creating Jewelry and Decorative Objects
by Sherri Haab - Pre-order from Amazon US
Due out 27th July 2010 in the USA
Sherri Haab's previous book is updated and reissued later this year.
15th February
A new teacher was added to the metal smithing classes page.
Anne Mitchell - Various Locations in the USA
Award winning teacher and artist Anne Mitchell runs classes in a variety of subjects including low tech metalsmithing, fine silver fusing, resin, chain maille and metal work.
A new supplier was added to the US tool suppliers page.
dvinedesigns studio - Flemington, NJ
Debbie Vine sells PMC supplies from her studio in Flemington, NJ, her Etsy site and on eBay. Contact her here.
14th February
New video tutorials were added to the jewelry making tutorial page.
Wrapped Eye Pin
Connie Fox's 10 minute video shows how to make a wrapped Eye Pin.
Jewelry Making Tools
Another useful tutorial from Connie Fox. This has 30 minutes of information about the different tools used to make metal and wire jewelry. It includes information about pliers and cutters, hammers, files and reamers.
13th February
A new video jewelry making tutorial resource was added.
Nina Designs
Lots of videos on various topics including how to design earrings, jewelry charm design, wire wrapping, crimping and a video of how silversmiths in Bali create intricate silver designs from scratch.
A new supplier was added to the 'Make your own metal clay' page.
Supplier of copper powder
SCAN GROUP AFRICA LTD
HELSINKI FINLAND (Head Office)
Tel: +220-7107863 (ROAMING)
Skype: sgafrica.ltd
Email: sgafrica.ltd@gmail.com
12th February
A new international supplier was added to multiple pages.
Zilverklei - The Netherlands
Supplier of Art Clay, copper clay, bronze clay, resin and tools in The Netherlands.
An entry on multiple supplier pages has been updated.Nina Designs
US supplier of Bali beads, Indian and Thai silver beads, chains, ribbons and cords, charms, clasps, findings, spacer beads, pearls and gemstones. Good selection of brass clasps and findings, filigree beads, charms and clasps, Marcasite beads and clasps, plus their unusual print collection. Retail and wholesale. The site also contains lots of design ideas, how to guides and jewelry related videos.
A new UK supplier was added to multiple pages.
Fired Silver
UK supplier of Art Clay, Precious Metal Clay PMC, tools, books and gemstones. Also run classes in Wilmslow, Cheshire.
11th February
A new resource was added to the financial page in the business section.
Beading Software
This software helps you to keep track of your inventory, calculate the cost of making your jewelry and create invoices, labels and catalogs. Works on Windows or Mac.
A new guide was added to the enamelling page and the copper clay page.
Pam East - Enameling Art Clay Copper
This useful step-by-step guide will help you to enamel successfully on Art Clay Copper clay.
A new call for artists was added to the publications and promotional opportunities page.
Lark Books - 30-minute Rings
New Lark Book: 30-Minute Rings
Editor: Marthe Le Van
Entry Deadline: March 19, 2010
Are you a skilled and imaginative jewelry designer who is up for a challenge? Great! Your mission is to design a ring that can be made…start to finish…in 30 minutes flat. Sound fun? We think so.
30-Minute Rings will showcase more than 50 incredibly stylish step-by-step projects that can be created without investing too much of a valuable commodity—time! The selected ring designs will be modern and sophisticated and encompass many different styles and techniques. The common denominator will be fast projects that look terrific!
PS: In 30-Minute Rings, we won't be teaching fundamental jewelry making techniques. Designers can assume that their readers are already proficient (and quick!) at skills such as sawing, soldering, and finishing.
For more submission guidelines and entry forms, click here.
For more information on Lark Books and the 500 series, click here.
10th February
A new jewellery making class provider was added.
Beads 47 - Poole, Dorset
Beading and jewellery making classes for all levels.
A new supplier was added to multiple pages.
Wire Sculpture
US supplier of jewelry making tools, beads, cabochons, cameo's, boxes and packaging, chains, findings, gemstones, display items, Swarovski crystal beads and wire.
A new competition has been added.
Worldskills UK - Fine Jewellery Making Competition
Could you represent the UK in Jewellery making? Open to those studying a related Jewellery programme or employed within the trade. You will be working to a design that challenges your skills in making fine jewellery.
Deadline for entries: 19th March 2010
This competition relates to those skills required in the manufacturing of fine jewellery from precious metals. These skills have traditionally been referred to in the industry as ‘diamond mounting’. Competitors will take part in a two day practical competition, held at Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery, in which they will manufacture a an item to a set project brief.
9th February
New training providers were added to the jewellery making classes page.
Lucy Copleston - North Wales
Jewellery making courses for beginners and advanced students.
The Eastbourne Bead Company - Eastbourne, East Sussex
Beading and wirework classes for all levels and abilities. Retail shop.
A new event was added.
Interweave Bead Fest Wire
When: 9th - 11th April 2010
Where: King of Prussia, PA
Registration is open, download a class catalog here.
A new supplier was added.
Har Man Importing Corp
US supplier with a large selection of CRYSTALLIZED - Swarovski Elements, Swarovski Ccrystals and Czech glass beads. Also sell wood beads, plexiglass sew on stones, clasps and linked chain.
8th February
A new supplier was added to the general products page.
Rare Bird Ltd Friendly Plastic
Friendly Plastic is a wonderful modeling material produced by American Art Clay Corporation (AMACO) It is lightweight and flexible and incredibly versatle. Heat in the form of hot water, the oven or a heat gun makes it pliable. It can be used by itself or in combination with all sorts of other materials to make cards, jewellery, gifts, items for costume, or to add structure and texture to your textile projects. As well as coming in a wide range of colours it can also be painted and re-coloured before or after heating and manipulating.
A new supplier was added to several pages.
The Place to Bead
UK supplier of Thai Hill Tribe Silver products, which include beads, charms, pendants, toggles and clasps, Bali Silver beads, charms, copper beads and findings, freshwater pearls, ceramic beads, lava beads, lucite beads, Vintaj natural brass, semi-precious gemstones and glass beads.
7th February
A new supplier was added to several pages.
A Beads C - Wroughton, Swindon
UK supplier of acrylic beads, ceramic beads, crystals, glass beads, metal beads, semi precious beads, shell beads, silver beads, wooden beads, Pandora style beads, findings, stringing materials, tools. Buy online or at their retail shop. They also run workshops.
A new video tutorial resource was added to the jewellery making videos page.Beads by Lili
This page has a huge list of video beading and jewellery making projects from beginner to advanced level.
6th February
New suppliers were added to multiple pages.
Taylor Made Beads - Tintern, Monmouthshire
UK supplier of Czech glass beads, Toho seed beads, semi precious beads and gemstones, wood and resin beads, novelty and animal beads, lampwork beads, fossils, findings, threads and wire, tools and accessories. They have an online shop and a retail store.
The Bead Shop - Manchester
UK supplier of glass beads, spacer beads, wooden beads, pearl beads, Pandora style beads, Swarovski crystals, Kashmiri beads, semi precious beads, seed beads, rondelles, wire beads, buttons, cloisonne beads, catseye beads, bone beads, ceramic beads, cameos, letter beads, miracle beads, plastic beads, fimo beads, animal beads, shell beads, bells. Findings, pendants and charms, stringing materials, tools. They also run beading classes.
A new training venue was added to multiple pages.
Hacienda Mosaico - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Hacienda Mosaico is an expansive, tropical and artful retreat in the beautiful beach resort of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Teachers in 2010 include Robert Dancik and Hadar Jacobson.
5th February
A new supplier was added to several pages.
Markylis
UK supplier of acrylic beads, cats eye beads, cloisonne beads, fresh water pearls, gemstone beads, glass beads, gold plated beads, millefiori beads, seed beads, rocailles, silver plated beads, Pandora style beads and wooden beads. Chains in sterling silver and plated, findings, charms, pendants, threads and wires.
A new training provider was added to the jewellery making courses page and the silversmithing courses page.
Rachel Jeffrey Jewellery School - Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire
Silver jewellery making courses and classes.
A new event was added.
Interweave Bead Fest Santa Fe
When: 18th - 21st March 2010
Where: Santa Fe, NM
Registration is open, download a class catalog here.
4th February
New training providers were added to the PMC Certification page.
Amy Surman, The Oxford Bead Shop - Cowley, Oxford
Introduction to PMC, PMC rings and pendants, PMC Certification classes from the PMC Studio. Also runs silver work, beading, enamelling and jewellery making classes.
B-Unique and PMC Workshops - Motcombe, North Dorset
Beginners Precious Metal Clay PMC workshops. Also run PMC Certification training from the PMC Studio.
A new resource was added to the design page.
Nina Designs - Design Ideas
This website has hundreds of design ideas for jewelry makers. Each idea has a parts list so you can order the parts from the website. Great for inspiration.
3rd February
New suppliers have been added to multiple pages.
Shiana
US based. Shiana designs and produces pure silver, fair trade Thai Hill Tribe Silver Beads, Pendants, Charms, Findings, as well as Thai hill tribe silver gold vermeil and pink gold vermeil jewelry supplies and parts. Shiana is both a wholesale and retail venue for hill tribe silver products, specializing in unique findings and faceted beads.
Bead Site
This specialist UK bead site provides unusual copper, gold, bronze and fine silver coated Greek ceramic beads (sometimes known as Mykonos beads) and 925 silver findings. The beads they stock include one-of-a-kind lampwork glass beads, handmade polymer clay beads, Murano glass beads and Greek and Bulgarian ceramic beads.
2nd February
New suppliers were added to multiple pages.
Big Bead Little Bead
UK supplier of acrylic beads, bugle beads, ceramic beads, crystal beads, glass beads, metal beads, natural beads, vintage beads, seed beads, semi precious beads, charms, cords, thread and wire, findings, chain and tools.
Dreambell
US supplier of silver beads and spacers, Bali beads, gold plated and gold filled beads and spacers, lampwork glass beads, Swarovski crystals, pearls, chains, charms, clasps, findings, jump rings, beading cord.
1st February
Two new events were added.
The Jewellery Show
When: 7th - 11th February 2010
Where: NEC Birmingham, UK
The Jewellery Show at Spring Fair International will see over 450 top companies and 47,250 new product launches from the UK and overseas launching their finest collections of precious and semi-precious jewellery, gold and silver, diamonds and stones as well as jewellery related products, tools and equipment, shop fitting and display.
Make It - Farnborough, UK
When: 26th - 28th February 2010
Where: Farnborough Airport
Make it is the biggest craft event in Southern England, attracting the top names in the craft world and thousands of enthusiastic visitors every year.
A new tutorial was added to the downloadable tutorials section.
Sherri Haab - Resin Heart Charm Tutorial
Lovely tutorial showing you how to make a resin charm with an embedded design.
