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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

February What's New Archive - you can see everything that was added during February 2010 here

Attention Instructors! There is a scam operating which is targeting metal clay instructors. Here are details of a similar scam, the MC training scam operates the same way. Be careful out there!

31st March

A new training provider was added.

Rebecca Weddell - Sussex

Gorgeous lampwork beads hand made by Rebecca. She also runs classes in lamp working in her Sussex studio.

A new metal clay book was added.

Sara Dutton - Metal Clay Magic- UK Amazon link
Sara Dutton - Metal Clay Magic - US Amazon link

This book introduces beginners to the basic techniques of using metal clay, showing how to roll and cut out shapes, set stones and findings, plus how to fire, burnish and polish your silver. Once you are familiar with these simple techniques you can try the exciting range of projects to create your own striking pendants, brooches, bracelets and rings. With clear instructions and step-by-step photographs, this inspiring book makes it easy to enjoy this fantastic craft and to greatly expand your jewellery collection.

30th March

New training providers were added to multiple pages.

Julia Rai - Cornwall, London

Introduction to metal clay, PMC and Art Clay classes, Art Clay Certification classes level 1 and 2, making your own textures class, private classes, one-to-one classes. Will travel to teach.

Cilver Creations - Bedfordview, Johannesburg, South Africa

Beginners Art Clay Classes, project based metal clay classes and Certification. Also run bronze clay classes, copper clay classes, enameling on silver, resin, pewter and dichroic glass.

29th March

Two new beginners metal clay projects were added.

Sabine Alienor - Simple ring without a mandrel

This tutorial in French is easy to understand even if you don't read French because it has very good pictures. Learn how to make a silver metal clay ring without having a mandrel to form it on. It's made in one piece so there is no join. A good tutorial for beginners.

Sabine Alienor - Filigree Pendant Tutorial in French

Nice beginners project using kitchen paper as a core for a syringe pendant. This makes a pretty and delicate filigree effect.

28th March

New bronze clay tutorials were added.

Sabine Alienor - Bronze Clay Tutorial with a Fire in Place Stone in French

Lovely tutorial showing how to set a stone in place.

Sabine Alienor - Textured Bronze Clay Tutorial in French

Easy tutorial showing how to make small textured pendants. Very good pictures.

27th March

New copper and bronze clay tutorials were added.

Sabine Alienor - Art Clay Copper Tutorial in French

Another great tutorial from Sabine in French.

Sabine Alienor - Bronze and Copper Clay Pendant in French

This is a great tutorial for learning how to combine bronze and copper clay. It's in French but with very good pictures you'll be able to follow it even if you don't read French.

26th March

New tutorials were added.

Texturing Art Clay Copper - Sabine Alienor

Tutorial in French with very good pictures.

Sabine Alienor - Hadar's Quick Fire Bronze Clay Tutorial in French

Great tutorial with lots of very good pictures. Even if you don't read French, you'll learn from Sabine's tutorials.

25th March

New Copper Metal Clay tutorials were added.

Sabine Alienor - Art Clay Copper and Titanium Tutorial in French and English

Tutorial in French and English about combining Art Clay Copper with a small piece of titanium using a prong setting.

Sabine Alienor - Art Clay Copper and UV Resin Tutorial in French

Tutorial in French showing how to make a pendant using Art Clay Copper and then colouring it with UV Resin. Good pictures as with all Sabine's tutorials.

24th March

New training providers were added to silver smithing training page.

Holts Academy - Hatton Garden, London

Jewellery making and silver smithing courses at all levels are offered from short beginners courses to professional qualifications including NVQ's in Jewellery Manufacture.

Ruth Facey - Andover, Hampshire

Jewellery making classes using traditional silver working techniques.

23rd March

A new craft fair looking for exhibitors was added.

Origin UK - the London Craft Fair

Origin is an annual showcase of original contemporary craft, bringing together 220 of the most innovative UK and international makers for 1 week. It offers a rare chance to buy directly from the makers and meet them face to face.

Exhibitor applications from Established Makers - Deadline 12th April 2010
Exhibitor applications from New Makers - Deadline 4th May 2010

For application guidelines click here

A new publication looking for entries was added.

PMC Guild Annual 2010 - Call for Submissions

Entry deadline: 15th May 2010

Work is now being accepted for consideration for the 2010 issue of the PMC Guild Annual, a prestigious and collectable survey of the best work being made in silver metal clay.

Download a prospectus with entry guildlines here.

22nd March

A new metal clay artist selling her work was added.

Kamani Creations

Marilyn Cook is based in the Virgin Islands. Her work includes Chaney, which is the old porcelain shards found around the ruins of the old Danish plantations on St Croix. Most are dated from the 1700's.

A new local metal clay group was added.

Miami Metal Clay Artists

Miami Metal Clay Artists is a dual local chapter of Art Clay Society and PMC Guild. MMCA meetings are open to any metal clay artist who is interested in sharing their knowledge with others and learning from other artists in return.

21st March

New suppliers were added to the kiln firing service page.

Dori Daus - Monroe Township, NJ

Dori charges $15 per load and will ship back for a fee.

Kamani Creations - Virgin Islands

Marilyn Cook charges $1 per piece or $6 per shelf for open firing of all quick fire clays.

20th March

New training providers were added to several pages.

Touchstone Center for Crafts - Laurel Highlands, PA

Metal working classes, jewelry making classes, metal clay classes run throughout the year. Enameling and some more unusual class topics are covered. Well worth having a look at.

Terri McCarthy Studios - Grafton, Wisconsin

Traditional silver smithing classes and enamelling.

19th March

A new call for metal clay images for a publication has been added.

Call For Ring Images - Hattie Sanderson's New Book

Deadline: November 1, 2010

Hattie Sanderson is pleased to announce that she is writing a book dedicated to metal clay rings! It will be published by Brynmorgen Press.

***FREE Copy of book to all artists whose work is included!***

You are invited to submit high quality images of metal clay rings for possible inclusion in the book. Please share this information with your students or other artists who may be interested. This is a great opportunity to have your work published. Hattie is seeking rings that range from simple to complex that are of good design and well-crafted. Photographs must be high quality to be considered.

Submission guidelines are available on Hattie Sanderson's website. If you have questions, please contact Hattie or call her on (815) 393-4365.

March 2010 - White Bronze Clay!

Hadar Jacobson has done it again! She is currently testing White Bronze clay and you can read about it and see some great pictures on her blog. Check back to find out when it's available to buy.

18th March

New jewelry and craft related events were added

British Craft Trade Fair

When: 11th - 13th April 2010

Where: Harrogate, North Yorkshire

The fair represents the very best British makers, an exhibition with over 500 stands, where buyers and exhibitors alike are inspired by quality, originality and variety of products.

The Contemporary Craft Fair

When: 11th - 13th June 2010

Where: Bovey Tracey, Devon

The Contemporary Craft Fair is a truly inspirational mix of some of the finest crafts people in the UK. Come and meet the makers of award winning ceramics, glass, silversmithing, jewellery, furniture, glass, textiles, metal, wood and leather.

A new competition was added.

BeadDreams 2010

Deadline for entries: 5th April 2010

Each year, Bead&Button magazine sponsors Bead Dreams, a juried competition of exceptional bead artistry from around the world. They display the accepted pieces at the Bead&Button Show and award ribbons in nine categories. They have two new categories for 2010.

17th March

New events were added.

Gordon Uyehara Masterclass in Scotland

When: 2nd - 3rd October 2010

Where: Art Clay Scotland , Edinburgh

This is the first time Gordon has taught this stunning "Naupaka" Pendant in the UK. Gordon's stylized silver clay version of the flower, is a fairly complicated design but its construction can be broken down into manageable steps. Gordon will guide you through the entire process and is an incredibly generous teacher and humble artist. You need experience of working with metal clay for this class.

Book a place on this class through the website.

Art Clay World UK Conference

When: 16th - 20th September 2010

Where: York, UK

No details are available yet but keep checking the website for new information.

16th March

A new kiln supplier was added.

Northern Kilns - UK

Supplier of a wide range of kilns.

A new event was added.

Hattie Sanderson Masterclass in Scotland

When: 12th June 2010 - Magnetic Focal Clasps

When: 13th June 2010 - Serenity Rings Workshop

Serenity Ring

Where: Art Clay Scotland , Edinburgh

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 prestigious Metal Clay Masters Registry II credential.

Book a place on these classes through the website.

15th March

A new training provider was added to the jewellery making classes page.

Bead Solutions - Paignton, Devon

UK supplier of Crystallized™ Swarovski Element, Bohemian Crystal, Czech Glass Beads, Freshwater Pearls, Seed Beads and Delica Beads, Metal Components, Tiara Bands, Hair Combs, Wire and Cord, Tools. Retail store and online sales. Also offer wire working and beading classes.

A new supplier was added to multiple pages.

Bead Supermarket

UK supplier of bugle beads, Swarovski and Chinese Crystals, glass beads in a variety of colours and designs, Miyuki and Matsuno beads, plastic beads, spacer beads, wooden beads, threads and wires, tools, books, findings, clasps and chains.

14th March

A new UK training provider was added to multiple pages.

Art Clay Shop - Rochester, Kent

Art Clay introduction classes, project based classes, bronze and copper clay classes and Art Clay Certification.

A new supplier was added to multiple pages.

Beads for Beaders

UK supplier of Czech glass beads, Toho, Miyuki Delica beads, sterling silver beads, copper beads, cord and thread, findings and wire, tools, storage, lights and magnifiers and adhesives.

13th March

A new Art Clay supplier was added.

Art Clay Shop - Rochester, Kent

UK supplier of Art Clay, tools, textures, moulds, kilns, wire, findings and stones. Online sales and a retail outlet. They also run Art Clay classes.

A new supplier was added to multiple pages.

Bead Solutions - Paignton, Devon

12th March

London Jewellery School looking for a Metal Clay Teacher

London Jewellery School are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Metal Clay Tutor to run a range of metal clay classes for beginners through to experienced classes in Metal Clay. The ideal candidate should have experience in working in both PMC and Art Clay.

About London Jewellery School:

London Jewellery School is an independent jewellery training provider offering high quality jewellery classes to people of all ages and abilities, from beginner through to experienced jewellers.

Situated in the London’s Hatton Garden, our classes run throughout the year on evenings, weekends and weekdays. We also offer private tuition and open studios to jewellers needing to use our tools and resources.

About the role:

We are looking for a professional and knowledgeable tutor to teach a range of classes in Metal Clay including beginners metal clay classes, intermediate and possibly advanced as well.

In terms of commitment it is lightly that the candidate will teach around 3-4 classes per month to begin with. The rate of pay is £25 per hour (£150 for a day). We are looking for someone who is avalible to do evening classes regularly which run from 6-9pm at our studio.

If you think you have the skills and passion to teach at London Jewellery School please send us a letter stating your previous experience and relevant qualifications as well as a brief outline of why you think you would be suitable for the role. Please send applications by email to the School.

A new UK tool supplier was added.

Durston

UK supplier of jewellery making and metal working equipment and tools. Rolling mills, dapping sets, bench blocks, ring expanders/reducers, ingot moulds and drawbenches.

A new supplier was added to the wire and metal suppliers page.

Artistic Wire

US supplier of high quality wire to the craft industry. They offer the most extensive line of colored wire. Their Permanently Colored Copper Wire and Silver Plated Wire is available in fifty five colors and thirteen gauges. Also sell tools.

11th March

New suppliers were added to multiple pages.

Jencel

UK supplier of beads, threads, findings and gemstone beads. Swarovski crystals, pearls, silver plated beads, Czech glass beads, seed beads, chain, wire and tools.

Abacus Bead Emporium - Hinckley, Leicestershire

UK retail store with online sales through the website. Suppliers of rocaille (seed beads), Miyuki Delica beads, Swarovski crystal, glass beads, Crackle glassbeads, Pandora style beads, string beads, findings, nymo, superlon, KO Thread, thong, wire, tools and accessories.

10th March

A new bead supplier was added.

Beadazzled by Elise

UK supplier of hand crafted polymer clay flower and leaf beads. Also stock pewter and brass toggles.

A new supplier was added to multiple pages.

Garish Globes

UK supplier selling a wide range of glass and metal beads, findings, tools and supplies for jewellery making, beadwork and crafts. Seed beads, Swarovski crystal, David Christensen beads, Czech beads, Sterling silver and copper beads, findings, cords and threads.

9th March

A new supplier was added to the UK bead suppliers page and the chain and cord supplier page.

SowZerR DesignS

UK supplier of handmade glass beads and handmade silk ribbons and strings.

A new supplier was added the jewelry findings page.

Dichro-Findings

UK supplier of findings and jewellery blanks, including bangle and bracelet blanks, ring blanks, pendant, earring and brooch blanks, cuff link blanks, chains, clasps, Vintage and Trinity brass findings and cabochons.

8th March

Charms for Charity Event at the PMC Conference 2010

The popular and hugely successful Charms for Charity event from the PMC Conference 2008 will be repeated at this year’s conference in July. Once again, many, many generous metal clay artists will be creating and donating the hundreds of fabulous charms and assembling them into dozens of extraordinary, one-of-a-kind charm bracelets that will be raffled off to benefit the American Cancer Society and the Marrow Foundation. The event will be spearheaded by the original organizer, well-known American metal clay artist Holly Gage, in partnership with artist Carol Hamilton who also will reprise her original role collecting money and raffle tickets.

The Charms for Charity event was created to honor the memory of Robin Whittemore, a talented, generous and very brave metal clay artist and teacher who lost her battle with cancer in July, 2007. The event provides a wonderful way for all metal clay artists (whether or not they will be attending the conference) who wish to help raise money for cancer treatment and prevention to do so by donating charms, assembling bracelets or volunteering for one of the other needed contributions, or by purchasing raffle tickets at only $5 each or 5 for $20. The drawing will take place at PMC Conference 2010 (at Purdue University in Indiana) on Friday, July 30th, 2010 during lunch hour in the Dining Hall.

This event makes it possible for a large number of artists’ separate contributions of time, talent and money, regardless of size, to have a major collective impact. How much of a difference does it make? The first Charms for Charity event in 2008 raised a total of $12,270 for the American Cancer Society and the Marrow Foundation! This year, the metal clay community will pull together again to support the important work of these organizations in cancer treatment and prevention.

This fundraiser is not associated with any organization. Its success depends on the individual contributions of a large number of artists with big hearts! If you’d like to be among them, here’s how you can participate in this year’s event.

Create and Donate Charms

Guidelines for making charms:

Charms can be made from any type of metal clay.
As a rough guideline, charms should be around the size of a dime or nickel (roughly 20mm, give or take a few mm).
Charms can be any type of design or theme.
Please attach a strong (16 or 18 ga.) 5 mm open jump ring to each charm you send.
Please include the following with your charm(s):
A card or note with your name and contact information (optional – sometimes people like to acknowledge your gift)
A picture of the charm (optional – it will help identify your charm among the others on the bracelet).

7th March

A new event was added

International Jewellery London

When: 5th - 8th September 2010

Where: Earls Court, London

Celebrating the most talented, innovative British and International jewellery designers, wholesalers and manufacturers. International Jewellery London is the only dedicated UK jewellery trade event, unveiling the latest inspiring collections, contemporary and classic.

6th March

A new training provider was added to several pages.

Phoenix Designs - Altadena, CA

PMC introduction workshops, intermediate and advanced level workshops, project based workshops, copper clay workshops. They also offer open studios regularly.

A new event was added.

British Silver Week

British Silver Week is in its third year. This year’s launch will take place on 27 April 2010 at the Pangolin Gallery, London, to be opened by Lord Cunliffe, Past Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company.

Summer dining for two at British Silver Week 2010

The PMC Studio is pleased to again sponsor this years British Silver Week. Over the past three years this prestigious nationwide event has grown from being a week event to an event that runs for almost the entire year. The aim of British Silver Week is to promote the best of British silversmithing talent. Each designer is required to make a signature piece of silver tableware which is hallmarked with a unique British Silver Week hallmark which will be on sale at galleries throughout the country.

Since the launch of British Silver week various PMC artists have participated with great success. This year a group of artists including Emma Gordon, Leigh Armstrong, Carol Douglas, Mary Myers, Amy Surman and Pauline Scripps will be rising to the challenge to create a unique table setting entitled "Summer dining for two" to tie in with the British Silver Week theme of "Summer Silver".

The "Summer dining for two" installation will comprise of a wide range of PMC silver tableware that, although part of the same setting, will each be unique and represent the style of each individual artist.

Summer dining for two will be on show at the launch of British Silver Week at the modern art gallery Pangolin in Kings Cross, London on Tuesday 27 April.

It will also be on show at Bucks Open Studios in June, the PMC Studio stand C61 at International Jewellery London (IJL) at Earls Court, London on 5- 8 September and other events throughout the year.

5th March

A new supplier was added to the beads page.

A Bead in the Hand - West Inverness, FL

US retail bead store, no online sales. Also run classes.

A new bronze clay tutorial was added.

Sabine Alienor - Prometheus Bronze Clay Syringe Tutorial

Prometheus have developed a syringe bronze clay and this tutorial from Sabine shows you how to use it to make a lovely bead.

A new competition was added.

Metal Clay Design Contest

Deadline for entries: 1st April 2010

To add to the excitement of the premier issue of Metal Clay Artist Magazine, both in print and online, Metal Clay Findings are pleased to announce a collaborative design contest. They have put together a findings contest kit at a special price so you can start creating your contest submission. For more details please review the contest rules or visit metalclayartistmag.com.

Click here for Contest Rules.

4th March

New suppliers were added to the bead pages.

Flamingo Beads - Orange County, FL

US Retail store with online sales. Beads, chain, storage. They also run classes.

3 Bears Beading - Umatilla, FL

Retail and online store with beads, crystals, Czech glass, findings and kits. They also run classes.

3rd March

A new tutorial was added to the bronze clay tutorials page.

Sabine Alienor - Prometheus Bronze Clay Tutorial in French

Sabine shows step by step how to make this bronze ring. As always, there are wonderful pictures and even if you don't read French, you can pick up some great tips for making rings from this tutorial.

A new artist selling their work has been added to the gallery section.