The images above illustrate the 3 techniques you will learn in this class taught by Pattie Phipps:

1) how to create textures by using a syringe filled with clay

2) exploring the use of fabrics, netting, screen, buttons or other household items pressed into a mold compound to create your own patterns for texture

3) using objects from nature such as seed pods, branches and seashells which make great organic textures pressed into the clay while it is moist.

You will also learn numerous strategies for working with Art Clay Silver effectively:

    -Finding and creating your own personal style.
    -How to keep your metal clay from drying out and if it does,
                  how you can save it.
    -How to repair cracks.
    -How to sand metal safely before and after firing.
    -How to utilize every ounce of metal clay.
    -How to determine how much oil is enough and what is too much.
    -How to patina your piece to enhance texture.

Several methods of making ear wires will be presented. This is an easy/beginning level class – no pre-requisites are required.

I have put together a kit that contains basic tools required to use in this class. All items in the kit are available for individual purchase if you already have some of these items. Please let Pattie know by February 27th if you want to purchase a kit. mailto: pattie@pattiephipps.com

Class Kit: $39.43 (Optional)
    20g 650 Art Clay Silver
    Clay Cutter
    Tissue Blade
    Roller
    Graph Mat
    4"x4" Teflon sheet

What to bring to class:

650 Art Clay Silver (Available to purchase in class)
                 *(Available in 20g and 50g packages 650 Low Fire Art Clay Silver)

*10g 650 Art Clay Silver Syringe. Packages of ACS syringes are available without tips,
               and with three tips. (If buying syringe for first time I recommend buying the
               one with three tips first, then as you need more syringe type clay you need
               only buy the package w/o tips.) If you wish to purchase this item from us,
               please let Pattie know by February 27, how many packages and what size you
               want to order. Pattie’s email address is: mailto: pattie@pattiephipps.com

    *Clay cutter (available in kit or for individual purchase)
    *Tissue blade (available in kit or for individual purchase)
    *Clear roller (available in kit or for individual purchase)
    *Graph mat - smooth plastic cutting mat at least 5”x8”
                       (available in kit or for individual purchase)
    *Molding compound (available in kit or for individual purchase)
    *4"x4" Teflon sheet (available in kit or for individual purchase)
    *Rubber block small or large
    *Agate burnisher
    *Particulate mask
    *Assortment of wet and dry abrasive paper (180-600 grit)
    *Salon files (the thick paper nail file kind)
    *Needle files (Do not mix your files. Use one set for
                        filing clay and one set for sterling silver.)
     *Dental tools or small carving tools
    *Stainless steel brushes – long and short bristles
      Sharpie black permanent marker - fine point
      Apron
      Assortment of small beads if you want to add color
                                           to your fine silver earrings
      Note book to take notes
      3x5 note card
      Buttons if you have them so you can make your own molds
    *6 inch ruler
***Round nose pliers
***Flat nose pliers
***Chain nose pliers
***Flush cutters that will cut 20 gauge wire
***Plastic mallet or rawhide mallet
    *Steel Bench block and pad
    *2 feet of 20 g half hard sterling silver round wire
      Earring findings you would like to use
      Copy of seller’s permit if you do not want to pay
                                        taxes on non-tool items

Please note:
Items above marked with a "*" are available for purchase. Please let Pattie know which supplies you want to purchase by February 27th. mailto: pattie@pattiephipps.com

Items above marked with a "***" are available to borrow in class.

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