Metal Clay
Imagine for a moment.....being able to bend, shape and texture metal with the ease of working in clay!
Metal Clay is a revolutionary new material that can be worked in the same way as clay and when fired leaves your design with all its detail in pure silver. Texture, bead making and stone setting are given a whole new slant with metal clay.
PMC was originally created by Mitsubishi and Art Clay was created by Aida Chemicals just over a decade ago. The substance has been further developed into various different
forms including clay, sheet, slip and syringe form as well as the new Bronze Clay. Metal Clay has been perfected
into a material which challenges any preconceived
ideas about how precious metals must be worked.
Jewellers, ceramist and artists will be impressed with the potential for a whole
new way of working. It can take as little as 10 minutes in the kiln
or five minutes with a gas torch for the metal clay to be fired.
The piece can then be sent for hallmarking.
We've designed the very first independent qualification for working with metal clay. If you want to teach classes or work seriously with metal clay, this is currently the most thorough training you can get anywhere in the world.
The Higher Metal Clay Diploma HDMC
We continue to offer the most thorough metal clay training currently available anywhere in the world. This year we are proud to introduce the ultimate training for artists working or teaching in metal clay. The Higher Metal Clay Diploma integrates the following three segments-
Grades 1-4 of the Diploma in Silver Metal Clay Proficiency (either Teaching and/or Design Construction Grade 4)
Our Diploma should not be confused with any other metal clay certification or qualification. This training stands alone for quality and depth.
No other course gives such a broad hands-on education covering all types of metal clay. You can study for this qualification gradually and each of the individual segments can stand alone as a significant achievement. If you already have a PMC Diploma you can simply ‘bolt on’ the additional Art Clay and Bronze Clay classes to progress to the Higher Metal Clay Diploma.
If you have the Art Clay Certification from another teacher, on production of your certificates you will be credited with this portion of the Higher Diploma.
Upon completion of all three segments, artists will be entitled to use the registered letters after their names. For example, Mary Maker HDMC
The Diploma in Silver Metal Clay Proficiency MCSJ Dip. MC
The Diploma in Silver Metal Clay Proficiency is free from any association with marketing, discounts or any particular supplier. Therefore it is the first truly independent qualification and sets the new standard for excellence within the metal clay world.
The course is recognised by the PMC Guild International and in fact the grades of competency actually exceed the minimum requirements suggested by the PMC Guild.
Upon completion of all four grades, artists will be entitled to use the registered letters after their names. For example, Mary Maker MCSJ Dip. MC
The names of our Metal Clay Diploma Graduates are displayed on our roll of honour page.
Art Clay Certification
Art Clay Certification has three steps. Level 1 introduces the basic techniques of working with Art Clay in all its forms. Seven projects are completed to specific standards during this three day course. On successful completion of the projects, you can teach Art Clay introductory classes with support from Art Clay World UK.
Art Clay Level 2 Certification builds on the basic skills and introduces new techniques like adding gold to your work and setting stones. This four day class in intense and the pace is faster than Level 1. On successful completion of the course pieces, you are then required to submit some certification pieces made after the course. Three pieces which fulfil specific criteria are sent for evaluation together with proof you own a kiln. Successful completion of this stage allows you to teach introductory, Level 1 and Level 2 Art Clay classes with support from Art Clay World UK.
Bronze and Copper Clay Introduction
This class introduces you to the unpredictable and pioneering world of Bronze and Copper clay. Still very experimental, this material is probably the most anticipated development in the metal clay world ever. On the introductory course you'll learn how to work with Bronze and Copper clay, the similarities and differences with silver metal clay and its unique qualities.
For more information about PMC, please see the PMC Guild UK website which is an excellent source of advice and developments.
For more information about Art Clay, please see the Art Clay World website which is an excellent source of advice and developments or the Art Clay World UK website for suppliers and information.
More information about everything to do with metal clay can be found at the Metal Clay Academy website.
Metal Clay Classes
- Art Clay Level 1
- Art Clay Level 2
- Ceramic Decals for Metal Clay
- Introduction to Bronzeclay
- Introduction to Bronze and Copper Clay - NEW for 2010
- Metal Clay for Fun!
- Metal Clay for Beginners Diploma Class-Grade 1
- Metal Clay Intermediate Skills Diploma Class-Grade 2
- Metal Clay Advanced Diploma Class-Grade 3
- Teaching Metal Clay Effectively Diploma-Grade 4
- Design and Construction Diploma - Grade 4 - NEW for 2010
- Metal Clay Diploma Intensive
- Metal Clay for Jewellers
- Metal Clay and Mixed Silverwork Week
- Silver spoon with Keum Boo Gold - NEW for 2010
- Tear Away Technique Printing Service
- Unique Textures for Metal Clay
To see links to other useful resources for metal clay click here
The school is based near St Austell in Cornwall, UK and all classes run in our well equipped workshop.