PURPOSE

The PMC Certification Section 1 program is a comprehensive two day class that teaches specific techniques using the 4 types of PMC+ and PMC3 (clay type, paste, syringe and sheet). The class systematically takes the student from simple to more complex projects. The goal of the class is to make the student comfortable with silver clay techniques for making, firing and finishing, using 5 different projects. The class will introduce the student to a variety of firing methods from butane torch to computer controlled electric kiln. The techniques are very specific but the students are allowed room for personal creativity in their designs. This understanding of PMC+ and PMC3 will offer a solid base for the student to begin to use PMC more extensively.

PROJECTS

The five projects presented in this class provide the students with a solid understanding of PMC. Each project emphasizes the use of the various PMC forms, either independently or iAn combination. The student learns the best PMC forms to use to complete a desired project.

The class projects start with a basic slab pendant and embellishes the design through the use of a fired-in glass cabochon and cubic zirconium (CZ). There are separate projects using PMC paste over an organic core, PMC clay used in dry construction, surface texturing in wet clay and using syringe, carving dry clay pieces, use of syringe as an independent material and creating an embellished flat band ring. The class also presents the most common types of firing: torch and computer controlled electric kiln, and discusses other methods such as the Hot Pot, SpeedCone and other types of kilns. The student also learns a variety of finishing techniques for use in both unfired (greenware) clay and fired silver. These include filing, sanding, brushing, polishing and the use of tumblers. The students also learn the use of patinas, applied after firing to obtain an assortment of color effects.

Each student receives a copy of Introduction to Precious Metal Clay , by Mary Ann Devos, which is the class manual. The instructions in this book will provide the students with a project resource to present classes or for personal reference. We encourage students who successfully complete the course to practice these techniques and "make them your own" before they teach general PMC classes, demonstrate and share this new experience. However, only our Senior Instructors can certAify students.

EVALUATION

All the projects must be complete and will be evaluated by a Senior Instructor. The pieces are evaluated on construction, design and finishing. Students who do not complete their projects during class can take up to 1 month to submit the work to their instructor for evaluation. When the student has satisfactorily completed the course, he/she will qualify for dealer pricing from PMC Connection.

SHARING

This is one of the most exciting media ever created. We will share tools, ideas and marketing strategies. The products are easy to use, the process is almost magical and the pieces are precious metal objects. The class is fun and the experience will open a new channel for your creativity.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

PMC Connection will continue to add more advanced levels of certification as our program expands. We also will offer specialized classes for specific artists and media, i.e. glass fusers, bead makers, potters, ceramicists, doll makers, china painters and other fine craft and hobby groups. We need your exApertise in your special art and craft areas. With the combination of pioneer spirit and our creativity, we will bring this media of silver clay to the recognized level which it deserves.

PROJECTS BY PMC TYPE

These projects cover the basic use of PMC+ and PMC3 clay, paste, syringe and sheet types. The Senior Instructor will do the demonstrations, guide and evaluate the students.

SECTION I PROJECTS

-- 1. -- Reversible slide pendant with glass and stone setting (PMC3 Clay)
-- 2. -- Dry Construction - forming a hollow pendant without using a support material (PMC3 Clay)
3. - Syringe earrings (PMC3 Syringe)
-- 4. - Amphora – hollow form (PMC3 Paste and PMC+ Sheet)
-- 5. Embellished flat band ring project (PMC3 clay, syringe)