PURPOSE

The PMC Certification program Section II is a second two day class that teaches advanced techniques using the 4 types of PMC+ and PMC3 (clay type, paste, syringe and sheet). The workshop is open to those who have completed basic Certification (PMC Connection, Rio Rewards or Art Clay). The class systematically takes the student from the projects of Section I to even more complex projects. The goal of the class is to make the student comfortable with silver clay techniques for making, firing and finishing, using 4 different projects. The techniques are very specific but the students still are allowed room for personal creativity in their designs.

PROJECTS

Section 2 projects introduce the student to the use of both enamels and PMC gold as embellishments for a PMC project. Students begin by creating a PMC piece, which they shape, dry and clean. They then apply PMC 22 K gold as a paste over the silver. When the piece is dry, the students torch fire their pieces. After they polish the fired piece, the students apply enamel powders, firing the pieces between applications of the enamel layers. The final pieces demonstrate these spectacular ways to add permanent color to PMC projects.

Continuing from the basic flat band ring in Section 1, this class introduces the students to the use of natural, non-firable stones and how to mount them in a ring. This opens to the students the ability to use a wide variety of gemstones which will not survive the firing process and which greatly enhance the visual appeal of their projects. The class also presents a project on the use of multiple textures as surface decoration, including a mirror finish area.

Finally, for those jewelry artists who want to complete their PMC necklaces, the final project is a set of PMC clasps. This project shows the students how they can create clasps specific in design to achieve their overall concept.

Instructions for the projects are provided in the books Introduction to Precious Metal Clay , the text for Section 1 Certification, and Precious Metal Clay in Mixed Media , a part of the Section 2 Certification class supply kit. You may use these instructions to help you prepare classes or for personal reference.

This more advanced understanding of PMC will offer an expanded base for the student to use PMC more extensively. We encourage students who successfully complete the course to practice these techniques and "make them your own" before they teach basic PMC classes, demonstrate and share this new experience. We will assist our students any way we can. However, only our Senior Instructors can certify students.

EVALUATION

All the projects must be completed 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.

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 become 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, doll makers, china painters and other fine craft and hobby groups. We need your expertise 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.

SECTION I PROJECTS

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

1.Enamel and gold on textured PMC3 clay
2.Ring with natural stone bezel setting using fine (0.999) silver bezel wire and PMC3 clay
3.Multiple texture PMC3 with mirror finish area
4.Decorative Necklace Clasp, PMC and Fine Silver Wire - Kiln Fired