Getting to know...Liz Reynolds

Liz Reynolds is a devotee of Hadar's Clay and she has been busy introducing this powdered metal clay to lots of students.

A creative person by nature, Liz began early adding personal touches to many things. "I’ve tended to largely focus on one medium at a time," says Liz. "When I was much younger I really liked sewing and sewed a lot of my own clothes. I then moved into pottery and for the better part of a decade, I made my living (such as it was) from pottery. Later I learned how to knit, but it was pretty basic. But, when I worked in textiles at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), I was taught the European method and my knitting really took off and expanded into spinning and weaving. I got into beading through a lucky accident, and when I discovered metal clay, well…..there was no looking back!

Like most people, Liz started learning about metal clay through classes. "I started with local teachers at Beadfx, she explains,"then as Beadfx brought in international teachers, I was exposed to a wider variety of clays and techniques. I continue to take online classes with some well known international instructors to expand my repertoire.  I am currently nearing completion of a teaching accreditation program with Hadar Jacobson."Liz's inspiration comes from many sources. "There is just so much - pattern, texture, colour, other artists, ethnic and cultural design and pattern…on and on," she says. "I generally have an idea of what I want to create, but I try not to be too fixed about it and to allow it to change and develop as I proceed. This often produces a better result."

Liz continues, "I have a large envelope taped to the side of my desk and will drop in photos or drawings of elements that I might want to explore. I also have a computer file where I deposit ideas/inspiration that I see online."

What does Liz love about teaching? "Seeing students eyes light up when they grasp a concept and their delight with their finished creations," she replies enthusiastically. "M least favourite part is cleaning up after a class…as evidenced by the state of my own studio!"

Liz's advice to others who create? "Don’t stop…..ever! Creativity is inexhaustible."

Upcoming classes with Liz Reynolds:

Sunday, February 9
Sunday, April 13 
Sunday, June 8 
Sunday, August 17
Getting Started with Hadar's Clay (single day classes) 
12:00 - 4:00pm

Saturday, January 18
(10:00 - 5:00pm)
Inlay & Onlay in Metal Clay
(1 day class)

Saturday, March 22
(10:00am - 5:00pm)
& Sunday, March 23
(11:00am - 4:00pm
Hollow Forms in Metal Clay
(2 day class)
 

Saturday, May 24 (10:00am - 5:00pm)
& Sunday, May 25 (11:0am - 4:00pm)
Micro Mosaic in Metal Clay (2 day class)

Come out and play at Metal Clay Play Days!

You've taken an introductory class for one of metal clays such as Art Clay Silver and have caught the excitement in working with this versatile medium - now what?! Well, come on out to a monthly Metal Clay Play Day!

Jennifer Tough, a certified Silver Metal Clay Instructor, facilitates the sessions and will happily share tips and techniques with you. "This session is a perfect opportunity to spend time with fellow metal clay enthusiasts, share techniques, your newest projects, and a chance to refine your skills in our comfortable, and well-stocked studio", says Jennifer.

The sessions are open to all who have taken an introductory course in working with Metal Clays. "We have participants with a range of skill levels. Whether you have only taken one class, or you've been working with metal clay for years - you'll find a day spent playing in the studio a refreshing change of pace. Share, create, and be inspired", Jennifer adds.

Metal Clay Play Days run from 11:00am to 4:00pm and cost a nominal  $15. It includes the use of BeadFX's tools, texture sheets, stamps, torch firing, and more. You're welcome to come for the full session or drop in for part of the day.

Kiln firing of Art Clay Silver, Art Clay Original and Metal Adventures Fast Fire Bronze and tumbling of finished pieces are not included in the session cost, but is available. At this time, we are not firing Hadar's Clays.

Upcoming scheduled Metal Clay Play Days:
Sunday, October 20; 11:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday, November 17; 11:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday, December 15; 11:00am - 4:00pm

Upcoming Art Clay Silver classes:
Saturday, October 26: Charmed, I'm Sure Intro to Art Clay Silver; with Heather Bell Denison
Friday, November 22: Introduction to Art Clay Silver Express; with Jenn Jevons
Saturday, November 23: Silver Clay Ornaments and Embellishments; with Jenn Jevons

Upcoming Hadar's Clay classes:
Sunday, October 20: Getting started with Hadar's Clay, with Liz Reynolds
Sunday, November 3: Getting started with Hadar's Clay, with Liz Reynolds
Sunday, November 24: Getting started with Hadar's Clay, with Liz Reynolds

To see complete details and descriptions of Metal Clay Play Days and classes, please refer to our website. To register for any sessions or classes, please call BeadFX at (416) 751-1911.

The Joy of Metal Clay: Base Metal Clays

This past week I was fortunate enough to play around with some of Hadar's base metal clays. The last time I had used Hadar's clay she only had Copper and Bronze clay, now when I look at her site I feel like a kind in a candy store.

This week I experiemented with combining some pearl grey steel with copper clay (THANKS Liz). Sadly, I have not fired them as they got damaged in transit and I haven't had time to repair them. (I may just fire them as is as I can't wait to see what they look like!).

All this to say I thought I would introduce you to the world of base metal clays. There are many companies developing and selling base metal clays. Unlike silver clay where there are similarities between brands, base metal clays vary significantly on firing and handling.

Generally, most base metal clays require the use of a kiln to fire (there are a few exceptions). In addition most of the base metal clays require that you fire them in an oxygen free enviroment. This is primarily acheived by using a heatproof container filled with carbon.

I know all this can be confusing so let me start by introducing you to the main types of base metal clays. Then in the weeks to come I will comment on specifics.

Here are some of the brands of base metal clay:


Hadar Jacobson (her site is http://www.artinsilver.com/)

In my opinion she has been on e of the pioneers in the whole base metal clay business. Her current types of clays available are:

• Copper (both quick fire and original)
• Bronze (both quick fire and original)
• Quick Fire White Bronze
• Quick Fire Steel
• Pearl Grey Steel

All of her clays come dry and require that the purchaser mix their own clay by adding distilled water and they all require kiln firing in carbon.

Ms. Jacobson's website is a wealth of information about mixing and creating with her clays. It is a FABULOUS resource no matter what type of metal clay you choose to use. She also has a series of fabulous books.


Metal Adventures (formerly Metal Clay Adventures)

This is another North American source of base metal clays. The types of metal clays they create are:

• BRONZclay (http://www.bronzclay.com/bronzclay_education.htm)
  
• COPPRclay (http://www.copprclay.com/)
  
• Fast Fire BRONZclay (just released - Fast Fire BRONZclay information)
  

These clays come already mixed and require kiln firing in carbon. There is a great source of information about BRONZclay by M. Schindlel published on Squidoo BronzClay it is a great resource and it appears she is working on one for the Copprclay too.


Art Clay

Art Clay, the makers of Art Clay Silver released in December 2009 their version of copper clay. It is called Art Clay Copper and is different than the other types of copper. This clay can be torch fired (but it takes over 5 minutes) and can be kiln fired without any carbon or medium to facilitate sintering. I have worked quite a bit with this copper and will post a detailed post about it in the weeks to come. (Art Clay Copper Information)


Prometheus (http://hobbymaxistore.com/)

This company is from Turkey and make the only bronze clay that I am aware of that does not require the use of a activated carbon for firing. Instead you are to wrap it in paper towel then in a fiber blanket. They now have two types of clay available:

• Prometheus Bronze
• Prometheus Copper
  

On their website there is a forum discussing firing experiments.

I have some of this clay, but have not finished my experiments with it. I have tried torch firing it and was successful. The piece is much rosier that the other bronzes I have used.


Make Your Own!!!

Apparently you could make your own. There are tutorials on the web on how to do this. Metal Clay Academy has a whole page of links on how to do this - Make your own MC. I doubt I will ever get around to trying this. If you have let us know what you think.


Base metal clays can all be unique. In the next few weeks I hope to elaborate on the base clays I have tried.