Discovering More About: Metal Clays

You may have seen the classes listed or the packages in the store. You may have also seen jewellery components or finished pieces listed as 'made from metal clay'. But what exactly is 'metal clay'?

When metal clay was first developed in Japan in 1990, it was only available in silver. The clay-like pliability of this substance allows users to fashion pieces that, when fired using a torch or kiln, create metal components that can be used in a variety of jewellery applications. In essence, atomized particles of metals such as silver, gold, bronze, copper or steel are mixed with an organic binder and water and can then be shaped, textured, extruded or pressed into molds. During firing, the binder burns away leaving pure, sintered metal. There are several brands of metal clay available on the market including Art Clay Silver, Prometheus and Hadar’s Clay (the three brands sold at BeadFX).

Metal clay can be used to create pendants, bead or end caps, toggle clasps, charms and much, much more. In many cases, within reason, if it can be created in pottery clay it can also be created in metal clay. That means, you can create your own custom pieces that no one else will have. Can't find what you're looking for - then create it!

Art Clay Silver fires into pure fine silver. Pieces can be taken to a bright shine or to a beautiful satin finish. Darkening applications, such as liver of sulphur, can be added to bring up textures and surface designs.

Hadar's Clay starts off as powder to which distilled water is added to create lump clays with can then be worked in similar ways. These are base metal powders are available in various bronze colours, copper and steel.

Prometheus Clays are also base metal clays and are available in bronze and copper and is the most recent on the market.

Of course, each brand and type of clay will have its own working and finishing requirements and this is why an introductory class is a good idea to get started working with metal clay. We are fortunate to have experienced metal clay instructors who have each specialized in a particular type of metal clay as well as taking it beyond the introductory stages.

Friday, September 18
Copper Charm Bracelet using Prometheus Metal Clay
Instructor: Sue Henry
5:00 - 9:00pm

Sunday, September 27
Getting Started with Hadar's Clay (Part 1)
Instructor: Liz Reynolds
11:00am - 4:30pm









Sunday, October 4

Metal Clay Finishing (Hadar's Clay Part 2)
Instructor: Liz Reynolds
11:00am - 4:30pm

Friday, October 9
Bronze Earrings and Pendants using Prometheus Metal Clay
Instructor: Sue Henry
5:00 - 9:00pm

Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11
Champlevé Enamelling on Art Clay Silver
Instructor: Christine Woollacott
10:00am - 5:00pm both days

Friday, October 23
Introduction to Art Clay Silver
Instructor: Jenn Jevons
11:00am - 7:00pm

Saturday, October 24
Mold Making for Art Clay Silver
Instructor: Jenn Jevons
10:00am - 4:00pm

Sunday, November 1
3-D Bronze Pendants or Earrings in Prometheus Clay
Instructor: Sue Henry
12:00 - 4:00pm

For complete information about each class including course descriptions and class or kit fees, please see our website. Go to www.beadfx.com and click on 'Classes'. Follow the links to the class calendars and the individual classes.

Getting to know...Heather Bell Denison

Heather Bell Denison

Heather Bell Denison is a long-time instructor at BeadFX, specializing in Art Clay. As a Senior Certified Art Clay Instructor, Heather loves to help her students find their creative spirit and make something beautiful.

Heather has always loved creating artful things and started off with painting, pottery, sewing, knitting and other crafty projects around the home. "I always liked trying to take a project or creation and 'make it my own'", says Heather.
 




Then Heather discovered Art Clay and the rest, as they say, is history. "I have always loved creating things and always wanted try traditional silverwork but had been intimidated by the tools and complexity of it all. I discovered Art Clay when I searching information on kilns related to my love of pottery.  I thought 'huh, this sounds awesome'.  I found a course at BeadFX and I was hooked", says Heather.

"I started with taking books out of the library, then an introductory course at BeadFX. The class was the best thing as I had all the supplies. I was a bit intimidated by the silver clay, afraid I would mess up horribly. I think the cost of the silver, even though it was much lower then than it is now, had me a bit concerned. After the class, I was off and running. I have continued to take many other courses and searched for information on the web and books."

When asked about inspiration, Heather replied, "Everything! Many things can catch my attention and inspire me. I love nature; this can be an inspiration.  I also love the idea of making moving parts so, when I am really ambitious, this can be a key to my inspiration. My kids, my pets, textures all can inspire me too."

Heather continues, "I don’t always have a set way to approach my projects. Sometimes I just sit down with clay and start playing. I learned early on that you can mess up a lot of clay by rolling and rerolling (I am an expert at reclaiming clay thanks to that); but I have gotten wise now and I will use other types of clay (often cheap old Playdoh to get my creative juices flowing). Other times I will have a definite idea in my head and I will sketch and make patterns, then cut out all my pieces and starting assembling.

"I often try to store it all in my brain…but that doesn’t really work.  I have a sketch book which I will add sketches of my ideas or write down thoughts. There are may things in that book that I have yet to do," she adds.

Heather's 'other' life? "For other work, I am a mother, occupational therapist and certified life care planner. I love parenting my two boys who are tons of fun. My other paid work,  I spend most of my work time assessing client and writing expert legal reports. It is interesting, challenging and after a long day writing on a computer I love my metal clay creative outlet. My boys love to join in and create with me," says Heather. "I have many other interests: camping, pottery, gardening, walking my dog…."

Her advice to others who love to create? "Don't be afraid to experiment," advises Heather.

Heather's upcoming classes:
Charmed I'm Sure 
Saturday, October 26; 10:00am - 5:00pm

Charmed I'm Sure
Sunday, December 8; 10:00am - 5:00pm