This class is open to all levels of experience in both polymer and PMC.

Nowhere else in polymer clay work can you see the range of this versatile medium as clearly as in bracelet construction.  The brand of clay, the proportion of different brands (if you mix clays), the thickness and the firing duration are all factors that relate to strength, durability, rigidity and flexibility; all issues routinely negotiated in the design of a polymer clay bracelet.

In the polymer portion of the class you’ll make mokume bracelets.  You’ll also make carved and textured polymer bracelets constructed on brass forms.

In the PMC portion of the class you’ll make PMC rings and dangles, both 2 and 3-dimensional, to adorn your mokume bracelets.

About the techniques covered in the class:  

You’ll use the tools and techniques I’ve developed to produce the vivid, resonant colors and porcelain-like finish characteristic of the polymer version of mokume gane, an ancient Asian metalworking technique.  This advanced design process, adapted for polymer clay, produces exotic, calligraphic patterns revealed through layers of metal leaf and delicately tinted translucent clay. 

Also covered will be basics such as: Conditioning and color mixing, baking for strength, and preparing the baked clay for carving, using acrylic paint, choosing colors, color mixing, , as well as two sided texturing. Various carving tools will be demonstrated and discussed as will how to keep your tools in perfect working order.

PMC Techniques: You’ll use hollow form and 3-D construction techniques combined with principles of ring making (for sizing) to make bracelet adornments such as tube beads, cones, and other cylindrical forms.  You’ll explore variations on the lentil (inside out, pierced, interrupted), and other leather hard constructions. Several approaches to making unique nametags, and various metal working techniques (riveting, forging, using Argentium Sterling, drawing balls on wire, etc.) will be demonstrated and discussed.

The class cost is $495.

The Material Fee is $95.

The material fee includes supplies and consumables, several packages of polymer clay, Teflon, acrylic paint, sterling silver, Argentium Sterling, brass, copper, copies (for tear-away), Celie's demo materials (PMC, polymer, precious metals), finishing materials, including sand papers for PMC and polymer, studio rent, studio prep, administrative costs, and handouts. Also included are many tools and supplies for you to use including a glass work surface, glass palettes, and a desk lamp.

I suggest you budget 3-4 packages, at least, either PMC+ or PMC3 (28 or 25 gram packages or equivalent in larger packs) but this class is highly individualized: some people will use less, some more.

(You are welcome to substitute Art Clay in place of PMC.)

 A PMC work kit containing a rolling tool, pin tool, deck of cards, blade, palette knife, slip container, Teflon sheet, and a water color brush will be available to pre-order for $25.  For those who don't have those supplies, they will also be available to purchase individually during the class. Additional polymer clay will be available to purchase, as well.

A material list will be sent later.

The class will be capped at 9 people.

If you don’t have a kiln I am happy to fire your PMC for a year from the date of the class.  Box it and send it to me, with a SASE, and I'll fire and return it.

TO REGISTER:  E-mail me first to make sure there is a spot in the class.  Then send a check for $590 (if you want a PMC kit, please add another $25) by August 10th. This is non-refundable, unless a replacement can be found, in which case your refund would be the tuition minus a $50 registration fee.  Please e-mail me if you would like to split the tuition into two payments.