Catherine Witherell |
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description
In this project class we will be exploring and becoming familiar with precious metal clay. I'll show you how to make a 3-D picture frame pendant, using a template as a guideline. Bring textured natural objects and a few of your favorite rubber stamps and we'll work with them to gain an understanding of how to combine patterns for a pleasing composition. You can also make small complimentary charms with any remaining PMC. We'll fire these in Ultralite Beehive kilns, one of the most economical and versatile kilns available today. I will show finishing techniques and introduce the many colors available through the patination process. After the frames are made, we will cut the pictures to fit into the frames so that you can wear your art right away. Included in the kit will be jump rings and finishing materials for each person.
PMC Frameworks
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bio
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kit fee: $45 supply list
- kit fee $45 for precious metal clay (25 grams that I can purchase at bulk cost), some tools, findings and use of chemicals
- -hand salve - balm kind that is greasy as opposed to lotion
- -any natural object that would leave a shallow impression, a leaf, flat rock, wood grain, but not bark, unless it only has slight bumps, canvas, plastic mesh
- -2 or 3 of your favorite rubber stamps - background patterns or a small detail that you love. Choose stamps that look good together.
- -3 small paintbrushes, 2 should be 1/4 of an inch wide and can be flat or round, the other small and pointy and no more than 1 mm of bristle. Don't buy expensive ones, but they should be soft, not wiry
- -a very small pair of sharp craft scissors, or cuticle scissors (if you already have them)
- -a sharp pointed tool, like a tungsten scribe (my favorite) or an awl (only if you already have one)
- -approximately 24 inches of chain or ribbon and a clasp if you have favorites you would like to use ( I will bring sterling silver ball chain you can purchase for $20 if you'd like)
- -a few small photographs or favorite pictures about 1 to 2 inches that we will cut down to fit in the frame
- If you've worked with PMC before, and you have a tool kit, bring it, but don't go out and buy one.
- I will give each student some other tools in class that I use every day, and I will bring some of my rubber stamps too. Don't worry if there are things on this list you don't have, there will be plenty to share.
- If you have any questions, you can email me at cathwitherell@comcast.net
Catherine Witherell is a Certified PMC Artisan and lives in Orinda, California. She loves making charms, collaged silver pendants and does a lot of experimenting. She works in layers. Her birdhouse and bird pendants have been featured in Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine and the PMC Annual. New work is currently included in a mixed media book called "A Charming Exchange: Connect— Create—Collaborate" published by North Light books, July 2008. You can visit her blog at www.happydayart.typepad.com
