art and soul gallery studio ct

"Creativity is piercing the Mundane to find the Marvelous."

-Bill Moyers

Fine Art & Artisan Gallery
645bb Poquonock Avenue
Windsor, CT 06095
860 688-4333

Open Tuesday - Friday 11-6
Saturday 10 - 5

 

The Magic of Metal Clay - Art Clay Silver, Precious Metal Clay, PMC

fused glass and fine silver necklace with blue chalcedony

Art Clay Silver, Precious Metal Clay, PMC, Silver Clay, whatever name you call it, this magical product is revolutionizing the world of jewelry making.

Basically, microscopic particles of pure silver (or gold) are embedded into an organic binder. This creates a putty-like clay which can be molded, stamped, impressed, cut, extruded, sculpted, rolled, brushed, etc., into whatever shape or form you desire. After drying, the clay is then fired, either with a torch or a kiln. During firing, the organic binder burns away, all the metal molecules bond, (sinter), and the finished piece of pure silver or gold is left. There is a 9-15% shrinkage factor depending on which clay you use. Stones and glass can be set into the clay and fired in place as well.

silver clay medallionAs a certified Art Clay Silver Wholesale Distributer and Instructor, I have so enjoyed both working with and teaching others to work with this magical product. Everyone from beginners to experienced metalsmiths and artists have been amazed at what they can create. It is so simple to make something beautiful with silver clay that it is a wonderful first project for many. In the hands of master artisans, the work goes from beautiful to exquisite and if you search for metal clay artists, you will find the work of many masters on line. I am always expanding my experience to bring more tools, techniques and metal clay classes to add to the schedule.

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Metal Clay Classes & Workshops

rectangle art clay silver pendant

Magic of Metal Clay
Saturdays 10-5

During this in depth workshop you will truly immerse yourself into working with Metal Clay. We will cover basic construction, rolling, texturing, cutting, layering and joining as you make a beautiful collage pendant.

We will then progress to stone setting, the use of the syringe, setting fused glass and more. We will also cover sanding, firing, brushing, polishing and applying patinas. You will create several beautiful pieces as you learn the skills to create with this magical product.

Tuition is $95 Materials are extra and cost approximately $78

Class Dates - May 31, June 14, June 28, July 12

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art clay silver and amethyst ring Metal Clay Rings - One Night Class -
Some Experience Required

Learn several methods for creating rings using metal clay by working directly on a mandrel. We will explore setting stones and or glass, decorating with syringe, using coils, texturing and shaping rings. This is a fun and exciting class and people have made gorgeous rings.

Tuition is $28 Materials are extra

Class Dates - June 5, June 26

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silver clay face Art Clay Silver Senior Level Certification
with Katie Baum

Senior Level Certification
The Senior Certification course is designed to provide advanced techniques as well as a creative challenge for the individuals who have completed Level One certification. There are a total of seven projects taught over 32 hours (typically four eight hour days). This course teaches students to incorporate gold foil, brass, and fine silver bezel wire. It also introduces the use of three-dimensional design, with emphasis on detail and fine finishing. Successful completion of this course entitles you to apply for Senior Instructor Status.

Art Clay World, USA, approves and certifies instructors into the Senior Instructor community by reviewing an application and examining a selection of 3 pieces of original work. The pieces submitted must reflect the techniques and skills the individual learned during their Art Clay education, as well as the ability to creatively design original pieces while following guidelines. A non-refundable $200 application fee is also required from anyone submitting for Senior Instructor status.

Upon approval the applicant will be entitled to:

  1. 42% discount on Art Clay Silver Series products
  2. Purchases over $500.00 may be granted "net 15" payment terms
  3. Teach all levels of Art Clay courses, including the Level One and Senior Level Certifications
  4. Attend trade shows and conventions as a compensated demonstrator and/or instructor

Class Dates - June 19 through 23 - Tuition $750 which includes all materials

art clay silver and glass necklace orient art clay silver pendant dragons eye art clay silver pendant lady of the lake

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Art Clay Silver Level 1 Certification
with Lis-el Crowley

Level One Certification
In order to become a certified instructor, you must successfully complete the Level One Certification course. This course is designed to provide an in-depth knowledge of Art Clay. The curriculum consists of nine different projects taught over 24 hours of instruction (typically three eight hour days), and covers a variety of techniques. Some of the techniques include use of organic forms, creating flat and round-shank rings, addition and firing of gemstones and glass, creating a mirror finish, and much more. This course provides general and technical information, as well as some helpful teaching guidelines.

Upon successful completion of this course, you are entitled to:

  1. 35% discount on Art Clay Silver Series products
  2. Teach Art Clay Introductory classes
  3. Take the Senior Level Certification Course

Class Dates - July 25-27 - Tuition $500 which includes all materials & tool kit

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Supplies, Tools and Bench Time

triangle silver pendantWant to continue creating with metal clay, but don't want to buy a kiln or don't have room for a studio? Take advantage of Bench Time here at Art & Soul. For $5 per hour, you can create to your heart's content in our studio. You can use our tools and huge variety of textures, stones and glass. You pay only for the materials you use and we will fire your pieces for you at no extra charge.

As wholesale distributors for Art Clay Silver, you can purchase all your supplies from us. We typically charge about 20% less than retail and with some items you save even more.

If you do want to set up a home studio, we are distributors for Paragon Kilns and sell them typically at 20% off retail. We also sell glass, tools and supplies and can advise you on what you will need to get your home studio started.

For more information, just give us a call or stop by - 860 688-4333

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Private Art Clay Silver Clay (PMC) Classes for Groups & Individuals

We are happy to create silver clay classes just for you and your individual needs. Cost are similar to taking a group class with the advantage of working around your schedule and personal needs.

Just call us at 860 688-4333 for more information and to set something up.

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