Silver Clay Course Cambs/Lincs

[MuranoSilver]

Hi
My courses are £85, excellent value as it's a FULL day and includes 20g of clay and a fabulous INTRO TOOL KIT to take away.
Next Course Dates: 4 people max in each class
Sunday 10th October (one space available) - (TBA)

Here are a few things from classes ~ more later in thread :)
http://www.muranosilver.com/images/studentjune09.jpg
I tailor the course to include specific areas of interest for the people coming but the items in bold are always covered.
Introduction to Silver clay, various types of Art Clay and their uses.
Conditioning the clay & optimum working conditions.
Design & options for the different firing methods.
Moulding, Texturing & Forming the Clay (+ an overview of the various types of textures available)
Sanding, Finishing & Polishing Methods
Using two part silicone moulding compounds
Setting Stones & suitable stones
Adding Glass to Silver Clay
UV Resin for silver clay
Soldering ear posts / cufflink backs etc
What photo polymer plates are and what you can do with them.
Application of Liver of Sulpher
How you might make beads on marbles and what cork clay would be used for.
How to make a ring and sizing rings for shrinkage.
Hob firing, Torch Firing and Kiln Firing and the differences and benefits of the various forms..
Nic xx

P.S> Extra Clay is available to buy on the day too (at a 10% discount )

[MuranoSilver]

Look what my clever students did yesterday!
I had four students yesterday a local mum and her daughter (my course was the mums Birthday present)
It was the first time they'd used silver clay and they made all these pieces :D
http://www.muranosilver.com/images/pmccoursejul3.jpg
Then a wonderful lady called Terry from Aviya Glass and her hubby made these
(Phils makings are the little anchor button and the Spider - which is fabulous!)
http://www.muranosilver.com/images/pmc-coursejul2.jpg
Here's a close up of the heart....
http://www.muranosilver.com/images/pmc-coursejul.jpg
The heart was made in one of my custom moulds then we did the colours with UV resin.
Everyone left with lots of lovely goodies (my favourite type of course)
Nicola x

[bustagasket]

Why do i live down here? :(

[julie]

i'd love to do your course , thinking now how i can "STEAL" my husbands car without him noticing ??? :confused:

[The Bijou Dragon]

Hmm... I take it you are going to be doing courses next year too?

That's definitely going down on the wish list for both myself and OH as he's as much of a part of my designing as I am (and he's pretty good to boot bless him) :)

[MuranoSilver]

Yes - they'll start again in January as I can't fit the time in during Oct, Nov & Dec (christmas rush)
I'll be setting the dates for next year & designing some vouchers soon (so folks can give them as Christmas gifts)

Nic xx

[julie]

OMG now i have calmed down from the excitement of a place on your september pmc course my husband said you sound a very nice person your work is lovely & that he is more then happy to loan me his car for the day ... (( i have my own car but saves my petrol :"> ))

:dance:

[bustagasket]

OMG now i have calmed down from the excitement of a place on your september pmc course my husband said you sound a very nice person your work is lovely & that he is more then happy to loan me his car for the day ... (( i have my own car but saves my petrol :"> ))

:dance:

Can i scratch your eyes out now???? :'(i need a green eyed monster emote please!!!:-"

[Di Sandland]

:'(

Nic, you have to relocate.

Di

[bustagasket]

:'(

Nic, you have to relocate.

Di

I so agree:(

[MuranoSilver]

September Course now full too with three folks :D
but if a forum member wants to "squidge" in we can fit in a fourth max
the other lady coming is a new to silver clay gal too so the learning should shoot along....:Y:
Nic x

[bustagasket]

are we there yet?

[MuranoSilver]

I had three students today and we were very proactive! They learnt setting with CZ stones, Brooch Fittings and how to make a ring. One had done a "smidge" of PMC work the other two were completely new to it :)

Didn't they do well!!
Nic xx

[bustagasket]

yes i saw them on FB they are fantastic, i hope we can do half as good!

[Lindyloo]

How is UV resin different from normal resin?

[MuranoSilver]

UV Resin hardens under Ultraviolet light (like you'd find in a nail bar)
Epoxy Resins harden after you mix the resin and hardener.

UV is quicker but you generally use it for shallow pieces Epoxy takes longer but is more versatile :)
nic x

[Rustic Charm]

Me a happy bunny,booked on January course!!! :dance:just gotta find hubby something to do for the day near by as he's driving me over there!!!:dontknow:

[Emerald]

sorry to be thick but where is Market Deeping sounds like something off Midsummer Murders lol would love to come i am near birmingham, how long is the class for?

[Rustic Charm]

it's about a 2hr drive from you, (which is what it's gonna be for me!)Google map it x x

[MuranoSilver]

Market Deeping is the opposite side to you (just above Cambridgeshire)
The course runs from 10.00 am until 5.30pm but I've been known to work until 8pm or later (if folks want to learn past the "lessons") ;)
Nic x

[bustagasket]

The course runs from 10.00 am until 5.30pm but I've been known to work until 8pm or later (if folks want to learn past the "lessons") ;)
Nic x

=D>nodding like crazy and jumping up and down "me me ME!!!"

[MuranoSilver]

I've had a cancellation for next Sundays course. So if anyone would like that place please let me know ASAP. If not no problem the course will run as is :Y:
Nicola x

[MuranoSilver]

All filled up again :)

[MuranoSilver]

Here's the latest student pics (now you know what I've been up to today lol)
http://www.muranosilver.com/images/studentoct09.jpg
Mum and 2 daughters (a birthday surprise for a gents wife) all left very happy
replete in their new goodies ;)
nic x

[bustagasket]

fantastic stuff Nic, my course seems so long ago now lol

[Gemma]

Wow! Great stuff Wish I lived close to you (or you closer to me!) as I fancy a pmc course. I'm 3 1/2 hrs away tho :(

[mizgeorge]

What a lovely man to come up with such a great present! And didn't they do well.

[Lisa Quinn]

They are brilliant, it's unbelievable that they did such lovely work on their first day! It must be down to the tutor..........I can't wait until January when I come over and have a go, :D

[MuranoSilver]

It was a lovely present, I'd love a present of learning,
maybe I should start hinting to hubby about a flameworking course ;)

Lisa you'll find out soon,lol ;)
Nic xx

[snow_imp]

I'm looking forward to my course with you too Nic

[df_glass]

As you're just up the road from me, I could be seriously tempted!

I'm in Spalding :)

[MuranoSilver]

Really Spalding??? Wow I had no idea that a flameworker lived so near...
Wanna teach me to make beads in exchange for a Silver Clay course ;)

[df_glass]

Really Spalding??? Wow I had no idea that a flameworker lived so near...
Wanna teach me to make beads in exchange for a Silver Clay course ;)


Didn't I just see somewhere that you have a torch & oxycon?
I'm more than happy for you to come and have a play :D

[MuranoSilver]

Yep I have a oxy/propane torch but the tip is about 1mm, lol
Coolio a play day would be fabulous! :)

[bustagasket]

Can you make lampwork beads with an oxy propane torch as I have one?

Any starter tips? Like the best glass to buy etc etc :Y:

J you are not allowed to become a wonderful bead maker too, its just not fair!! :P []

[bustagasket]

One has to try one's hand at everything Suzie. :Y:

I am still desperate for some Resin action.

ok heres the deal - you learn it all and then you teach me!!

weeeeee win #2 for Suzieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee :dance:

[mizgeorge]

Jrson, no you can't!

A propane/oxy torch for lampworking looks like this:

http://www.artcoinc.com/gtt_bobcat.jpg

It needs to be static (clamped or bolted to the bench) as both hands need to be free, one for a mandrel and the other for the glass.

You can start out with a hothead (very economical) and propane only setup.

http://www.artcoinc.com/hot_head_torch.jpg

[df_glass]

I have a minor.
PM me Nic and we can arrange something :)

[MuranoSilver]

Coolio - will have to wait until the new year (up to eyeballs in it)
Will have to go now as need beauty sleep for course tomorrow :)

[kymbi]

Wanna teach me to make beads in exchange for a Silver Clay course ;)

Colette, that sounds like an offer that cannot be refused :Y:

I went on an art clay beginner's course last Sunday down here in London (run by Debbie Carlton) and I had a great day. I've tried using PMC before and while I am happy enough working and soldering silver, I am a bit heavy handed with the clay and either break it while filing or over-firing and ended up with reticulated fine silver. But not any more....I am looking forward to having more plays next week when my textures and cutters turn up in the post :)))

[MuranoSilver]

More recent student creations, this course was an intro to silver clay + basic enamelling :)
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1258/4551656833_b8eaa12035.jpg
There's more previous student pics on my Flickr Photo stream (http://www.flickr.com/photos/muranosilver/sets/72157622122501526/)
nic xx

[Gemma]

Talented teacher to help your students to produce such great work.

[MuranoSilver]

*blush* Thanks Gemma
They were local ladies, both did really well & were a pleasure to teach :)
Nic xx
p.s If anyone's interested, the next dates 23rd May

[FiredSilver]

They're great Nic

I keep forgetting my camera on days that I'm teaching, duh!