Date: Friday, Oct 17, 2025, 9am-12pm (CST)
Instructor: Pat Evans
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Class Description: Struggling with setting non-fireable objects that don't fit standard bezels? Join Pat as she demonstrates creative prong setting techniques using silver metal clay while creating a beautiful ocean-themed pendant. You'll discover how to adapt these versatile techniques to tell your own story through your choice of objects and custom prong shapes. Learn essential skills including shrinkage calculations, design considerations for heat-sensitive stones, and creating themed or embellished prongs that enhance your artistic vision. We'll explore complementary back and bail designs that complete your piece professionally, plus master the art of post-firing stone setting and finishing techniques including optional flex shaft polishing methods. Pat will demo torch firing, but kiln firing is strongly recommended for this project.
Project Completion: Students who work quickly will have enough time to finish the project during the class time.
Kiln: Programmable kiln required.
Materials Kit: Enough material for one pendant (Art Clay Silver (40g), Art Clay syringe type (5g), syringe tips, fossil druzy shell, investment powder, plasticine (teacher will reach out with choice of shells).
Tool Kit: Handmade silicone mold of tiny sea life elements.
Domestic US shipping included. (Please contact instructor directly to arrange for international or expedited shipping fees.)
(Materials kit is included in price when "Zoom/Kit combo" or "Kit only" option is selected.*)
Required Tools and Supplies:
- Sharpie
- Scissors
- Chain nose pliers
- Flat nose pliers
- Side cutters (flush)
- Bench block
- Rawhide mallet or nylon mallet
- Metal ruler 6"
- Brass brush
- Fine tweezers
- Needle files
- Magnesia block
- Soldering set up includes: solder board, fire tweezers, quench bowl, butane torch.
- Flex shaft, including: #52 HSS drill bit.
- Shaped templates
- Needle tool or awl or toothpick
- Magnifying glasses (as needed)
- Sanding sticks
- Magnesia block
- Basic metal clay set up: roller, non stick work surface, 10 playing cards or depth measuring slats, scalpel or Xacto knife, fine paintbrush, fluffy paintbrush, sanding sponges and straight salon boards (nail file) of different grits, cup of water, release agent (cool slip, olive oil), piece of saran wrap/cling film.
- Drying set-up such as a mug warmer, food dehydrator or kitchen oven.
- Cookie cutters or shape templates
- Spray bottle with water (distilled preferred)
- Small bowl for patina solution
- Popsicle stick or disposable spoon
- Paper cup or disposable condiment cup
- Plastic drinking straw
- Patina: LOS
- Moulds of choice
- Electric programmable kiln
*Note: You must choose either a Zoom or Zoom/Kit combo to receive written instructions. Kits will begin to ship Oct. 1, 2025, unless otherwise arranged with instructor.
Zoom Recordings will be available for viewing until Oct. 29, 2025. Additional time may be purchased ($12) by selecting the "Extend viewing time" option above.