Date: Saturday, Oct 24, 2026, 6pm-9pm (CST)
Instructor: Aj Newell
Skill Level: Beginner
Class Description: Combine bold color and detailed texture to form a brilliant and eye-catching fine silver pendant. This pendant is ideal for anyone who is new (or new-ish) to metal clay, as we design and build this piece using multiple techniques that are crucial to the foundations of metal clay work: forming shapes, texturing by hand as well as using texture sheets, forming smooth and even coils, proper dry handling and refining, firing with glass, and post-fire finishing including patina. Students who do not have access to a kiln may choose to create this piece without the glass cabochon so that it can be torch-fired; pendants with dichroic cabs will need to fire in a digitally programmable kiln and will take many hours, due to the firing needs of the glass. The finished pendant features delightful contrast between textures and color tones, using both patina and different finishes to achieve focal points and balance.
Project Completion: In this project, you'll create a pair of elegant anticlastic earrings using metal clay — a sculptural form traditionally achieved with formed sheet metal. This method uses simple tools and layered clay components to capture graceful curves and dimensional form, offering a fresh take on classic metalworking techniques. Adding 24k gold using the keum boo method will be covered but is optional.
Project Completion: Students who work quickly will have enough time to finish the project during the class time.
Torch: Instructor will be demonstrating using a butane torch.
Materials Kit: Enough material for one pendant (Fine silver metal clay), and sterling wire).
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
- Round nose pliers
- Flat nose pliers
- Side cutters (flush)
- Fine tweezers
- Needle files
- Needle tool or awl or toothpick
- Soldering set up includes: solder board, tripod with mesh, pickle, fire tweezers, quench bowl, flux, copper tongs, silver solder: Easy chip solder.
- 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.
- Butane torch
- Jeweler's torch of any kind
- Magnifying glasses (as needed)
- Fine paintbrush
- Texture sheet
- Liver of sulfur patina
- Graduated circle cutters
- Doming forms
- Small container for making paste
- Vermiculite
- Agate burnisher
- Flat-face electric hotplate or Ultralite Kiln (optional for Keum boo)
- Standard thickness keum boo foil (optional)
- Kemper K23 pottery tool or similar
*Note: You must choose either a Zoom or Zoom/Kit combo to receive written instructions. Kits will begin to ship Oct. 8, 2026, unless otherwise arranged with instructor.
Zoom Recordings will be available for viewing until Nov. 4, 2026. Additional time may be purchased ($12) by selecting the "Extend viewing time" option above.