Silver+Metal+Clay+Workshops;+Rings


 * Event Title: Silver Metal Clay Ring Workshop I and II, Bernadette Denoux (instructor)**
 * Date: June and July 2011**
 * Location: Torchfire Studios, Miami FL**
 * Name(s) of Attendees: Ellen Grant**

Description of Workshops, Classes, Institutes, Etc.:
In a continuing effort to develop proficiency with silver metal clay and jewelry-making, new additions to my Sculpture and Design course at the high school, I attended two separate workshops this summer with Bernadette Denoux at Torchfire Studios in Miami. Building on earlier introductory classes with her last summer and spring, the focus of these workshops was the creation of a ring. I should note that Ms. Denoux had been a guest artist in my Sculpture and Design class at Ransom Everglades this past spring, and introduced my students to pendant and earring construction using metal clay.

Both workshops, lasting six hours each, covered the following material:
 * determining ring size (using of a ring mandrel, allowing for shrinkage during firing, adjusting for band width, etc...)
 * constructing the ring's shank or band (regular, irregular, overlapped, coiled, wide, thin, etc...)
 * adding texture (pressed, drawn, syringe)
 * creating a ring top (added form that is joined using silver clay paste)
 * setting a stone (cubic zirconia, using a dry bezel)
 * drying (using a dehydrator vs. air drying)
 * refining (sanding and comfort-fitting)
 * firing (use of kiln up to 1650 degrees)
 * finishing (brushing, tumbling, polish and patina)

While I was somewhat tentative learning new techniques and trying to remember and apply old ones, I felt the workshop and subsequent follow-up session really gave me confidence working with the material. As with any learning process, repetition of a technique or applied concept helped to further reinforce and strengthen understanding. Making a ring band, not once but three times (yes, there were some mistakes made!), was invaluable. From that point, the second ring was so much easier to design and construct.

How I Hope to Apply What I Learned At Ransom, and/or, What My Colleagues Might Try at Ransom:
Going forward, my hope is to develop proficiency with the use of the metal clay kiln, which I have now ordered for the Sculpture Studio. This is a portable, light weight kiln, requiring regular voltage and no elaborate ventilation system. My goal is to set up an independent metal clay jewelry studio within the sculpture facility.

Important Links, Resources, or Contacts:
[|www.bernadettedenoux.com] [|www.Artclayworld.com]

Ellen Grant, August 12, 2011