Why I Like Working with PMC
73Fine Silver Leaf Slide
I Love Working with Precious Metal Clay
I have been working with Precious Metal Clay for about 15 years now. I was lucky enough to be one of the very first people who were introduced to this still fairly new jewelry making medium.
PMC allows me to create jewelry in fine silver and gold much, much quicker than I could by traditional metalsmithing. It can be made into a endless variety of styles from traditional smooth and shiny high gloss finish to a rough organic look and every thing in between.Â
I have found that it allows me as a jeweler to have much more freedom over my designs.Â
My Style is Organic Looking
My personal style of jewelry making is a more organic look. I prefer to have uneven measurements, shapes, and imagery. I often take images and cut them up, and put them back together in an unequal way just to get a rough, collage type feel. I also typically make pairs of earrings that match in shape but not in design. I guess you can say that I am a little off center.
I also like to combine different textures. So for instance, I often pair pearls which have a smooth, milky appearance, with crystal which has clear, light refracting, shiny, flat sides.
I will put natural stone with shiny metal or pearls, and quite often mix natural stone, silver, and crystal or pearl together.Â
Do You Have Experience with PMC?
Have you ever tried working with PMC?
See results without votingJasper and Fine Silver Necklace
There are not really very many good resources yet on PMC. These are some that I recommend.
|
The Art of Metal Clay (with DVD): Techniques for Creating Jewelry and Decorative Objects
Since it was first published in 2004, The Art of Metal Clay has introduced thousands of readers to metal clay,the amazing craft product that starts out as moldable, malleable clay and turns into real metal. Now it is even easier to perform that modern alchemy, because something new has been added to The Art of Metal Clay: a great new DVD featuring author Sherri Haab. Haab’s personal appearances are popular with crafters eager for new information and ideas, and seeing her on television makes it easy to understand her metal-clay techniques. Three all-new projects are shown from start to finish, all offering an up close view of the creative process. Everyone who loves jewelry making, metal clay and polymer clay, beading, or any kind of crafting will want this new value added version of the metal clay classic.
Price: $12.99
List Price: $24.95 |
|
PMC Technic: A Collection of Techniques for Precious Metal Clay
In this book, ten leading artists teach their specialty, with clarity, care, and passion. Innovative techniques are pesented with clear instructions and examples. Tonya Davidson: Using the PMC Syringe Celie Fago: PMC Hinges Jennifer Kahn: PMC Bezels Doris King: Fusing Sterling and PMC Terry Kovalcik: Viscosity Painting Noortje Meijerink: PMC on Ceramic Kelly Russell: Using Stencils with PMC Barbara Simon: Lampworking and PMC CeCe Wire: Water Etching on PMC J. Fred Woell: Coreless Beads
Price: $28.00
List Price: $30.00 |
|
New Directions in Metal Clay: 25 Creative Jewelry Projects
Metal clay is the most exciting material in jewelry design today: the procedures for molding and shaping are simple, the tools few, and the results stunning. CeCe Wire, a leader in the field, details all the newest innovations and clays, as well as the basics for beginners. She includes every form and formula, plus an extensive array of cutting-edge techniques that range from stone-setting to surface finishing. Numerous color photos showcase diverse possibilities, including enameling methods such as champlevé, inlaying with epoxy resin, and silk screening. Twenty-five projects—some easy, some more advanced—include gorgeous beads, a bold contemporary brooch, and stacked rings made from silver and 22 karat gold.
Price: $4.42
List Price: $24.95 |
|
Working with Precious Metal Clay (Jewelry Crafts)
Working with Precious Metal Clay is the first American book for artists and hobbyists who want to know more about this exciting new art material. Techniques are taught through 50 projects of increasing complexity, projects that range from earrings to rings to accessories like a thimble, spoon and tea strainer. A large section called Technical Tips offers practical information on working, firing and finishing PMC, and a final chapter on tools shows some studio aids you can make for yourself. "Working with PMC" features over 400 full color illustrations that lead artists systematically through the steps needed to make personal and exciting work.
Price: $24.47
List Price: $29.95 |
|
PMC Decade
It has been ten years since Precious Metal Clay was introduced in the United States, and it is time to see what artists have done with this fascinating material. This book gathers for the first time work made by leaders in the field. A critical essay by noted designer Donald Friedlich and a technical explanation from scientist Darnall Burks make this a landmark volume for artists and collectors.
Price: $34.00
List Price: $35.00 |
|
Creative Metal Clay Jewelry: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration
The fabulous techniques, found here with instructions, lavish photos, and projects open up endless creative possibilities. Combine the clay with lampworked and fused dichroic glass or enamel. Make exquisite jewelry, sculpture, and carvings. Try a new liquid gold for coating silver objects. Among the glittering, gorgeous projects: an African Mask Pin, Groovy Flower Earrings and Ring; and Puzzle Piece Bracelet.
Price: $8.50
List Price: $27.95 |
Bright Square Earrings
PMC Kilns
|
Paragon Firefly Kiln Metal Clay Fused Glass Pottery pmc
Current Bid: $309.00
|
|
Vulcan Test Kiln - Ceramic / PMC / Glass 115V Pyrometer
Current Bid: $251.27
|
|
~NEW!~Microwave Kiln Fusing Kit~Fuse dichroic glass~PMC
Current Bid: $125.00
|
Jewelry Should Be Comfortable and Fun
I don't take myself too seriously as a jeweler. By that, I mean, that although my work is high quality, and mid range pricewise, I think people should feel comfortable wearing what I make, and just have fun with it.
Maybe some day I will be the Ralph Lauren of the jewelry world, but even then, I will still make simple, organic styles that can go dressy or with a pair of jeans. Fun, possibly symbolic, and earthy.Â
Wind Blows Earrings
PMC Certification
I am a certified PMC instructor through Rio Grande which is the prime distributor and trainer of PMC artists and teachers in the U.S. And if you are serious about working with PMC, I highly recommend getting the certification after you have worked with PMC and become proficient at using the material.
I learned some new techniques and up-to-date news when I became certified. And it was a fun, intense class.
If you are interested in more information on PMC, follow this link for the top 10 reasons that I love PMC. If you would like to see more of my jewelry, click here to visit Lake Erie Artists Gallery.Â
PrintShare it! — Rate it: up down flag this hub
What do you think of PMC?
Great Hub, My wife likes this kind of thing I will share the details with her. Nice job!
Love the style of your earrings! I'd love to try working with PMC just to see what it's like. I have worked with regular polymer clay, although I'm not the greatest at it.
This is an excellently presented hub on Precious Metal Clay -- great use of pics to illustrate!
I love the jewelry! Great hub!
Wow! I love the mismatched/matched earrings! what a conversation piece!
Very cool! Nice to see your work here, on Squidoo, and Tagfoot. You have a fan.
I've worked just a bit with metal clay and am always amazed at what can be done! Yet I also find it totally intimidating. I have found that, for me, I need a definite project in mind, so your free-flowing creativity, without a specific end in mind, is very envious to me! I love both the earrings you featured in your article. Thanks for sharing.
Nice hub -- thumbs up and a Digg!
I'd not heard of precious Metal Clay previously, so I enjoyed this Hub very much. Thanks!
mulberry1 says:
10 months ago
I do love your designs. The combination of materials, stone, metal, and so forth. Not being an artist or jeweler I always learn so much from your work.