Registration for this schedule starts on 12/01/2025 and ends on 04/17/2026
Participants must be 18 years to 120 years old when the program starts.
Registration for this schedule starts on 12/01/2025 and ends on 10/16/2026
Participants must be 18 years to 120 years old when the program starts.
FIRE AND FUSION: METAL CLAY WITH EMBEDDED GLASS, OPALS AND CERAMICS
INSTRUCTOR: MICHAEL MARX
Ignite your creativity in this dynamic week-long adventure where molten magic
meets fine silver!
We’ll kick off Sunday evening by making your very own custom glass cabochons
— a fun, colorful start that ensures your jewelry is truly one-of-a-kind.
Over the next 4 1/2 days, you’ll create at least three stunning projects in fine
silver metal clay, each designed to safely fire your new glass cabs, opals, and
even ceramic elements right in place. Explore how to plan kiln schedules and
design settings that show off vibrant color while securely holding elements during
Firing.
We’ll cover:
• Designing multiple forms to accommodate glass & ceramic cabochons
• Tips for working with synthetic opals that can withstand high temps
• Using textures, patinas, and contrasting finishes to make colors pop
• Troubleshooting shrinkage issues
• Creative ways to layer clay, add bezels, and create open windows to let
light dance through your fired pieces
By week’s end, you’ll walk away with a sparkling array of wearable art — each
piece uniquely showcasing the fusion of glass, stone, and fine silver. Whether you’re
drawn to bold abstract color or organic, nature-inspired designs, you’ll gain the
confidence and techniques to keep experimenting long after class ends.
The class fee includes enough silver metal clay, glass supplies, one ceramic
element and one fire-in-place opal as well as consumables to complete 1-2
projects. Also included in the class fee are all handouts along with the use of an
instructor’s tool kit and textures. Additional metal clay and materials will be
available for purchase and the prices are included in the Estimated Materials
Fee.
Class Fee: $295 due to instructor
Est. Materials Fee: $50 - $200
Prerequisites: Some basic experience with metal clay recommended but not
required.
I have been a sculptor and artis as long as I can remember. My childhood gifts were art supplies as often as they were toys or books. I was born in Massachusetts in 1969 and lived there for 18 years, before moving to California in 1987. After 33 years in the Bay Area, I relocated to South Carolina in 2020, where I currently reside. In the beginning, I sculpted in FIMO, a polymer clay, and this honed my ability to transform my visions into 3-D images. In 2000, I took my first PMC (precious metal clay) class and was hooked. PMC’s affinity for texture, flexibility of form, and choices of finishing techniques make it ideal for me as an artist. The combinations of fine detail, high texture, and varied forms are not easily achieved using traditional methods of casting and fabrication. I am passionate about my chosen medium and want to show that it is fine art and not just craft. https://unsaneart.com
Please contact William Holland School of Lapidary Arts if you have any questions.