Metal Clay summer social event

Demonstrating using silver clay paste to make a leaf pendant

As I mentioned previously on the blog, I'm part of the Metal Clay Makers group. I was really pleased that I was able to attend the Metal Clay Ltd summer social last week. I live quite far away from Metal Clay but luckily I was visiting family close by so I decided to drop in and I'm glad I did! It was the first time I'd visited the new premises and I enjoyed a browse around the showroom and a look at some of the products available including a new range of bronze clay that I am looking forward to trying out. I also had another look at the amazing jooltool polisher that I am coveting!  

As part of the evening a couple of demonstrations had been organised. Petra demonstrated how to use silver clay paste to make a leaf pendant. Even though I have done this before I still learnt some great tips including about embedding wire into the piece to create a bail and using Plasticine to press the leaf into in order to shape it (I think that tip came from one of the attendees!). 
Shayna demonstrated using efcolor, a cold enamel. I hadn't seen this before and it was great to see all the different samples to get more ideas. I particularly like the ability to use the clear efcolor to embed items into the jewellery. 

Carol Douglas speaking about her work

I was very inspired by the final presentation from artist Carol Douglas. I attended a weekend class with her a number of years ago so it was lovely to see her again. Carol had brought along a variety of her metal clay and polymer clay art and spoke about how she designed her work. It was lovely to see and I came away with many more ideas about adapting old pieces and some new ideas for designs.
The next Metal Clay social will be on 22nd September 2016 and I do recommend attending as you can pick up some great hints, tips and inspiration (as well as some items from the shop!)
Keep an eye on the Metal Clay facebook account for more information.