Torch-Fired Precious Metal Clay
Jenny Vestal
Class Preview
1:00
- In-depth Instruction; over 368 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Introduction
13:34
Meet Jenny Vestal and learn how to create beautiful silver jewelry and findings from an easy-to-use clay compound.
Handling Precious Metal Clay
25:55
Jenny shows you how to measure and cut your clay and how to make sure you can use every precious bit of it. There's no waste with this versatile material.
Handling Your Torch
24:54
Jenny explains the different kinds of torches you might use, how to use them and the safety precautions you should take.
Adding Texture
38:35
Learn how to create a textured piece, fire it, then polish and burnish.
Multi-Layer Pieces
23:15
You can make silver jewelry or buttons with multiple layers by using strategic firing. Jenny shows you how!
Molding Your Clay
36:42
Learn how to create a mold of an interesting object, then re-create it in silver. Add a bail to make a button, pendant or earring.
Texturing Greenware
39:38
Add texture before you fire your clay by using a needle tool and other implements. Jenny also shows you how to finish your piece to accentuate that texture.
Creating Snakes
42:53
Long, thin rolls of clay can be formed into letters of the alphabet or whimsical shapes for pendants, earrings and other adornments. Jenny explains how to make, fire and finish these clay "snakes."
Hammering Your Silver
38:09
Once your piece is fired, you can add more texture by hammering. Depending on the tool you use, you can achieve a variety of textures and looks.
Repairing Mistakes
42:17
Whoops! Did you mess up? No worries! Jenny will show you how to smooth a cracked surface, repair a button, add a shank or revamp a botched piece. With refiring and refinishing, your piece will be as good as new.
Inspired by Nature
20:36
A leaf, a seashell, an acorn ... all could become inspiration and the starting point for unique jewelry and buttons. Jenny also shows you how to preserve your unused clay so you can get the most out of it.
Giving Your Pieces a Patina
20:57
Old silver jewelry owes its beauty to the rich patina that forms in the nooks and crannies, making the polished surfaces look more lustrous. Jenny shows how to achieve a similar look in the pieces you make.
Suddenly, it’s simple to make heirloom jewelry that you and your loved ones will cherish forever. Precious Metal Clay and a small kitchen torch will open the door to endless creative possibilities. You’ll enjoy how easy and affordable it is to create striking pendants, earrings and more with innovative clay that fuses into solid metal when fired. Jewelry designer and certified instructor Jenny Vestal will show you how to shape and texture the clay, then fire it with a small butane torch (such as you would use to make crème brûlée) to provide a polished finished product. If you can make dessert, you can make stylish silver jewelry and adornments as well!
Jenny Vestal
Jenny is a Rio Grande certified instructor and the proprietor of JennyButtons.com, where she sells beautifully crafted precious metal clay pieces. Her goal in teaching is to give her students the tools to take off on their own. Jenny says, "Metal clay is such a magical material it truly seems like alchemy. Once the basic skills are acquired, it's easy to transform your ideas into actual precious objects. I hope you have a chance to explore this fabulous new medium."
Bonus materials available after purchase