Class Descriptions

• WIRE WORK
  No soldering, no filing, no buffing---just you, your pliers and your sterling silver wire! In one day, you will learn a minimum of 7 wire beads and 10 linking elements, plus the basics of handling the tools. The characteristics, varieties, and properties of wire will be covered. No previous metalworking experience needed.
• BASIC BEADMAKING
  This two or three day workshop is meant to be an introduction to lampworking. Topics that are covered: safety, tools, glass, torches, kilns, annealing, The Basic Bead, shaping, and a variety of decorative techniques including stringers and twisties.
• ADVANCED BEADMAKING
  This is a wide open and free-wheeling class that takes its direction from the students. A list of topics is presented and the class decides what they want to learn. The most popular subject matter: hollow beads, sculptural beads, hollow core vessels, stringer control, dichroic glass application, shape mastery, foils/leaf/wire, enamels, and color and design exploration. This is usually a two day class.
• THE ABC'S OF PMC
  This two or three day class is meant to be an introduction to the fundamentals of Precious Metal clay. Topics covered are: the material, tools, basic shaping, texturizing possibilities, stone setting, hollow forms, dry work, firing, and finishing. No previous experience with PMC is required.
• CHAMPLEVE ENAMELING ON PMC? EASY AS 1-2-3!
  This can be a one or a two day workshop that covers the construction of PMC forms to be fired and then enameled using the champleve technique of enameling. Topics covered: construction of PMC pieces as they relate to champleve, surface preparation, handling of enamels and firing procedures. No previous enameling experience is necessary but a basic knowledge and experience with PMC is required.
• CLASPS AND FINDINGS IN PMC
  This one day class will focus on the creation of clasps fashioned out of PMC, sterling and fine silver wire. Information will cover: using pliers correctly, manipulating wire, implanting wire in PMC, firing procedures, and finishing techniques. Several types of clasps and related findings will be demonstrated. Students will be able to make and fire at least one type of clasp, and are encouraged to bring clasp ideas and questions to the workshop. Previous experience with PMC is preferable.
• BEADS AND HOLLOW FORMS IN PMC
  Ways of creating a hollow form in PMC will be explored: simple hollow core beads, complex core forms for large shapes, and box construction will be demonstrated. Experience with PMC is required. This can be a one or two day class. Previous experience with PMC is recommended.
• CREATING TEXTURES AND STAMPS FOR PMC
  Different methods of creating your own texture sheets and stamps for PMC will be demonstrated. Among the techniques covered: low tech photo etching, photopolymer plates, polymer clay and linoleum carving, and the use of mold making materials. Examples and discussions of the use of the texture/stamps will be presented. This can be a one day or a two day class.
• RIO REWARDS PMC CERTIFICATION
  In this three day intensive workshop you will learn the techniques of working with this fascinating material, inside out and upside down. Everything you have always wanted to know how to do and more. There are seven projects presented and related information and tips. Knowledge is power and when you have completed the Certification Program, you will have the confidence to produce any design you have in mind. For those who want to teach, these 3 days will help tremendously in all you do. Oh and when you walk in the classroom door, you get fabulous discounts from Rio Grande on clay and other great stuff! This workshop is amazing! Prior knowlege and experience with PMC is reccommended. Please contact the PMC Certification folks at Rio Grande for details and to register. 1-866-346-2698 Information is also available at www.yourriogrande.com/riorewards/
• PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
  Private instruction of any of the above subject matter at Barbara's studio in Cape Coral can be arranged by contacting her at barbara@bbsimon.com or 239-549-5971.