Precious Metal Clay

Open Studio

 What would you make with a little lump of clay if you knew it would be fine silver when you were done? 

This fine silver pendant was created with pmc, molds and a kiln

Individualized Classes and Special Events

Looking for specialized instruction?  Perhaps you work better one-on-one or you have a special project in mind.  Contact me about ideas and costs.

Have a special event coming up?  Looking for a unique way to mark the occasion?  I can help you plan a fun experience that your guests will always remember.  You can work together to make a gift for a guest of honor or each person can create something for themselves.  Costs depend upon number of guests and supplies.

So, whether you want to learn a technique, relax and have fun, spend time with someone you care about, or learn something about yourself, these classes are for you.

Cost: $20 plus cost of PMC products. You may bring your own PMC. Open Studio is free for students comleting a class project.

Location: Left Bank Studio, Main Street, Gilbert, Iowa. 

Register at least 24 hours in advance.

PMC Beyond the Basics Class

Sometimes it is difficult to decide what to create.  I find that it helps to think about what inspires me and I challenge myself to figure out how to convey that inspiration.  I feel that makes my work more interesting and meaningful.  In this set, I decided to focus my work on the idea of balance—something I am frequently trying to achieve in my life!

1. The pendant on the left is made with PMC clay and paper.  This reversible pendant features the imprint of a leaf on one side and a tree silloette on the other side.  I chose these images because I feel that we can look to nature to learn balance.  What words and symbols would you choose?
2. The piece on the lower right has two leaf fronds curving toward one another; it reminds me of the Chinese symbol yin yang.  The idea behind yin yang is that there opposing, complemenary forces; both are necessary and cannot exist apart from each other.  Neither is good or bad.  They are part of the whole, but balance between the two is usually desirable.  Again, the nature motif is here.  Additionally, I chose this design because it is an imprint of a vintage button, an item with a history.  I feel that history (especially my personal story) have an deep impact on my ability to achieve balance.  In this case, I used the resin lightly to add color similar to tinting a photograph, but resins can be used to produce a very colorful look.
3. The ring features a moonstone and two different finishes (shiny and smooth / matte and “rough”–yin yang!) on the band.  Moonstones have a beautiful milky sheen.  In the past, they were thought to protect women and to help balance yin and yang.  It was the perfect stone to add to my set about balance.  It is interesting to think about what meanings have been assigned to gemstones.  Even if you do not believe that the gemstone can help bring about changes, it can serve as a symbol or reminderfor something you are working toward.

What inspires you?

I love learning.  I am constantly reading, experimenting, and taking classes.  There never seems to be enough time to try everything!  One of my favorite ways to learn is to share creative experiences and information with others—and so I have also always (since I was about 14) been a teacher.  I believe that everyone has the capacity to be creative.  Making something with just your hands, a few simple tools, and imagination can be powerful.  In fact, being creative can be fun, rejuvenating, and, sometimes, even healing.  I think that “mistakes” are an important part of learning and can lead to important discoveries.  I recognize that people learn in many different ways and take classes for many reasons.  I feel it is crucial for a teacher to provide both expertise and a setting for people to safely learn, create, and express themselves.

Making things has always been a part of my life, but it was a hobby until a few years ago.  I was trained and worked as a mental health therapist—and my brain still works to find meaning in what I do.  It is my hope that my students will go beyond making some beautiful (although it is wonderful to make a beautiful piece!).  I hope that they will have fun, create something with personal meaning, and learn something about themselves through the act of creating and being with other learners.  I hope that they will feel more energized, more confident, or more at peace because of their experience.

There are lots of great reasons to take a class:

• Relax and have fun
• Learn a technique
• Make something for someone special
• Meet other like-minded souls
• Be creative
• Do something for yourself
• Bring a friend and have fun together