This brand new publication, specifically devoted to metal clay and the artists who love it, is due out in October 2009!  You can get in on the action and pre-subscribe right now if you’re a metal clay junky.  Metal Clay Artist Magazine, coming very soon.

Elaine Luther, metal clay expert, has suggested a great project for Father’s Day or for any of the men in your life: a BronzClay keychain!  She notes that the new BronzClay gives you great options for making pieces for folks who don’t normally wear a lot of jewelry…like most men

Image: Elaine Luther

Awhile back, I compiled a list of the best books available to help you get started with metal clay.  Since we’re going to be focused on metal clay this month, I thought some of you might end up inspired enough to try a new material 
Silver leaves I made for Tammy Powley’s book, listed below
Making your own beads
In the middle of this list is a section on PMC with several wonderful beginner books listed
Enameling on Metal Clay by Pam East
Learn how to add a whole new dimension of color to your metal clay projects
Metal Clay and Mixed Media Jewelry …read more

As we get set to enjoy an entire month of lovely metal clay work, I thought I should reach back and pull forward some links for you drool over.   But beyond drooling, many of these also have great advice and information on how you can get started yourself!

Please enjoy these inspirational links responsibly: be inspired, be very inspired…but do not copy the designs of other artists!
Getting started with BronzClay
A YouTube video that will show you what you need to know
BronzClay Flickr pool
Be inspired, and share your own work
All Things Metal Clay
Elaine Luther’s most excellent site: this is a link to …read more

Just look at the detail on these pieces! Maureen and Rebecca Worth of Sylvan Spirit , a mother-daughter team, create their botanical jewelry designs with Precious Metal Clay. Without the use of molds, flowers and leaves are sculpted in fine silver, bronze or 24k PMC.  The rich tones of silver and gold are softened with veined textures and gentle curves and then enhanced with pearls, crystals, or semi-precious stones.  Collections of jewelry accessories and headpieces are available in upscale boutiques, museum gifts shops, galleries, and Saks Fifth Avenue bridal suites.

Oh, that wonderful girl!!  Elaine Luther has done it again   She has compiled what has to be the most complete list of metal clay resources – all free and all online – that I’ve ever seen.  Just when I was about to go off in search of some links for you, I find that Elaine has beat me to it, and done a better job that I could have anyway!

Artist: Lorena Angulo
Website:
Lorena Angulo
Lorena, when did you become interested in art?
I was born in Mexico, and due to my father’s job in public works we had to frequently move from state to state, what gave me the unique opportunity to grasp the various cultural and artistic expressions of the different regions of Mexico and our Spanish and Indian heritage. That unique experience help me develop my deep love for Art, and to see all the various types of art created by different artisans was amazing. Mostly for me the traditional jewelry wore by the native Indians in …read more

Elaine Luther is teaching this Spring at the Indianapolis Art Center in Indy, IN. She’s teaching a patinas weekend workshop and a PMC/BronzClay weekend workshop.
Elaine also told me about the Metal Clay Academy, which has lists of training opportunities.
Metal & Color
Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. & Sunday 12-3 p.m.
April 26 & 27
Lab Fee (included): $50
Non-Member Price: $234
Member Price: $225

BronzClay + Precious Metal Clay
Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. & Sunday 12-3 p.m.
March 14 & 15
Lab Fee (included): $50
Non-Member Price: $234
Member Price: $225

Andrew Thornton sent me some image of BronzClay pieces that he made from his sister Cynthia’s designs. You’ll probably recognize both the designs and the names from the fabulous Green Girl Studios. Andrew writes:
We started working with BronzClay when there wasn’t a lot of information about it still yet and had to do a lot of experimenting with a lot of different results. Some of these were test pieces to see the different properties of the material.
It was a lot of work figuring things out in the beginning. I’m glad that there is more …read more

Elaine Luther shared a link to a BronzClay Flickr pool yesterday that I thought you might like to have, plus she sent me a shot of some of the little pieces that she made while experimenting with BronzClay.  She explained that her camera was broken (a new one on order fortunately!), so this shot was taken by cell phone camera. Visit Elaine’s site, All Things Metal Clay, for lots more great tips and products!