Deadline to Register: January 13th at 5:00pm

Description:  Students will create and design earrings or pendants out of Precious Metal Clay, when after firing in a kiln, will be 99.9% Fine Silver.

In this workshop, students will get 25 grams of fine silver clay instead of the 15 grams which will allow the students to make more pieces and try different techniques.   During class time, we will concentrate on design and creating pieces, using different techniques such as the PMC paper, slip and then prepare the pieces for firing by further smoothing and final shaping.   (Sterling silver ear wires, jump rings and minimal number of sterling beads will be provided).

The firing process takes 2 hours and will be done off premises.  Students’ pieces will be fired, polished, finished and brought back for pick up the following Monday at Burritt.

What is Precious Metal Clay?

PMC® consists of microscopic particles of fine silver suspended in an organic binder to create a pliable material with a consistency similar to modeling clay. PMC can be worked with the fingers and with simple, inexpensive tools to create an infinite range of forms, surfaces and textures that would be unattainable or laborious with traditional techniques. When PMC is heated to a high temperature, the organic binder burns away and the fine silver particles fuse, forming solid metal that can be sanded, soldered, oxidized, patinaed and polished like conventional material.

Please scroll down to read our updated cancelation policy.

Instructor: This class will be taught by local artist, Elesa Phares. Elesa has a BS in Radio/TV/Graphics with emphasis in 3D animation from Middle Tennessee State University with minors in art and psychology.  She has always drawn and painted since she can remember and loves experimenting with different materials. She learned to wire wrap as a creative outlet that she could do while her children were young. As they got older, she expanded her skills to fabrication, PMC, soldering, fused glass and 3D printing.  Elesa has taught classes at Beadfest in Dallas and Philadelphia. She published an article in Art Jewelry Magazine 2008. She has also written, illustrated and published her own book: Wire Wrapping Projects for All Skill Levels.” She has taught classes in local bead shops and out of her own studio. She has participated in juried art shows in Middle Tennessee, including White Oak, TACA, and was a base studio for the local Studio Tour.  She was also featured on a segment of Tennessee Crossroads.

Supplies and Attire: All materials and equipment are provided. Please wear comfortable clothing.

Time: Friday, January 20th (5:30pm-8:30pm)

Tuition: $55.00

Supply Fee: $100.00

Level: Beginner

Important Information: Registering for a workshop indicates that the student is 19 years of age or older and understands that photographs/video may be taken during the event and their image may be used on Burritt on the Mountain’s website and social media outlets or other promotional materials. Registration also indicates that the student releases Burritt on the Mountain and the City of Huntsville, all their directors, employees, volunteers, and any persons associated with Burritt on the Mountain, from any liability for any bodily injury and/or property damage suffered by the attendee as a result of actives during the educational program.

Cancelation Policy:  Our workshops take a great deal of advance planning and purchasing of supplies. 25% of all ticket purchases are a non-refundable deposit. Students that cancel 30 days or more prior to the date of the class will be eligible for a refund, minus the non-refundable deposit. If a cancellation is requested 14 to 29 days from a class date, a refund of half the total price can be issued. No refunds will be issued less than 14 days from the start date of a class.*  To be fair and consistent, there can be no exceptions to this policy, regardless for the reason a cancelation is requested.

Thank you for understanding that this policy is in place to protect our artist instructors who spend time, energy, and money to create an amazing learning experience. 

*We require a minimum number of students to hold a class. If this minimum is not met, the class may be canceled or rescheduled. In this case, a full refund will be offered.