Workshops & Classes
"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." Maya Angelou
Stephanie Zier is an Art Clay Certified Instructor
Stacking Rings,
Beginning Silver Smith
This class is by appointment at my studio in Parkman, WY. I am taking small groups, or mini parties, of 1-4 for this 3 hour workshop. I am also able to travel to you for this workshop.
You will be making three sterling silver stacking rings. I have a selection of semiprecious stones and sterling decorations, which I have premade, for you to choose from. You will then cut the band, add optional band texture and prepare for soldering. I will demonstrate how to safely solder and be there right next to you as you solder on your settings. From there you polish the rings and set your gemstones. TaDa! You have completed a trio of unique stacking rings!
Cost: $85 per person, materials included.
Skill Level: Novice/Beginner
Where & When:
By appointment at my Parkman studio. Contact me to schedule a time for you or your group of up to four.
Silver Cuff Bracelet
Marrying Metal Clay & Silver Smithing
Where & When:
By appointment at my Parkman studio. Contact me to schedule a time for you or your group of up to four.
In this class you will be making a unique silver cuff bracelet! I have a selection of semiprecious stones from which to choose: turquoise, malachite, labradorite, garnet and more.
Working with silver metal clay you will design, size and create a textured back plate for your stone and learn the skill of torch firing this amazing silver product.
Other techniques learned will be annealing, soldering, bezel setting a stone, metal texturing and stamping, sizing and shaping a cuff bracelet, patina and finishing techniques.
Approximately 4.5 hours
Skill Level: Focused Beginner/Intermediate
Cost: $235, materials and tools included
Workshops
in
Metal
Clay
Metal clay originated in Japan in 1990. It is a clay made from small particles of metal, an organic binder and water. It can be shaped, molded and textured like clay into jewelry, jewelry components or small sculptures. After drying the pieces are fired in a kiln, or sometimes with a torch. The organic binder burns off, the small metal particles sinter together, and what remains is a solid metal.
What is
Metal Clay??
Pendant & Earrings Workshop
Introduction to Silver Metal Clay
![IMG_0934[1]_edited.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/34c9eb_ee6602ad7225452ca878e6742aff5219~mv2_d_1932_1734_s_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_272,h_244,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/IMG_0934%5B1%5D_edited.jpg)
This is a project-based, hands on workshop, but allows a lot of flexibility to explore the joy of working with metal clay and express your creativity.
You will make a pendant and earring set of your own design. In the process you will learn the techniques of working with silver metal clay, from rolling and shaping to texturing and decorating with coils, balls and small embellishments. I will demonstrate different bail styles for you to choose from for your pendan. You will also learn to set a firable gemstone.
After kiln firing we will go over patina and finishing techniques, which will complete your unique jewelry set!
One fireable gemstone, 14 grams of silver clay, tools and kiln firing are included, just bring your creative self!
Additional materials purchase available for the ambitio
Skill Level: Beginner and up
Where & When:
Private instruction and groups up to 4 at my studio by appointment.
Fine Silver & Dichoic Glass Workshop
Adding color to your silver work
Dichoric glass contains metals, which create iridescent effects when made into cabochons. Often they look like natural stones, works of modern art or little pieces of the cosmos. In this class you will learn several techniques on how to capture the glass in silver and how to make a fine silver bezel for a fireable gemstone.
All tools and material will be provided. No experience needed.
Skill Level: Beginner and up
Where & When:
April 24th 9AM-1PM, two hour break, 3-4PM
SAGE Community Arts, Sheridan, WY
Cost: $150
Stacking Rings in Sterling Silver
Metal Clay
Stacking rings can create a narrative, compose a puzzle or rely on simple shapes for interest. The interplay between the rings can be expressed as vertical, horizontal, lateral or a combination, and this is what makes them fun!
This class will cover design guidance for your unique set of rings, ring sizing, many wet and dry techniques for texturing and embellishing your rings, and setting fireable gemstones.
What's Included: Twenty-five grams sterling silver clay, one fireable gemstone, tools for creating and finishing your project. Additional stones will be available for purchase, or bring your own gemstones that are safe to fire to 1600F.
Skill Level: Experience in metal clay is helpful but not required. Beginners welcome.
Where & When:
April 17th 9:30AM-1:30PM
April 18th 5-6 PM
Where: Gallery on Main, Dayton, WY
Cost: $150
Saddle Ring in Sterling Silver Metal Clay
A saddle ring sits like a saddle across your finger. Because they take up so much hand real estate they are often bold statement pieces. This large canvas allows space to exercise your creativity.
In this workshop we will cover template making, sizing a metal clay ring, metal clay texturing and layering, wet and dry clay techniques, setting a fireable gemstone and finishing techniques for silver jewelry.
What’s included: Twenty-five grams sterling silver clay, one fireable gemstone, tools for creating and finishing your project. Additional stones will be available for purchase, or bring your own gemstones that are safe to fire to 1600F.
Skill Level: Enthusiastic beginner/Intermediate. Some experience with metal clay helpful, but not required.
Where & When:
Contact me to schedule this workshop
Where:
Cost:
Sliding Locket Workshop
Hidden Treasures
We equate lockets with storing memories and small treasures. In this workshop we will engineer a walled back piece and decorative cover out of silver metal clay. What you put inside is up to you and your imagination! This is an opportunity to take your metal clay skills to a new level.
What's Included: Silver clay, one fireable gemstone, tools for creating and finishing your project. Additional stones will be available for purchase, or bring your own gemstones that are safe to fire to 1600F.
Skill Level: Intermediate