If you’re unfamiliar with metal clay techniques and want to dabble a bit, this is the place to start. All metal clay work begins with the foundational techniques taught in this class. Cristine Grimm, a veteran teacher certified in both Art Clay and PMC, will introduce you to the medium with a thorough introduction to rolling, texturing, cutting, drying, sanding, firing, polishing and applying a patina. We’ll discuss the types of clay available, tools required, how to choose textures, and more. You will leave class wearing a gorgeous fine silver pendant and sporting the confidence and skill to try it again.

Date: Thursday, December 8th, 2011, 6 pm - 8:30 pm
or Thursday,  January 12th, 2012  9 am - 11:30,
or Thursday January 19th, 2012  6 pm - 8:30 pm
Class Cost: $48
Materials:  Class cost includes all materials.
Pre-Req: None
Location: SilverFire Studios, 216 N. 3rd St., Grand Haven, MI 49417

Date: Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Time: 6 - 8:30 pm
Location: Newaygo County Council for the Arts, Fremont MI
Class Cost: $55 
Pre-Req: None

Contact the ArtsPlace / NCCA for class description. (Similar to Allure of Silver, left.) To sign up for this class please call the Arts Council directly at: 616-924-4022


Intro to BronzClay (in Fremont, MI)
TBA
Contact the ArtsPlace / NCCA for class description & cost. To sign up for this class please call the Arts Council directly at: 616-924-4022

Now that you’ve made a simple pendant or charm, it’s time to play a little in this skill-building workshop.  Start with silver clay and a bit of knowledge. Now learn a little more, play a little, and add some pizazz. Explore simple yet crucial techniques for enhancing your silver pieces with confidence and success. Instructor Cristine Grimm will share tips and tricks for using paste and syringes, making your own bails, adding manufactured gemstones, and creating connectors or embellishments using fine silver. You may choose to work on one simple piece start to finish, or begin a few pieces for later firing (recommended).  Sample jewelry will be on hand to help spur your creativity. 

Date:  Tuesday, November 29th    Time: 6 - 9:30 pm  
Alternate Date: Wednesday, February 1, 2012     Time: 11 am - 2:30 pm

Class Cost: $35
Materials Cost: $70 and up
Suggested Materials include 10g ACS 650 Slow Dry, 5g ACS 650 Syringe, Green syringe tip, and assorted CZs.
Pre-Req: Allure of Silver I/Silver Clay Basics
Location: SilverFire Studios, 216 N. 3rd St., Grand Haven, MI 49417

_ Engage your inner beading child with this fun exploration of metal clay beads! Learn the basics of wrapped beads, coiled beads, tube beads, and more. Add some “bling” using a wide assortment of man-made gemstones (CZs) & syringe clay. Pandora style beads will be discussed. Examples will be on hand to inspire your search for the perfect bead design. Materials cost covers 10g silver clay and an assortment of CZs. You're welcome to work in BronzClay, however pickup will be the following week. Additional materials and supplies will be available for purchase according to your preference.
Date: Thursday, January 19th
Time:  9:30 am - 12:30 pm OR 6 pm – 9 pm
Class Cost: $30 
Materials Cost: $34 and up
Pre-Req:  Allure of Silver I/Silver Clay Basics or Bronze Clay Basics
Location: SilverFire Studios, 216 N. 3rd St., Grand Haven, MI 49417

Who says the holidays have to be stressful? Here's a great way to have fun while creating original gifts for everyone on your list! Bring your basic metal clay skills and some design ideas. You may choose to work in either silver or bronze. Silver pieces will be fired during class. Bronze will be fired after class and available for pickup later in the week. I'll have a supply of clay, findings, CZs, beads, and accents available, but you're welcome to bring them in from your own bead stash as well! This is a great time to brush up on your skills and play a little.

Date:  Wednesday, December 14th
Time: 6 - 9:00 pm
Class Cost: $30
Materials Cost: as needed
Pre-Req: Allure of Silver I/Silver Clay Basics
Location: SilverFire Studios, 216 N. 3rd St., Grand Haven, MI 49417

_ This is the class that has it all. Whether you’re just beginning or totally hooked, this is the place to play with all the toys! The studio will be your own private playground as you explore silver, bronze, and copper clay. Come with sketches, ideas, and a desire to learn. Each day will feature a variety of techniques from beginning to advanced, including a discussion of kiln firing. Materials cost below assumes  10 g silver clay, 30 g CopprClay, 30 g FastFire BronzClay, and 25 g Art Clay Copper plus molding compound and cork clay.  Students will be allowed choice in materials and quantity used. Additional clay, findings,  CZs, & goodies will be available for purchase as the Muse demands. Please bring a sack lunch. Drinks will be provided.

Date: January 21 & 22, 2012
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Class Cost: $120
Materials: $65 and up
Pre-Req: Allure of Silver I/Silver Clay Basics, or BronzClay Basics
Location: SilverFire Studios, 216 N. 3rd St., Grand Haven, MI 49417

Create custom texture plates for use with traditional clay, polymer,  metal clay, or GlasClay  using copyright free designs. Students will learn straight-forward techniques while creating a custom stamping library. This is an easy and exciting way to differentiate your designs! Materials Kit includes 5 plates plus all the supplies necessary to start creating.  Additional plates and supplies will be available for purchase if desired.

Date: Saturday, February 4th, 2012
Time: 1 pm - 5 pm
Class Cost: $40
Materials: $28
Pre-Req: None
Location: SilverFire Studios, 216 N. 3rd St., Grand Haven, MI 49417

If you'd like to learn how to make rings from metal clay, let me know. If there's enough interest we'll put together a class! Make sure to tell me if nights or weekends work best.

I teach basic classes multiple times per month, depending on demand. Feel free to request a different date/time if you see a class that doesn't work for you. It's easiest if you have 2 friends that would like to join you!

To reserve your space in class, please e-mail me and use "CLASS REGISTRATION" as the subject line.
Include:

• the name of the class,
• the date (if there's a choice) and
• your name and phone number

in the body of the e-mail. I'll send you a response confirming your reservation. If you do not receive a response, please check your junk mailbox!  All fees are due on the day of class.

In the event that class minimums are not met, the class will be canceled and participants will be notified via e-mail. This will occur up to 3 days prior to the scheduled date.

• Payment can be made the day of class.

• Cash, check, and Visa/MasterCard/Discover and American Express are accepted.   

• Minimum class enrollment is 3 unless otherwise stated.  Maximum is 6.
  

•  All textures, kits and tools are provided for use in class.

• Please provide the courtesy of 24 hr advance notification for cancellation. 616-402-3145 or silverfire@iserv.net 

• Please arrive a few minutes early to review samples on hand.

•  In an effort to keep classes affordable, I have included the minimum recommended supplies in your materials cost projection.  Students are welcome to purchase additional items from an array of kits, tools, metal clay, CZs, pure silver and bronze embellishments, designer dichroic cabs, necklaces, and misc. jewelry findings on hand as desired.

Unless otherwise indicated, classes are held at SilverFire Studios, 216 N. 3rd Street, Grand Haven, MI 49417.

Parking is available on 3rd St. as well as behind the building and in 2 spaces south of building.

If your class description asks that you bring a sack lunch, you may choose to order a quick delivery from Jimmy John's instead. Menu and phone are available on site.

Water, coffee, tea and hot chocolate are always available.