Polymer Clay - Barbara McGuire
[04/15, 09/02]
Learn to work with polymer in this step by step basic introduction taught by renowned artist Barbara McGuire. The introductory series class is designed to guide beginners or heighten the skill level of those already familiar with polymer clay. Classes focus on technique, with a simple finished bead or brooch completed with each concept so students have a working knowledge of the process presented. Topics covered include a complete understanding of clay basics, how to mix and blend color, simple caning techniques, structuring, texturing, molding, shaping and finishing. Emphasis is on quality of work and developing design skills. A basic supply of white, black, translucent and pearl clay is required. Students will be provided with a complete digital summary of all techniques and all materials needed for a presentation of a finished work of art. Tools provided.
Lab Fee:US$125Estimated Materials Cost:$30Prerequisites:none
Examples of work done in this class
Polymer Clay - Carolyn Stearns
From Blends to Blooms
[04/29]
In From Blends to Blooms you will create several polymer clay flower and leaf canes. We begin by mixing clay to create a personal color palette. We will use these colors to create blends; from these blends we will assemble beautiful flowers and leaves. Once we have created our flowers and leaves I will teach you how to make floral fabrics to cover items, make beads and other pieces to create one of a kind jewelry. This is a technique based class, not a production class. We will do a few projects during the week but this is not the main focus of this class. Each student will receive a kit that will include clay to make approx. 10 canes, a clay blade, mini acrylic rod and a few other tools to use during class and take home at the end of the week. I will provide many tools and supplies to use during class. Extra clay and supplies will be available for purchase during the week if needed. We will be using KATO polyclay during the week; it is the best clay to make canes. If you bring extra clay please bring KATO, it bakes at 300 degrees and all items will be baked together in the same oven at 300 degrees. You do not need to bring anything with you to class if you don’t want to, I will have everything you need, but if you have a pasta machine, tools, supplies, items to cover, bring them too! That will be great!
Lab Fee:US$100Prerequisites:none
Examples of work done in this class
Polymer Clay - Carolyn Stearns
Kaleidoscope Canes
[08/05]
In the Kaleidoscope Cane Class you will create several polymer clay Kaleidoscope canes. We begin by mixing clay to create a personal color palette. We will use these colors to create blends; from these blends we will make component canes and assemble Kaleidoscope Canes. I will teach you how to use these canes to cover items, make beads and other pieces to create one of a kind jewelry. This is a technique based class, not a production class. We will do a few projects during the week but this is not the main focus of this class.
Each student will receive a kit that will include clay to make approx. 8 canes, a clay blade, mini acrylic rod and a few other tools to use during class and take home at the end of the week. I will provide many tools and supplies to use during class. Extra clay and supplies will be available for purchase during the week if needed. We will be using KATO polyclay during the week; it is the best clay to make canes. If you bring extra clay please bring KATO, it bakes at 300 degrees and all items will be baked together in the same oven at 300 degrees. You do not need to bring anything with you to class if you don’t want to, I will have everything you need, but if you have a pasta machine, tools, supplies, items that you want to cover, bring them! This is great too!
Lab Fee:US$100Prerequisites:none
Examples of work done in this class
Polymer Clay - Ruthie Loftin
Middle School
[07/01]
This class is geared for teenagers between 11 and 14. It is intended for those with little or no experience in clay. We will cover clay preparation, color mixing, basic cane making, how to form various bead shapes, how to make textured surfaces, and baking strategies. Students will make beads and pendants for jewelry, earrings, and may learn how to make some animals (their choice). This includes handouts, instructions, and clay for basic projects. Extra clay and some supplies will be available for purchase or students are welcome to bring their own clay, etc. If all the supplies are purchased from the teacher, see estimated costs.
Lab Fee:US$50Estimated Materials Cost:$50-100Prerequisites:noneAge Requirement:11-14
Examples of work done in this class
Polymer Clay - Carolyn Stearns
Surface Design
[06/03, 09/23]
In Polymer Clay Surface Design, we will mix clay to create a personal color palette. We will explore several different polymer clay techniques, such as mica shift, translucent layering, mokume gane and others each day. We will cover items or create beads and other one of a kind jewelry pieces with the designs we create. Each student will receive a kit that will include clay to create each technique, a clay blade, mini acrylic rod and a few other tools to use during class and take home at the end of the week. I will provide many tools and supplies to use during class. Extra clay and supplies will be available for purchase during the week if needed. We will be using KATO polyclay during the week; it is a strong, professional art material, perfect for jewelry making. If you bring extra clay please bring KATO, it bakes at 300 degrees and all items will be baked together in the same oven at 300 degrees. You do not need to bring anything with you to class if you don’t want to, I will have everything you need, but if you have a pasta machine, tools, supplies, findings, wire, stringing material, items that you want to cover, bring them! This is great too!
Lab Fee:US$100Prerequisites:none
Examples of work done in this class
Polymer Clay Adv. - Barbara McGuire
Face Canes in Polymer Canes
[04/22, 10/14]
Faces – the most challenging cane of all! Create an investment you will have for years to come. This class helps to understand shape, proportion, and coloring to create a life-like cane with personality. Your understanding of facial features and canes will change forever! Application of the finished cane into finished projects will also be presented. Students need to bring 1 lb. translucent. Premo is the preferred clay for ease of use, but Kato or Pardo Art Clay can be substituted if the student has had experience caning with these brands. Additional colors provided in class fee. Necessary tools provided but this is an advanced class and students should bring personal tools such as rollers (acrylic with handle preferred) and your own pasta machine if desired. In addition to colored clay, students will be provided with a complete digital summary of all techniques and all materials needed for a presentation of a finished work of art.
Lab Fee:US$125Estimated Materials Cost:$30Prerequisites:Polymer Clay classes and experience creating a Skinner Blend[Back to Top]
Polymer Clay Int. - Barbara McGuire
Art Dolls in Polymer
[09/16]
Polymer is a playground for sculpture and this class brings out the expressive potential of the doll form. We will begin with an overview of possibilities and build on found objects to create structure. Polymer components, adornments, and surface design will be utilized to give the work its color, form and texture. We will even dedicate one day to making jewelry dolls. In lieu of making face canes, Barbara will share an assortment of her face cane collection as well collected molds to create the face of the dolls. This class is a design discovery process and focuses on creating a quality work of art. A basic supply of white, black, translucent and pearl clay is required. In addition to colored clay, students will be provided with a complete digital summary of all techniques and all materials needed for a presentation of a finished work of art. Class fee includes canes, surface treatments, and found objects. Tools provided although personal tools or pasta machine are appropriate.
Lab Fee:US$125Estimated Materials Cost:$30Prerequisites:Polymer Clay
Examples of work done in this class
Polymer Clay Int. - Barbara McGuire
Butterflies & Dragonflies
[10/21]
Everybody loves a butterfly and what a great building block these colorful creatures are for beautiful work. This week long class will teach nothing but butterfly and dragonfly canes with a painterly effect in mind. The first presentation will consist of color blending and the rest of the week in building the canes. The final summary will focus on working with the canes to make bead sets, pins and gorgeous jewelry applications, complete with professional finishing. A basic supply of white, black, translucent and pearl clay is required. In addition to colored clay, students will be provided with a complete digital summary of all techniques and all materials needed for a presentation of a finished work of art. Tools provided although personal tools or pasta machine are appropriate.
Lab Fee:US$125Estimated Materials Cost:$30.00Prerequisites:Polymer Clay Classes and experience creating a Skinner Blend
Examples of work done in this class
Polymer Clay Int. - Barbara McGuire
Flower Power with Polymer Canes
[09/09]
Everybody loves a garden - and what a great building block flower are for beautiful work. This week long class will teach nothing but flower and leaf canes with a painterly effect in mind. All skill levels welcome. The first presentation will consist of color blending and the rest of the week in building the canes. The final summary will focus on working with the canes to make bead sets, pins and gorgeous jewelry applications, complete with professional finishing. A basic supply of white, black, translucent and pearl clay is required. In addition to colored clay, students will be provided with a complete digital summary of all techniques and all materials needed for a presentation of a finished work of art. Tools provided although personal tools or pasta machine are appropriate.
Lab Fee:US$125Estimated Materials Cost:$30Prerequisites:Polymer Clay classes and experience creating a Skinner Blend
Examples of work done in this class
