Metal Clay for the Masses

I haven't said much about my new venture with metal clay parties because I'm still figuring out/working on a lot of the details. I do want to share about it, though, because I am super excited to have found one way to bridge the gap between creativity and fine artisan skills.

So many people are consistently forced to shelve their creativity due to time constraints, responsibilities, day jobs, etc. Other people might not even recognize their powerful ability to create; the joy and satisfaction that results from making something by hand. If one wants to learn something like metalsmithing, a significant amount of time and resources must be sacrificed to even begin.

Luckily (and thankfully, Dad) I have a day job that affords me the flexibility to take care of my family and grow in my creative ways. About a year ago I wrote about how excited I was to spend some time creating on my own. Over that time I have had several ups and downs in the studio---but each experience has taught me more about creating with metals. Now I am excited to share what I've learned with others.

I've decided to merge my skills with a commercial at home "party" program because it the easiest way to introduce people to the wonders of metal clay and the results are always spectacular. By using a system of base molds and top stamps, in just two hours people will be able to create and wear home their own reversible solid silver pieces of jewelry!

With my sales package I received plenty of base molds and top stamps, but you know it wouldn't be my deal without contributing my own touch. The photo above is of some of the first designs I'm having made into top stamps. (I will be continually updating the top stamp designs.) I bought the "courier" traditional type monogram set, as well as already owning several size letters, so anything can be written into the metal clay; Bible verses, quotes, kid's names. AND, if you ever bring your kids around you can even press their little fingers into the metal clay and wear their thumbprints around your neck!

I should also mention that I purchased their line of kids' animal stamps. OMG, they are the cutest little kitchy animals! They have a program for creative kids' birthday parties and I hope to get into some of that as well,too. I'm talking with a friend about the possibility of consigning some of these cuties in her store. (Of course I'll share where that as it happens.)

In the coming weeks I will be testing out the whole thing. If you are interested in hosting some friends for a creative girls-night-out, let me know. Of course there are great guest/hostess incentives, including that for these first few parties the hostess creates for free if she has 6-12 guests. The fee per guest is $40.00 which allows them to create a large reversible pendant or a medium reversible pendant and reversible earrings, or two pair of reversible earrings. Remember this is heirloom quality stuff---solid, pure silver---not just sterling.

As we get going on all of this there will be open pay & play nights (if you've been to a basic party you will only pay for your clay), as well as special workshops for rings, copper clay, bronze clay---but first we have to start with teaching the basics. Woo-hoo! I'll post more design possibilities as I turn them out.