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Sunday, August 24, 2025, 10:00 am - 12:00 noon (Please choose just one Sunday workshop. They're held simultaneously!)
This Changes Everything: Fire In Place Opals are Here with Chris and Holly Gage
Opals are known as the Queen of gems. Their sparkle, play of light, and color are mesmerizing and alluring in jewelry. Metal Clay artists were told Nat ral Opals cannot be fired in place in Metal Clay, and they need to be set in the traditional way with a bezel or prongs for inclusion in their Silver Metal Clay Jewelry. This was until we discovered a Cultured Opal that can fire to 1650ºF (900ºC). Learn the ins and outs of working with heat-resistant Cultured Opals easily. Chris and Holly will talk about firing the Opals in a kiln and torch, polishing, and handling. They will also demonstrate using the Cultured Opals in Fine Silver and firing the piece in a torch.
This workshop is part of the Metal Clay Artists Symposium and requires purchase of the General Registration.
About Holly
Holly Gage of Gage Designs is a 2015 Saul Bell Design winner recognized for distinction in jewelry design. She creates contemporary jewelry and teaches her unique techniques with a gentle blend of design instruction and technical proficiency. Holly brings her innovation, creativity, and gift of helping others find their artistic voice through classes, mentoring programs, master workshops, and retreats. Classes are available live Online, at her PA studio, throughout the US, and abroad. She is a full-time jewelry artist, Certified Metal Clay Instructor, author, and conference speaker. In addition, Holly holds a BS in Fine Art and Education. Her jewelry and articles on techniques and design can be found in over 75 regional and national publications including the Best of America Jewelry Artists; Named 3rd in Handmade Business: Top 12 Makers, Movers, and Shakers; Metal Clay Today; Making Jewellery: among others. You can find more information about Holly’s jewelry, classes, and awards, along with numerous Metal Clay tips, tutorials, and blog on her web site at http://www.HollyGage.com
Technique Discovery "Fire In Place Opals are Here" with Chris & Holly Gage
Please put the MCAS GENERAL REGISTRATION in your cart prior to purchasing this Technique Discovery Workshop. The MCAS GENERAL REGISTRATION fee ($100) is non-refundable. Payment in full is required at the time of registration. Workshop fees do not include travel or accommodations. Workshop fees, less a $20 processing fee, are refundable prior to May 1, 2025, if notified in writing to metals@sawtooth.org. If you need to cancel after May 1, 2025, please notify us and we will try to fill your space. If we can fill your space, we will issue you a refund less a $20 processing fee.