This workshop meets Friday, August 27, 2027, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm with a lunch break
 
Learn from a true whistle-making expert how to create a beautiful and playful whistle pendant out of silver metal clay! But this is not just a whistle workshop. It’s also a fantastic hollow forms class! Donna will show a versatile method for making 2-sided metal clay beads or vessels in any custom shape. Everyone should learn this fun technique! Along the way, you’ll master the basics of how a whistle works—and troubleshooting tips for when it doesn’t—as well as how to hide the mouthpiece so no one knows your secret. As a bonus, Donna will share some of her favorite ways of making imagery on metal clay.
 
Students should bring 25-30g of a fast-firing fine silver clay. Flex clay is not recommended for this particular project. All other tools and materials will be provided. There is no kit fee for this workshop.
 
This workshop is part of the Metal Clay Artists Symposium and requires the purchase of the General Registration.
 
Donna Penoyer, known as “The Whistle Lady,” has worked in metal clay since 2005. Her whistle amulets and other jewelry have appeared in books, magazines, online publications, and exhibitions. She holds multiple metal clay certifications and has recorded video tutorials for Craftcast with Alison Lee. Her teaching credits include studios in California, England, and Belgium, as well as Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill, Touchstone Center for Crafts, the Bead & Button Show, Contemporary Craft, Metal Clay Mojo, SINTER, and MCAS. Before focusing on her current work, Donna had a 21-year career as a professional stiltwalker. She describes herself as an upbeat, welcoming teacher who believes everyone has a maker in them.