This workshop meets Friday and Saturday, August 27 & 28, 2027, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm each day with a lunch break
 
Creating a bold statement pendant doesn't have to mean using a lot of silver. In this innovative workshop, you'll learn to build dramatic volume and organic forms while keeping your finished piece surprisingly lightweight. Using a layered construction method, you'll combine syringe, paste, extruded clay, cloth clay, and recycled silver clay scraps to create a hollow freeform pendant with rich texture and dimension.
 
Along the way, you'll discover practical ways to transform unfired leftovers into beautiful design elements, proving that yesterday's scraps can become today's focal point. You'll also learn techniques for adding depth with slip trailing, incorporating fine silver components for secure bail attachment and pearl drops, and finishing lightweight hollow forms for strength and durability.
 
Students will complete one freeform pendant and leave with a construction method that can be adapted to countless future designs.
 
Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced
 
Techniques Covered:
Creating lightweight hollow forms through layered construction
Extruding silver clay for structural and decorative elements
Creating dimensional syringe filigree
Sculpting with paste and cloth clay
Slip trailing for texture, depth, and highlights
Incorporating fine silver elements for bails and pearl drops
Proper firing methods for hollow forms
Finishing techniques for lightweight silver clay construction
Creative use of recycled unfired silver clay scraps and dust
 
A kit fee of $25 - Includes silicone molding form students get to keep - will be collected by the instructor during the workshop.
 
This workshop is part of MCAS 2027 and requires the purchase of the MCAS General Registration.
 
Pam East began working with metal clay in 2003, when she completed her Level 1 and Senior certifications through Art Clay World USA. In 2005, she became an Art Clay Silver Master Instructor. She has developed metal clay techniques and created educational content including magazine articles, YouTube videos, and written and video tutorials. She has taught in-person classes at the John C. Campbell Folk School for 27 years and has also taught at conferences and guilds around the world. In 2024, she received the Lis-El Crowley Vision Award.