This workshop meets Friday and Saturday, August 27 & 28, 2027, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm each day with a lunch break
 
In this 2-day workshop, Paula will take you down the garden path to create a statement piece using steel and silver metal clays. The contrast of blackened steel and high-polish bright silver will make your garden blooms glow.
 
In this technique focused class, Paula will show you how to work with Hadar's Clay™ One-Fire Low Shrinkage Steel XT. Then, we will use powdered, dried fine silver clay to add shiny accents at minimal cost. Paula will share how to prepare and work with steel clay, as well as how to carve the steel using burs and a micro-rotary tool.
 
In addition, Paula will show you how to take old, dried lump silver and pulverize to make powdered fine silver clay dust suitable for this project, as well as for reconstitution.
 
Firing and finishing at both stages will be covered in detail including patina. We will also discuss using other metals as accent materials.
 
Each student will create their own uniquely designed bloom. Printed step by step instructions will be provided.
 
Skill Level: An understanding of how metal clay works is advantageous but not essential. This class is for all skill levels.
 
A $25 required fee for shared consumables will be collected by the instructor during the workshop. A full supply list will be provided to students in advance. Some supplies may be ordered from Paula in advance.
 
General Supply list:
Base Metal Clay Kit
50g Hadar’s Low Shrinkage Steel XT
5-10g dry, fine silver powder (must be able to fire at 1200F or lower)
Micro Rotary Tool and Dental Burs, Sanding Shield and Tray
Handheld Rotary Tool or Portable Flexshaft with polishing accessories including 3M 80-grit radial disks
 
This workshop is part of the Metal Clay Artists Symposium and requires the purchase of the General Registration.
 
Paula McDowell has worked with metal clay for more than 25 years, drawn to its possibilities for sculpting, texturing, carving, and creating forms that can be difficult to achieve through traditional metalsmithing. For two decades, she has shared her knowledge through workshops, demonstrations, tutorials, and presentations for guilds, conferences, online events, and her own studio. She has presented at SINTER conferences, Metal Clay Live, and AMCAW virtual guild events, and written tutorials for Metal Clay Today and AMCAW. Paula is especially known for her work with steel metal clay, often combining it with bronze or silver. Her work has appeared in AMCAW’s Exceptional Work in Metal Clay Calendars and the Superbly Sintered Exhibitions. She is an Accredited Teacher for Hadar’s Clay and holds certifications from PMCConnection, Rio Rewards, and Art Clay.