This workshop meets Friday and Saturday, August 27 & 28, 2027, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm each day with a lunch break
 
It’s time to create some JOY! In this 2-day workshop, we will create a multi-part fine silver Sunburst Pendant using Art Clay Silver and a 7mm round CZ. This pendant design is one of the most complimented pieces that I’ve ever created. Some aspects of the design are very precise while others can be seat-of-the-pants organic. In this class, students will create: a domed central element, a hand-cut sunburst base, an embellished bezel for a bur-set 7-mm faceted stone, raised decorative elements (optional), a raised and embellished “ring of safety” (optional), and a simple bail. Several greenware design options will be demonstrated, including designing with files and rotary tools. We will also review many finishing options, both by hand and using a rotary tool. If you have a small hand-held rotary tool, please bring it (optional). We will explore using the rotary tool in both the greenware and post-fire finishing stages. We will also explore hand-carving bezel and decorative embellishments.
 
Recommended metal clay experience level: Advanced Beginner and Intermediate level metal clay artists should do just fine in this class.
 
This workshop is part of the Metal Clay Artists Symposium and requires the purchase of the General Registration.
 
A $30 kit fee will be collected by the instructor during the workshop.
 
KIT - $ 30.
- A color-printed handout of the class instructions with room to write notes.
- One 7mm round faceted laboratory-grown CZ or Spinel (students may pick from the available colors).
- Use of instructor-provided Art Clay Silver Syringe and Art Clay Silver Paste.
- A selection of special items for student use (yours to keep).
- The use of instructor-provided templates, clay drying props, stone-setting burs, and more.
 
STUDENTS WILL NEED TO BRING:
- Basic metal clay tool kit. We will primarily be creating circles, so bring a good needle tool.
- At least 25 grams of low-fire, low-shrinkage fine silver clay.
- I will bring some textures, but if you have favorite radial textures or “random” patterned textures (for backs of pieces), bring those.
- A set of graduated sanding sponges.
- A set of files or a rotary tool with a selection of diamond bits in different shapes (to be used in the greenware stage) and post-fire metal finishing bits. (I will bring extra rotary tools and extra bits for student use.)
 
Loretta M. Hackman is an internationally known Art Clay Master Instructor with 25 years of experience in continuing art education. She holds ten metal clay certifications and teaches certification courses, student-directed lessons, and small-group skill classes from her Cincinnati studio and at other venues, including Marc Adams School of Woodworking. A former process design engineer and research scientist, she brings an iterative design process and attention to detail to her teaching. Her classes may combine metal clay, sculpting, carving, metalsmithing, wire-working, glass, and beading. Her jewelry and sculptures draw on intention, the history and symbolism of stones, and applied geometry. Her work has received awards and recognition in Great Britain, Japan, and the United States. She has authored articles, tutorials, and technical guides and contributes to Metal Clay Today and AMCAW’s online library. She also administers the Facebook group “Metal Clay and Mixed Media.”