The PMC Certification Fast-track teaches all modules of The PMC Studio Certification Programme, the highly regarded PMC Certification program supported by Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, the manufacturers of PMC (Precious Metal Clay). The programme consists of 3 separate modules, each focused on teaching 5-7 different technique areas, that when combined give you a sound knowledge and hands on experience of a broad range of silver clay techniques. Perfect for helping you to build your confidence and develop an in-depth understanding of working with silver clay, whilst achieving a certification for personal or professional development.
What will I learn?
Module 1
'Naturals'
This module looks at using the natural, clay like properties of PMC and combining them with natural, organic materials such as leaves, twigs & pods.
As with all our PMC Certification courses, you'll need some experience before you start, so if you've not completed a 1 day beginners class previously, ensure you complete our free training 'Get started with silver clay...in 6 easy steps' and make a few simple pieces to build some hands on experience.
Module 1 will teach you how to:
- Work with combustible materials, for example leaves, seed pods and paper
- Make unique moulds
- Set fireable gemstones using simple bezels and design elements
- Use PMC paste to create strong, durable designs
- Work with bought textures and what to consider when choosing between low and high relief textures
- Add tube and fancy bails to your designs
- Correctly size and make a strong, textured band ring
- Use PMC lump form with moulds
- Form strong joins between multiple pieces of dry silver clay
- Incorporate glass into your designs
- Make dry construction designs
- Correctly size and make a designer toggle clasp
- Carve silver clay
- Understand sintering and the effect of various firing shcedules
- Work with PMC3/Flex in lump and paste forms
- Refine your designs and prepare them for firing
- Finish your designs to a high standard
The above techniques are taught via the following learning projects, for which you have complete design freedom:
1) Moulded pendant with a fireable gemstone
2) Naturally formed pendant, charm or bead
3) Domed (lentil) bead
4) Designer toggle clasp
5) Textured band ring
6) Dichroic glass pendant
What you will need to complete Module 1:
To complete this module you will need the following supplies:
Materials
- 2 x PMC3 or PMC Flex 15g (clay weight 16.7g)
- 2 x PMC3 or PMC Flex 5g (clay weight 5.6g)
- 1 x pot of PMC3 paste (clay weight 18.6g)
Please note, the above assumes your designs will be a similar size to the teaching examples - if you wish to make larger pieces, you will need more PMC.
We recommend working with PMC Flex as it's the most advanced PMC formula, however you can substitute it with PMC3 for any of the learning projects if wished.
Module 2
'High Finish'
This module focuses on achieving a professional finish. Learn the tricks of the trade to achieve this all of the time on all your work. If you're interested in making keepsake jewellery, many of the techniques taught are relevant to that.
As with all our PMC Certification courses, you'll need some experience before you start, so if you've not completed a 1 day beginners class previously, ensure you complete our free training 'Get started with silver clay...in 6 easy steps' and make a few simple pieces to build some hands on experience.
Module 2 will teach you how to:
- Add colour to your designs using Japanese enamels and hot enamel techniques
- Use advanced polishing techniques to achieve a mirror shine finish
- Set non-fireable gemstones using traditional stone-setting techniques
- Work with bought textures and what to consider when choosing between low and high relief textures
- Combine PMC with bisque to create designer focal beads
- Create secure connections between separate wet and dry silver clay elements
- Correctly size and make a strong, 2-part ring
- Incorporate ceramics into your designs
- Use patina products to create colour effects on on your designs
- torch fire with confidence
- Work with PMC3/Flex in lump and paste forms
- Resolve issues in the pre-fired state
- Finish your designs to a high standard by hand
The above techniques are taught via the following learning projects, for which you have complete design freedom:
1) Enamelled pendant
2) Textured pendant with accent
3) Ring set with natural gemstone
4) Designer focal bead
5) Keepsake pendant
6) Patina 101
What you will need to complete Module 2:
To complete this module you will need the following supplies:
Materials
- 2 x PMC3 or PMC Flex 15g (clay weight 16.7g)
- 2 x PMC3 or PMC Flex 5g (clay weight 5.6g)
- 1 x pot of PMC3 paste (clay weight 18.6g)
Please note, the above assumes your designs will be a similar size to the teaching examples - if you wish to make larger pieces, you will need more PMC.
We recommend working with PMC Flex as it's the most advanced PMC formula, however you can substitute it with PMC3 for any of the learning projects if wished.
A full list of tools, equipment and consumables is supplied prior to starting each module.
Module 3
'Innovative Design'
This module is about incorporating new and exciting design elements, and working with all the different types of PMC to create unique designs. So if you're interested in experimenting and making individual pieces, this module is for you.
As with all our PMC Certification courses, you'll need some experience before you start, so if you've not completed a 1 day beginners class previously, ensure you complete our free training 'Get started with silver clay...in 6 easy steps' and make a few simple pieces to build some hands on experience.
Module 3 will teach you how to:
- Set a fireable gemstone
- Use the principles of flush setting to set stones in silver clay
- Create filigree effects in your designs
- Create unique textures
- Enhance your designs with gold leaf
- Incorporate sterling silver into your designs
- Create chain links
- Work with PMC in syringe and paper forms
- Understand the difference between PMC +, PMC3 and PMC Flex
- Deal with issues at the metal stage
- Get the most out of your kiln
- Use machine polishing techniques to finish your designs
The above techniques are taught via the following learning projects, for which you have complete design freedom:
1) Ring with a fireable gemstone
2) Syringe 'filigree'
3) Paper 'quilling'
4) Texture making & Keum Boo
5) Stud earrings
6) Designer chains
What you will need to complete Module 3:
To complete this course you will need the following supplies:
Materials
- 2 x PMC3 or PMC Flex 15g (clay weight 16.7g)
- 2 x PMC3 or PMC Flex 5g (clay weight 5.6g)
- 1 x PMC Syringe 10g (clay weight 9g)
- 1 x PMC Sheet 5g (clay weight 4.4g)
- 1 x pot of PMC3 paste (clay weight 18.6g)
Please note, the above assumes your designs will be a similar size to the teaching examples - if you wish to make larger pieces, you will need more PMC.
We recommend working with PMC Flex as it's the most advanced PMC formula, however you can substitute it with PMC3 for any of the learning projects if wished.
A full list of tools, equipment and consumables is supplied prior to starting each module.