Instructor: Kim Rumberger
Wednesday, July 30
9am - 3pm
1 session

Metal Clay is a combination of environmentally friendly, recycled finely powdered metal (in this case, silver), a plant-based non-toxic binder, and water. When the binder is burned off, using a kiln or kitchen torch, the powder becomes solid metal.  Metal clay comes in many forms, including silver, bronze, brass and steel. Metal clay holds textures and details beautifully, and handles very much like ceramic clay. It can be sculpted, shaped, drilled and carved. Silver clay can be either kiln or torch-fired.

 Finished pieces can also have a patina applied to beautifully enhance the details. Because this is the purest form of silver, without any other metals added, the pieces are also tarnish resistant, and can be hallmarked as .999 Silver. In this class participants will handle, shape, texture, refine, fire and finish fine silver clay using fresh botanical elements to create a naturally inspired, solid silver piece of jewelry.

 The Silver Clay will be available for purchase from the instructor at the time of the workshop, and is not included in the tuition fee. Your finished piece(s) will be weighed at the end of the class. An average finished piece weighs 6 grams, which is $24 worth of clay, but weight can vary depending on the size of your project.

The instructor will provide all other necessary tools and materials. Anyone who has their own metal clay tools is encouraged to bring them along if they wish! (Previous metal clay experience is not necessary for this class, but is welcomed.)

Kim Rumberger is an internationally recognized award-winning Cape Cod metal clay jewelry artist and instructor. She creates one-of-a-kind, handmade jewelry and small sculpture, and teaches metal clay classes at various locations on the Cape and beyond.  She was one of 24 elite metal clay artists to present at the Alliance for Metal Clay Artists Worldwide (AMCAW) first ever international metal clay conference in May 2022, sharing her unique “outside the box” techniques for setting stones that are fired in place. Kim also mentors high school students through the MassHire, ArtWorks, program, and was named 2022 Mentor of the Year for the Cape & Islands.  She has volunteered on a number of art and education boards over the years and currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Cape Cod Museum of Art. Kim and her husband Tim reside in Hyannis, where her studio is attached to their home. Her business is called Metal And Beads. www.metalandbeads.com