Studio Spring 2003 Latest News, Views, and Breakthroughs in Clay! Vol. 6 No. 1

Special Features

Featured Artist Hattie Sanderson page 13

Meet Studio PMC’s New Editor page 3 Criss-cross Confetti Kiln Questions PMC and Keum-boo. page 4 1-3/4” x 1-1/2” x 1/4” Torch Firing page 7 Creative Hearts page 8

Keum-boo & PMC What’s Your Sales Pitch page 15 by Estelle Vernon NEW Departments

I began working with PMC following a seri- Keum-boo is an ancient Korean decora- Happenings ous illness. I was very concerned about tive technique for adhering fine to a page 12 inhaling fumes from , and fine surface. Similar techniques are Readers’ Writes Precious Metal Clay’s non-toxic properties widely used in Japanese and Chinese metal- page 14 attracted my attention. PMC gave me a way work. In the West, the method has been to return to without doing a used to fuse gold to iron, , or . Departments lot of soldering. Koreans and other East Asian people Once I began working with PMC, I dis- traditionally believed that the ingestion of As I PMC It covered I was able to be much more spon- pure gold would improve health and well page 2 taneous in my work—things just flowed. being. For this reason, many Korean silver Gallery I’ve been able to incorporate one of my utensils are decorated with 24k gold over- pages 10-11 favorite metalworking techniques, Keum- lays in patterns that convey wishes for boo, which I learned from Komelia Okim, good health, wealth, and long life. Usually Q & A into my PMC work. Pure gold (24 karat) the gold is applied to the interior of a cup, page 16 adheres to the PMC surface like a dream— bowl, or spoon so that the food will come PMC Marketplace no more depletion to acquire a fine in contact with the gold, thus conveying pages 17-19 silver surface. Continued on page 6. As I PMC it

2 Glad To Be Here

Studio PMC Newsletter Well, it's a new year, and PMC Guild has Mitsubishi Materials Corp. chosen a new editor for Studio PMC. I am P.O. Box 265, Mansfield, MA 02048 www.PMCguild.com thrilled to be that editor! As a writer and Volume 6, Number 1 • Spring 2003 an editor in the jewelry industry for Editor—Suzanne Wade more than 10 years, I've been watching Technical Editor—Tim McCreight Art Director—Jonah Spivak with great interest the development of Below are some questions about you Advertising Manager—Carl Stanley precious metal clay as a jewelry medium. and what you'd like to see in Studio PMC. The Studio PMC newsletter is published by the I am delighted to have this opportunity Please take a couple minutes to answer PMC Guild: see PMC Guild information below. to work with the PMC Guild staff in them, and then send the answers to me in • How to SUBMIT WORK to Studio PMC… We welcome your PMC photos, articles and spreading the word about all the great one of several ways: You can go to the ideas. You may submit by mail or electronically. things you can do with it. Please include your name, address, e-mail, PMC Guild website at www.pmcguild.com, phone, plus a full description of your PMC piece I am also excited by the prospect of click on newsletter, and click on the and a brief bio. Slides are preferred, but color prints and digital image are OK. helping Studio PMC further along its "Studio PMC Reader Survey" link to fill path of evolution from free newsletter out the survey online; you can e-mail me By MAIL: Mail articles and photos to: Studio PMC, P.O. Box 265, Mansfield, MA 02048. to professional publication. You've at [email protected]; fax this page to ELECTRONICALLY: E-mail articles in the body of the probably noticed that we've already me at (928) 563-8255; or mail it to me at e-mail, or as attachments. E-mail photos as attach- made a few changes – like the addition P.O. Box 265, Mansfield, MA 02048. ments. We require an image resolution of 300 dpi. • E-mail files (under 4 MB) to [email protected] of full color printing. In our future is a But however you send this to me, • Mail large files (over 4 MB) to Studio PMC, P.O. Box complete redesign to update the look of please take a few minutes to share your 265, Mansfield, MA 02048. Please include a printout. the newsletter. thoughts. I want to help Studio PMC Deadlines: Dec. 1 for Spring issue; But before we make too many changes, became a publication you eagerly wait March 1 for Summer issue; June 1 for Fall issue; I'd like to know what direction you'd like for each quarter, and I can't do it unless Sept. 2 for Winter issue. to see the newsletter take. On the next I know what information you want the • How to PLACE ADVERTISING in Studio PMC… page, you'll get a chance to learn a little newsletter to bring. So e-mail me, fax —Classified ads: up to 25 words FREE one time bit about me through a Q&A interview only for PMC Guild members. Write, call, or e- me, mail me, or heck, just call me up and mail the PMC Guild (NOT the Studio PMC CeCe conducted. So on this page, I'm ask- chat for a few minutes (my phone num- newsletter!) See address below. —Display ads: Contact our Advertising Manager, Carl ing you to take a few minutes to tell me a ber is 508-339-7366). I can't wait to hear Stanley, for specifications, deadlines, and prices. little bit about yourself. from you. Phone: 805-687-5415. E-mail: [email protected]. • How to GET ANSWERS to tech questions… —Suzanne Wade, editor Write Tim McCreight, Technical Editor, PMC Guild, 34 Danforth St., Portland, ME 04101. Or e-mail Tim at: [email protected] Reader Survey What types of articles would you like to see in Studio PMC? How long have you been working in PMC? a) How-to projects CONTACT THE PMC GUILD TO… a) Less than one year b) Profiles of PMC artists c) Reviews of exhibitions • Join the PMC Guild b) One to three years c) Three or more years d) Tips for working with PMC • Enroll in PMC Certification Classes e) Using PMC with other media, such as ceramics • Place classified ads in Studio PMC What craft media did you have experience with f) Marketing advice • Renew your subscription to Studio PMC g) Information about applying jewelry techniques to PMC before working with PMC? • Change your mailing address h) Other______a) Precious metals • Request back issues/additional copies b) Ceramics What types of articles would you like to see less of c) Polymer Clay in Studio PMC? VISIT OUR WEB PAGES TO… d) Glass a) How-to projects • Stay current with PMC people & events e) Other______b) Profiles of PMC artists • See back issues of Studio PMC c) Reviews of exhibitions • Learn about upcoming PMC workshops Do you sell your PMC pieces? d) Tips for working with PMC • List PMC classes you are giving a) Yes, I'm a professional artist. e) Using PMC with other mediums, such as ceramics www.PMCguild.com b) Yes, part-time at craft shows and other local venues. f) Marketing advice c) No, working in PMC is a hobby for me. g) Information about applying jewelry techniques to PMC CeCe Wire, Executive Director h) Other______PMC Guild • 417 West Mountain Ave. How confident do you feel about your Fort Collins, CO 80521 USA jewelry-making skills? How do you feel about the advertisments in Studio PMC? Phone: 970-419-5503 Fax: 970-419-5504 a) Very confident a) It's a great way to find new suppliers. Website: www.PMCguild.com b) Somewhat confident b) It detracts from the newsletter's appeal. E-mail: [email protected] c) Not confident at all c) What advertising? Copyright ©2003 Mitsubishi Materials Corp. PMC Guild. Printed four or more times a year. Studio PMC, its staff and contributors, specifically disclaim any responsibility or liability for damages or injury as a result of any Reprints by permission only. All rights reserved. construction, design, use, manufacture, or any other activity undertaken as a result of the use or application of information contained in any Studio PMC issue or article. Message from the Guild Director

3 CeCe Says… Meet Studio PMC’s New Editor An Interview with Suzanne Wade edge whatsoever of jewelry making. I've I am so pleased to introduce Suzanne received an incredible education from Wade as editor of Studio PMC. Suzanne many people in the industry, and I'm comes to the Guild from a strong publish- amazed how patient everyone has been, ing background. A decade of work with even when they needed to explain very such publications as American Jewelry basic concepts to me. I'm still learning, Manufacturer (published by Manufacturing and expect I will be for many, many Jewelers and Suppliers of America), years to come. CeCe Wire, Director of the PMC Guild Journal, and Colored Stone, as managing editor, associate publisher, and CW: What is your vision for Studio PMC? SW: I'm also a contributing editor at AJM, freelance writer made her the perfect can- SW: I want to continue the newsletter's but my most important job is full-time didate for the position. Suzanne's stature evolution into a professional publication Mom. My husband, Rich, and I have two in the craft community and enthusiasm for that PMC Guild members can rely on for children: a son, Eric, 4, and a daughter, promoting PMC as an art material will ben- technical information, news about PMC Becky, 2. I left my position as associate efit everyone working with PMC. products, and inspiration. But I also want publisher at AJM when Eric was born to keep the feeling of community that's because I wanted to spend more time CeCe Wire: When were you first intro- so evident in it now. That spirit of shar- with my children. So now I alternate duced to PMC? ing is a key ingredient to the newsletter's writing about jewelry and PMC with play- Suzanne Wade: I first learned about PMC past and future success. ing in the snow and coloring dinosaur as editor of American Jewelry Manufacturer pictures. in 1996. I was curious about the newly intro- CW: In this position you will cover every duced material, so we acquired a sample aspect of publishing the newsletter, from CW: My friend always asks the next ques- and sent it off to a jeweler to play with. collecting articles to contracting print- tion when she meets new people because From his experiments, we published one of ers. What's your favorite part? it reveals so much about their personality. the first in-depth reports about the materi- SW: I love putting all the pieces togeth- Don't think too hard or too long before al in a jewelry trade magazine. But I don't er. I start out with a couple of ideas, answering… What's your favorite movie? think any of us at AJM fully grasped the some e-mailed suggestions, maybe a cou- SW: These days, most of the movies I material's potential: We kind of figured ple of photos. Then I get to spend some feature either animated characters PMC was going to be a hobby medium, not time talking with members and Guild or a giant purple dinosaur named Barney. a medium for serious jewelry designers. staff, reading online forums, and sifting But I loved The Lord of the Rings: The Then about a year ago, I took another look through the mail. You can almost see the Fellowship of the . I've been a Tolkien at the work being done in PMC, and went ideas floating through the air in my fan since I was 13, and it was just magical 'WOW!' I was just amazed at the craftsman- office – or my car, which is where I do a to see the way the filmmaker brought ship and beauty of the jewelry PMC artists lot of my thinking. Once we've settled on those mythic landscapes to life. I'll be at were creating. a lineup, it's time to start juggling all the The Two Towers in its first week of release little details; This article needs photos, – I booked my babysitter months before CW: Your background in the jewelry where can we find them? Has Tim fin- the movie came out. manufacturing industry is quite exten- ished the article on kilns yet? What sive. What do you enjoy about working should I do about that article I just Suzanne loves hearing from Studio PMC with jewelers and metalsmiths? received from a member: should we readers. Contact her via e-mail at edi- SW: The best part is getting to talk to squeeze it into this issue or save it for [email protected] or give her a call at people from such a wide variety of back- the next one? Keeping everything on (508) 339-7366. Photos and articles to be grounds and perspectives. This commu- track is a challenge, but I love the adren- considered for publication can be mailed nity is full of people with amazing stories aline rush that comes from successfully to Editor, Studio PMC, P.O. Box 265, and a tremendous willingness to share. I keeping all the balls in the air. Mansfield, MA 02048. have made an incredible number of friends over the years. I came to the jew- CW: People juggle many different respon- elry field more than a decade ago with a sibilities in our fast-paced society. Besides newly minted journalism degree, some your position as editor of Studio PMC, newspaper experience, and no knowl- what other responsibilities do you hold? Feature Story

4 Kiln Questions By Tim McCreight

First, the “n” really is silent, at least target. Original PMC must be held at Man ua according to the American Heritage 1650º˚F for two hours. That's a small l K i ln Dictionary. There are kilns as big as your circle. PMC+ can be fired at tempera- house, used for cooking everything from tures ranging from 1470º˚ to 1650º˚F and grain to stone, but we don't need to con- needs to soak for as little as 10 min- cern ourselves with those. Even in the utes. That makes it a bigger target. sub-sub-category of benchtop electric PMC3 can be fired at temps as low as kilns there are plenty of questions. Let's 1110º˚F and is safe up to 1650º˚F. take a look at a few: What's the advantage of a What are my options? programmable kiln? In descending order: programmable, A programmable kiln can read the tem- pyrometer, and unregulated. The first perature inside the kiln and adjust the option includes a device that monitors power to maintain a consistent temper- the power and turns it on and off as ature. They can also be set to turn off at needed to maintain a specific heat. The a particular time. The primary advantage kiln second includes a device that mea- of these features is convenience, since a le ab sures the kiln's temperature and programmable kiln will not require the m m displays the temperature inside same constant attention required by a a r g the kiln. You'll need to regulate manual or unregulated kiln. But it offers o r P the heat manually, but you can other advantages too, including more read the temperature and know consistent results. Because the kiln what changes to make. In the maintains an even temperature, you can last category are kilns without a be sure that the fusing process has been temperature indicator. For these optimal. In addition, some buildings you use a separate pyrometer, temper- experience electrical surges or spikes, ature indicator pellets, or instinct. so even a carefully watched manual kiln can jump to a high temperature unex- Does the choice of kiln have anything pectedly and ruin a batch of work. The to do with the type of PMC I'm using? programmable kiln operates on heat, Sort of. A programmable kiln will han- rather than current, so whether the heat dle any version with ease and confi- rises gradually or on a spike, when the dence. If you are controlling the heat temperature gets to the desired setting, manually (option #2 above), the short- the power is immediately shut off. er firing times and various tempera- ture goals of the newer versions of Can I use the same kiln for PMC make the process a lot easier. pottery and PMC? You could think of it like an archery Ceramic kilns reach high enough tempera- tures to fire PMC, but most ceramic kilns are large enough that they have hot and iln cool zones. This variance is potentially d K te too large to guarantee a successful PMC la u g firing. That is, when the pyrometer reads e r n 1650˚F, some areas of the kiln chamber U might be 1750˚F, a temperature that will melt PMC. That said, the newer, more ver- satile versions of PMC are easier targets to hit, so ceramic kilns become more viable. The PMC will do no damage to the kiln. Feature Story

Why is my 5 PMC melting? A mysterious PMC problem of overfiring Can I use a caster's burnout oven fragile part of a kiln. In a simple unit you and melting—even though the pyrome- for PMC? might be able to buy a replacement at the ter says the temperature’s fine—is When PMC was first released, we recom- local hardware store. Replacement pro- solved. Here’s correspondence between mended the Neycraft burnout oven as grammable devices can be purchased a PMC artist and our Technical Editor the most appropriate kiln available at from the manufacturer and wired into a and PMC expert, Tim McCreight. the time. If you already have a burnout kiln pretty easily. oven, you can use it for PMC. Again, Hi Tim! there is no danger or maintenance issue Can I work in PMC if I don't Today is my first solo foray into PMC, in using the same kiln for both purposes. have a kiln? and I have good news and bad news. I However, if you don't already have a Yes. One of the reasons the Mitsubishi made pieces and fired them in my brand- burnout oven, a programmable kiln is scientists developed the ultra-dense new kiln, but they came out looking like only a little more money, and is well PMC3 was to create a silver clay that they were burned. I fired them on top of worth the investment. would fuse at low temperatures in a a ceramic wall tile, but the tile broke, short time. This opens the door to two alumina went all over, and the PMC Is one brand better than another? unique opportunities – torch firing and pieces adhered to the tile. Any help you I don't think so. Choose the features you Sterno furnaces. With a little practice can give me will be much appreciated. want and can afford. Kilns with similar anyone can use a jeweler’s torch to sin- —Jean Hornberger features are probably of equal merit, so ter PMC3 (see Studio PMC Fall 2001, V4N3, make your choice based on the kiln's and Winter 2001/02 V4N4). Our Technical Editor responded: size and cost. The big difference you'll Other options include kilns you rig up Hello Jean, find is that some kilns are made of brick from other heat sources, such as a jewel- It’s possible that your pyrometer, and others use a lightweight refractory er’s torch, like the one described by Nisa which measures kiln temperature, may foam. Aside from the weight, which only Smiley on page 7 of this issue. have slipped out of position while matters if you'll be moving your kiln being shipped to you. The pyrometer around, the brick units take longer to If I can torch fire PMC, has a temperature dial outside the reach temperature. why should I buy a kiln? kiln. Thermocouple wires run through Owning a kiln has changed my life. Okay, a hole in the wall and into the inside How dangerous are kilns? that's a bit overblown, but they are great of the kiln. If the wires slipped back Kilns are probably safer than toasters – things to have. I have used my PMC kiln inside the hole, they’ll register the first, because they are enclosed and sec- to sinter all kinds of PMC, to fuse enam- temperature inside the wall, not in the ond, because we don't take them for el, and to anneal metal. They can also be firing chamber, which naturally is granted. Locate the kiln so it has at least used to anneal glass, burnout flasks for much hotter. Try this suggestion and 8 inches clearance all around and set a , slump glass, and make dichroic let me know what happens. couple bricks or ceramic tiles in front to glass. And if by some chance you find you —Tim McCreight catch anything that might roll out. If don't use your kiln, they are easily resal- there are children or pets in the area, able. The Guild web site offers a new fea- Jean wrote back: take appropriate precautions. ture called "Buy, Sell, Swap" where I Dear Tim, often see people requesting used kilns. I took a look at the pyrometer wire, How about maintenance and repair? and, sure enough, it was sort of back Kilns are really quite simple and consist How much do kilns cost? inside the hole. I pulled it out all the of a heat-resistant box, a coil of metal that The cheapest kiln I know of is the way and tried another firing today. warms when electricity is passed through Ultralite, which sells for $130. There are a The pieces all came out just the way I it, and a switch, in some cases a switch number of annealing kilns sold for glass wanted them. I am so pleased. I'm linked to a temperature reading device. If work that come in around $400 to $450, wondering if this situation with the the "box" breaks, it can be mended with and the programmable PMC kilns are wire slipping in shipping might be cement from a pottery supply. If the coil running around $550. something other artists need to know breaks (and this is uncommon) you'll need when ordering a kiln—especially folks to contact the manufacturer for a replace- who are trying to do things on their ment. The switch is probably the most own as I am. Thanks for your help. —Jean Hornberger Feature Story

6 Keum-boo & PMC

Continued from front cover.

the positive attributes of the gold to the user. Keum-boo can be done on a hot plate covered with a 6”x6” steel, , or cop- per plate to distribute the heat evenly. I drilled my steel plate with a few holes to Confetti Pendant. PMC and Keum-boo. accommodate ear posts. 1-3/4” x 1-1/4” I make my own Keum-boo foil by rolling out a 1” x 1” piece of 30 to 36 gauge Turn on the hotplate, setting the tem- 24k gold sheet with a rolling mill until it perature between medium and high: the measures 0.03-0.05 mm in thickness. I exact setting will depend on the hotplate. sometimes have to place the gold The gold adheres to the surface between between two pieces of folder or 500˚F and 700˚F (260˚C and 370˚C). Once paper in order to continue rolling the you know what setting works with your metal to the desired thickness. particular hotplate, mark it on the dial To apply Keum-boo to PMC, cut with a marker. designs out of the gold foil with very Once you see the gold begin to slump, sharp scissors such as embroidery or take a burnisher and press the gold onto cuticle scissors. Place your completed the surface. I use two burnishers—one to PMC piece (tumbled or burnished) on the hold the gold in place and one to burnish unheated hotplate. Place the gold the gold onto the surface. I wear gloves designs on your PMC piece with tweezers when doing this technique, since the hot- or a moistened, narrow paintbrush. If plate gives off quite a bit of heat. necessary, use saliva to adhere the gold Keep a cup of cool water handy to cool to the metal surface. off your burnisher. The heat on the bur- Starburst . PMC and Keum-boo. nisher can cause the gold to adhere to it Baroque , oxidation. 2-3/4” x 1-1/4” instead of your piece. Using a traditional burnisher avoids such problems. After you have completed applying all the gold you want to apply, quench the piece in water. I then pickle the piece just as any other metalwork, and neu- tralize it in baking soda and water. I often lightly brass brush my pieces with dish soap and water for a final finish.

Estelle Vernon, Potomac, Maryland, is a studio jeweler and metalsmith. She is a resident artist at the Torpedo Factory Arts Center in Alexandria, Virginia, where her work can be seen in Metallum studio 201. Estelle is a member of SNAG, President of the Washington Guild of , member of the PMC Guild, and a certified PMC instructor. Estelle Confetti . PMC and Keum-boo. has been enthusiastically working in PMC 1/2” x 7/8” since 1998. Tech Tip

7 Carrying a Torch for PMC Figure 1 By Nisa R. Smiley Fire Bricks

I was introduced to Precious Metal Clay I used the concrete cylinder blocks to three years ago, and it changed my per- form a fire-proof and heat-resistant sur- spective on an art medium that I thought face on which to build my kiln. The terra- I knew pretty well. I am thrilled by the cotta plate holds the vermiculite, which limitless possibilities that this medium supports the PMC pieces while they are offers to artists of varying specialties. fired. The cookie spatula is used to Torch Pyrometer But like many artists, I have very little remove the hot PMC from the kiln. money (or no money!) to spend on an electric, programmable PMC kiln, so it Test #1 was with excitement that I received an The first test consisted simply of four assignment to come up with a reliable firebricks, one providing the base, two Do I Have to Buy a torch-firing technique for PMC+, on their sides forming an L-shaped wall Pyrometer? Mitsubishi's low-temperature-firing on the base, and the fourth brick cover- metal clay. The challenge was to design a ing the construction (Figure 1). I then set Nisa opted to use a pyrometer to homemade kiln made out of easily up the pyrometer, and pointed it into the verify the temperature her obtained, inexpensive materials that deepest corner. The torch was turned up homemade kilns achieved. This would allow consistent torch firing. I as high as possible, and hand-held point- is the ideal situation, since it tested three different setups, and found ing into the kiln. I was unable to achieve ensures adequate temperature one that worked. These are my results. a temperature higher than 700˚ F (370˚C). for the full firing cycle. However, In preparation for constructing and Since PMC+ requires a firing temperature portable digital pyrometers can testing homemade kilns for PMC+, I gath- of at least 1470˚F (800˚C), this test was a cost more than $100 – a big ered supplies consisting of the following: failure. expense for someone with limit- ed resources. If a pyrometer is not within ❍ 4 fire bricks, purchased from a local Test #2 pottery supply store (approximately For the second test, I used four fire- your budget, you can use the 4.5” x 2.5” x 9”) bricks, assembled like a house without a homemade kiln without it, says ❍ 4 concrete cylinder blocks, pur- roof or front wall, and then covered with Tim McCreight. It'll take a little chased from local hardware store a terra-cotta flower pot (Figure 2) pushed experimentation, but with prac- tice you'll be able to fire PMC ❍ 1 terra-cotta flower pot, size #14 to the back of the fire-brick structure. + (approx. 6” in diameter and 5” high), Again, I positioned the pyrometer as and PMC3 with reasonably reli- purchased from craft store deeply into the kiln as possible, and able results. ❍ 3 small terra-cotta plates, from craft applied the torch from the bottom of the To get a feel for how PMC store pot. Although I did reach a higher tem- fires in your kiln, take a pea- ❍ cheap cookie spatula, purchased at perature than in Test #1, I was unable to sized piece of PMC and squash local department store achieve a temperature higher than 1300˚F it into a pancake. Run the fir- ❍ vermiculite, from local gardening (705˚C) – still too low for successful firing ing cycle, paying attention to supply store of PMC+. The application of the torch how long you heat the kiln ❍ jeweler’s acetylene and air torch from the bottom caused the torch to before the PMC appears to be ❍ pyrometer (optional) snuff out very easily. I also noticed at the fully fired. Test the sample ❍ heat-resistant gloves (optional, but finish of this test that I had used up piece to see if it is fully fired. highly recommended) approximately one-sixth of my fuel, after If it isn't, you know you'll need only 15 minutes of use! Therefore, I to get the kiln to a higher tem- deemed this test a failure too. perature and/or heat the PMC longer. Continue experiment- ing until you get consistent Continues on page 9. results. Teaching

8 Creative Hearts by Sarah Ellen Smith

In November 2001, Grace Anne Alfiero, co- Jolynn is a person with a sunny smile and director of Creative Clay, Inc. in St. a fantastic sense of design and color. She is a Petersburg, Florida, asked me to become a part-time student at Creative Clay, and had part of Artlink, a mentor program that links been in some of the classes I taught. I was professional artists with adult student artists thrilled to be working with her one-on-one. with mental or developmental challenges. We jumped right in and began to draw, talk, The program was trying to link up 14 artists and take notes. I had brought a lump of PMC and students to produce a body of museum- with me to show her. When I explained to quality collaborative work that would be Jolynn that the pendant I was wearing was shown at the Florida Holocaust Museum, made from the clay her smile got bigger. Florida Craftsmen Gallery, and American "You mean this clay is silver?" she Stage Theater six months later. The local pub- asked and stroked her chin thoughtfully. lic television station was also interested in "We could press tiny flowers into the producing a documentary about the program, clay to make a pattern maybe?" With so I was asked if a PBS documentary crew that, our creative adventure began. could film the time I spent with my student. I We met often in the following months, eas- accepted with excitement. ily surpassing the 10 hours of the Artlink guide- I have been an artist, making jewelry, for lines. Most often we worked in my shop/stu- more than 25 years. There isn't much I haven't dio, and occasionally we would take walks to strung, hammered, molded, or soldered into find bits and pieces of things to press into the , , rings, or earrings. When clay. Eventually we used a semi-fossilized I thought about what kind of materials Jolynn, lizard, a dried sea horse, a dragonfly, and my Artlink student, might want to use, I other "little critters," as Jolynn called them. instantly thought of PMC. I knew from being We made molds, cut patterns in dried clay, a visiting artist/teacher at Creative Clay, a and used nearly every method I teach my so- Above: The sea horse pendant created by non-profit organization providing art therapy called "normal" adult students. With a little Jolynn and Sarah for the Artlink project. to the developmentally and mentally chal- extra patience and explanation, Jolynn was lenged, that any of the students would love to able to understand and use these techniques. work with PMC. We'd never had a chance to Jolynn also learned to make simple glass use it, though, because of budget restrictions. , which was amazing to watch, as she has This seemed like a perfect opportunity. the added challenge of a tremor in her hands. Our projects went from paper to metal. Each aspect of design, execution, and fin- ishing were new lessons for me because of Jolynn's unique vision. She liked the shiny tumbler finish of our PMC pieces, but insisted that they needed more detail. "We can use a teeny tiny brush with that black stuff," she pronounced after a few minutes of rubbing her chin. With details The Creative Hearts documentary of blackening solution, our sea horse about Artlink, produced by Ken Cherry popped right out. Many of her ideas were and public television station WEDU in just right for our collaborative efforts. Tampa, Florida, is scheduled to be dis- tributed to public television stations nationwide in the spring of 2003. Tech Tip

9 Carrying a Torch for PMC torch position Figure 2 for test #3 Continued from page 7. Other Forms of PMC Although test setup #2 did not Test #3 achieve an adequate tempera- In Test #3, I used the same kiln con- ture for PMC+, the 1300˚F tem- struction as Test #2, but this time I perature Nisa achieved is high introduced the torch (again, turned up enough for firing PMC3, which as high as possible and hand-held) requires a minimum tempera- through the hole on top of my home- torch position ture of 1100˚F (600˚C) for 30 min- for test #2 made kiln, in the pot's bottom. (Also utes, or a temperature of 1290˚F Figure 2) In this position, I was able to Although this setup doesn't offer the (700˚C) for 10 minutes. reach the desired temperature of ease of use of an electric kiln, it does The temperature of 1650˚F 1650˚F (900˚C), although I did experi- work for firing PMC+. There are still achieved by test setup #3 is high ence some fluctuation (+/- 20˚F). I held some costs associated with it, including enough to fire PMC3. (While hot this position for the 10 minutes the amount of fuel spent in torch firing. enough to fire original PMC, required to fire PMC+ without too But for experimentation with PMC or for maintaining the temperature pre- much temperature shifting. And so, my financially challenged artists like myself, cisely for the two hours required third test was successful in producing it's a workable alternative to purchasing makes it impractical.) a homemade kiln for PMC+. a PMC kiln.

Opening night for Artlink on June 12, Your Ideas Wanted 2002 was a huge gala and theatrical Have a neat technique for working event with many local celebrities and in PMC? Got a tip for solving a dignitaries. Jolynn looked great in a tricky situation? Just finish a piece wildly colored dress and dozens of bright you're particularly proud of? Share hair clips tucked into her new hair cut. it with your fellow PMC users by Only when she saw some friends from submitting it to Studio PMC! Creative Clay did she leave my side. We’re looking for full length arti- Watching her across the room I remem- cles, short tips, member news, and bered when I had told her our work would be photographs for Gallery and Portfolio. shown at the Florida Holocaust Museum. She All submissions will be considered. To had wondered why that museum would want Sarah Ellen Smith with her be returned, submissions must be to help people like her. I had told her one student, Jolynn. accompanied by a self-addressed reason was that some of the first people who envelope with appropriate postage. Sarah Ellen Smith lives in St. Petersburg, were killed by the Nazis were those with men- Both slides and digital images Florida. She teaches PMC throughout the tal and developmental challenges. "Well," she are accepted. For publication, all country and is currently preparing to help said, "they just didn't take the time to get to digital images must be a minimum take Artlink to Japan in March for a cultural know us." I feel very lucky to have been given of 300 dpi at an image size of 3” x exchange. the opportunity to get to know Jolynn. 5”. The TIFF file format is generally preferred, but JPEG is also accept- Artlink is the brainchild of Grace Anne able.Very large image files should Alfiero and Daniel Despathy-Tottenberg, co- be mailed to us on CD or ZIP disk. directors and founders of Creative Clay, Inc. Submissions may be sent to Cultural Arts Center located in St. Petersburg Studio PMC, P.O. Box 265, Mansfield, and Safety Harbor, Florida, and Asheville, MA 02048, or you can e-mail them to North Carolina. [email protected]. Gallery

10 GALLERY Call For Entries! To submit your photos to our Gallery send slides or prints to: MAILING ADDRESS Studio PMC, P.O. Box 265, Mansfield, MA 02048. Please include your name, address, country if outside the US, phone, e-mail address, a brief bio, photo credit, plus the size and materials used in your piece. Submission deadline for Summer 2003 issue is March 1, 2003! All designs are the property of the artists.

Biographies

Terry Kovalcik, a long-time illustrator of children's books, began polymer clay work in the early '80s and PMC work in the late '90s. "I fell in love with PMC, its versatility, quality, and seemingly magical properties," he writes. Elaine Luther Susan Nester has a background working Dancing Pendant. PMC pendant with with clay, and has been working with PMC green glass beads. 1-1/2" x 1" for about a year. "When I first learned about PMC, I felt it had been invented for me!" she writes. She is currently experi- menting with PMC/glass combinations.

Elaine Luther has an extensive back- ground in metalsmithing and jewelry, and designs her jewelry using an eclectic com- bination of techniques, including PMC. She has taught professionally since 1992, and is a certified PMC instructor.

Jan Regent has won numerous awards for her work in polymer clay, and has exhibited her work at shows throughout the United States. She recently discovered PMC. "After eight years as a polymer clay artist, I have made the switch to PMC+ and am thoroughly hooked," she writes.

Linda Classon recently retired from the corporate world. A new PMC artist, she focuses on Oriental and organically inspired . "I've only been working with PMC since spring [2001], but I just love the ability of PMC to make the metal seem so organic," she writes. She is Susan Nester currently experimenting with PMC and Two PMC pendants with dichroic glass dangles, dichroic glass designs. approximately 1-1/2” long. Gallery

11

Terry Kovalcik

Rocket dangle earrings. PMC with sterling findings. Oxidized areas are scratch-finished in a cross-hatch pattern. 1-5/16" x 1/2"

Jan Regent Pin with fine silver wire and peacock . 2"x 3/4"

Linda Classon PMC+ bamboo leaves with natural patina, set with a black Biwa pearl with peacock overtones. . Happenings

12 Happenings —News from the world of PMC

Studio PMC Now on CD! Call for Entries — CeCe's Book is Done! The PMC Guild will celebrate its fifth Positively Precious Metal Clay CeCe Wire, director of PMC Guild, has anniversary by releasing a complete The Artisans Center of Virginia, the offi- just finished a book on precious metal archive of Studio PMC on CD-ROM. The cial state craft center of Virginia, is clay jewelry, with expected publication CD includes articles and images from the mounting a show of PMC work and is by LARK Books in the coming months. first 20 issues of the Guild's quarterly looking for entries. Entitled "Positively Titled Creative Metal Clay Jewelry: newsletter in Adobe Acrobat PDF format, Precious Metal Clay," the show will "fea- Techniques, Projects, Inspiration, the readable on both Macintosh and ture work that incorporates a high level book covers 40 step-by-step projects in a Windows computers. The archive will of artistic sensibility with the limitless full range of technical ability. Enameling, also be keyword searchable, allowing possibilities of PMC." The juror is J. Fred raku, hollow construction, and box users to easily locate specific articles. Woell, a respected jewelry artist and building are some of the techniques fea- Guild members can order their copy for senior PMC instructor. tured in the projects section. A beefy just a $5 shipping fee, while non-members The show is open to all U.S. residents basics section features tools and equip- can buy copies for $15, plus $5 in shipping who work in either gold or silver PMC, ment, several different stone setting and handling. To order or for more infor- PMC+ or PMC3. Entries may include mixed techniques, and a variety of finishes mation, visit the Guild website at media, as long as the object is at least 51 including a rainbow of patination. Artists www.pmcguild.com or call 970-415-5503. percent precious metal clay. All entries featured in the Running Gallery include must be the artist's original design. Mary Ann Devos, Barbara Simon, Chris A Whale of a Lot of PMC Each artist may submit slides of three Darway, and Tim McCreight. Creative Precious Metal Clay has reached another pieces for consideration. Two slides per Metal Clay Jewelry: Techniques, Projects, milestone. Rio Grande reports that they piece will be considered: a full view and Inspiration will be available through shipped more than one metric ton of PMC a detail shot of each piece is permitted, Amazon.com beginning in March, with in 2002. That's 32,150 troy ounces. Or to for a total of six slides per artist. Pieces copies in U.S. bookstores in late April. put it another way, that's enough PMC to should be show-ready, and must be com- balance the scales with a newborn right mitted to the craft center for the dura- Lapidary Journal Profiles whale or a full grown giraffe on the other tion of the show, May 22 to July 3. Tim McCreight side. That's a lot of PMC in one year! For a prospectus, send an SASE to the Studio PMC technical editor Tim Artisans Center of Virginia, 601 McCreight is profiled in the January 2003 Shenandoah Village Drive, Waynesboro, issue of Lapidary Journal. The article by VA 22980, or download it from the Web Sharon Elaine Thompson traces Tim's site at www.artisanscenterofvirginia.org. career as a metalsmith and the develop- ment of his best-known book, The Complete Metalsmith. The book, first released in 1982 and revised in 1991, is currently being updated, with a release Submit your news to Happenings! of the newly revised version planned for later this year. Has your career reached a milestone? Have you won an award, or otherwise been recognized by your peers? We want to hear about Next Issue: Go for the Gold! it! Send your member news to Happenings, Studio PMC, P.O. Box In addition to its popular silver PMC, 265, Mansfield, MA 02048, or e-mail [email protected]. Mitsubishi produces a 24k gold version. In the next issue, we'll look at how you fire gold PMC, the creative ways PMC artists are using this material, and how gold and silver PMC can be used togeth- er. Plus, the introduction of a new prod- uct from Mitsubishi! Featured Artist

13 Hattie Sanderson — Featured Artist

A graphic artist by trade, Hattie Sanderson says she "quit the rat race" in 1988 to open her own studio focusing on batik, dyeing, and other fiber media. She began working in polymer clay and glass fusing seven years ago as a way to create unique embellishments and jewelry to complement her fiber work. That led her to PMC, which she started experimenting with soon after PMC+ was introduced. "It seems to me that every PMC artist you meet has a story to tell about how they stumbled upon this magical medium," she says. "I believe the diversity of artist PMC+ pendant slide with fine silver bezel wire backgrounds and the sharing of informa- and a kiln-formed dichroic glass cab. 1-1/4" x 2" tion are key in the evolution of PMC." Hattie prefers PMC+ over original PMC because she likes the material's lower shrinkage and the ability to embed ster- ling silver and lab grown stones in the clay. She sells her PMC pieces both wholesale and retail from her studio in Clare, Illinois, and teaches surface design (fabric) and polymer clay classes at The Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles, Illinois.

PMC+ brooch with sterling silver bezel cup filed flush with PMC+ and set with black ; liver of sulfur & ammonia patina. 1" x 2-1/2"

PMC+ brooch with fine silver bezel wire and a kiln-formed dichroic glass cab. 1-1/2" x 2-1/2" Readers’ Writes

14 Editor's Note: Welcome to Readers' Writes, a new column written by you, the Readers’ Writes readers of Studio PMC. Each issue, we'll pose a question and ask you to let us This Month's Question: know your answer. We'll print as many responses as possible in the next issue. How do you explain PMC To respond to this issue's question, or to suggest a question we should ask in a to potential customers? future issue, e-mail [email protected] This issue's question was asked via the PMC Guild's online forum and or write Readers' Writes, Studio PMC, the Metal Clay forum on Yahoo Groups. P.O. Box 265, Mansfield, MA 02048.

◆ I exhibit at many craft shows/fairs and of metal clay, but rather that they have squishy raw clay, shaped and dried (I use have spent over 25 years describing tech- been made using metal clay. If one thinks a simple stamp I have created), fired, and nique to my collectors. While I'm of metal clay as a process or technique, finished. People like this because they describing the processes used to make like soldering, casting, forging, roll- can touch it, and they are amazed at the my pieces, several things happen: printing, etc., then the finished product shrinkage. (I work a lot in original PMC 1. I'm having a continuing conversa- is always metal (fine silver or 24k gold), so I use that to illustrate.) tion with a new collector or a past col- not metal clay. —Catherine Davies Paetz lector who might purchase a new piece. —Linda Kaye-Moses 2. I'm having a conversation with ◆ I've been working on getting the other customers who just happen to be ◆ In the early '90s, a Japanese company description of the PMC medium into a con- eavesdropping on what I'm saying. invented a new process that involves cise description. I've noticed that if you go All of the above helps to make sales! pulverizing precious metals (silver or on too long you lose the customer's atten- Here's how I describe my work, depend- gold) into microscopic pieces. Then they tion. Here's my current short version: ing on the level of interest or the ques- mix the metal with an organic binder Shahasp: "This work is made of Precious tions asked by the collector: that gives it a clay-like consistency. I can Metal Clay. Have you heard of it?" 1. If a collector asks me what my piece shape the clay however I like it, then fire Customer: "No, I haven't." is made of I say: fine silver, sterling sil- it in a kiln to about 1600˚F, which makes Shahasp: "PMC is very finely powdered ver, 14k gold, precious stones, found the binder burn off and leaves behind pure silver or pure gold suspended in a objects, etc. nothing but the precious metal, in what- clay-like medium. This allows me to 2. If a collector asks me how I made ever shape I molded it. Then I have a shape the metal as if it were a ceramic. my piece, I describe the processes: fabri- pure silver (or pure gold) object. Then the piece is fired in a kiln and the cation techniques, including fold-form- Then they usually OOOO and AAHHH, powdered metal fuses together." ing, roll-printing, die-forming, soldering, and if they seem at all interested, I give This is as short and concise as I've stamping, forging, and metal clay. them my card to let them know that I sell been able to get it. 3. If a collector asks me what metal the clay & give lessons in its use. —Shahasp Valentine clay is, I say: Precious Metal Clay was —Barb developed by Mitsubishi and consists of ◆ For thousands of years, mankind has microscopic particles of silver suspended ◆ I have had great success explaining been forming things from metal in one of in an organic binder material, with a lit- PMC, and actually have had people buy two ways: Constructing from sheet and tle water added, that can be formed and just because it is PMC. I used to get the wire, and casting. In the 1990s, Mitsubishi then fired in a kiln. When the firing is "Oh, it's clay? Is it coated in silver?" Materials developed a new way to work completed, the binder and water have response until I changed my pitch. Now I with precious metal: clay. Precious Metal vaporized and what remains is pure or say "This is a new way to work with sil- Clay is made up of microscopic particles fine silver, which then needs to be fin- ver. It's mixed with a binder so it was of pure silver suspended in an organic ished and polished and incorporated in like clay when I worked it, but it's only binder. When the piece of PMC is dried the art piece. silver now." After I have explained it to and fired in a kiln, the binder burns out 4. If a collector wants to know more, I someone, I sometimes hear them and the pure silver fuses together and encourage her/him to take a class with explaining it to others if I'm busy! you have a pure silver object. me or someone in her/his home area (a I also use visual aids. I have a small —Edith Sanguinetti Alben wee bit of self-promotion never hurts). sign (6.5” x 9.5”) that says "What is PMC?" You may have noticed that I did not with an explanation. Below the card I Next Question: describe my pieces as having been made display PMC in the various stages— How have you used Gold PMC? Feature Story

15

What’s Your Sales Pitch —Should you market your work as PMC or fine silver?

By Suzanne Wade

The doors to the craft show have opened, "When you say 'precious metal clay,' and customers are beginning to make people think of clay in the traditional their way down the aisle. One stops at form," says Diana Contine of Dakota Moon your booth to look at your PMC jewelry. in New Hope, Pennsylvania. "So if I don't "What is this?" she asks. have time to educate at the moment, or if That question looms large for many in it's in a gallery or someplace I'm not there the PMC community. Do you answer "Fine to tell people what it is, I'll just put 'fine Silver" or "Precious Metal Clay"? Both are silver' down so [customers] understand technically correct, so the question is, that it is a precious metal." which will help you make the sale? On occasions when she has a longer Legally, any piece made exclusively contact with customers, Diana uses the from PMC can be stamped ".999 fine sil- fact that her pieces are made of PMC as ver." After firing, precious metal a sales tool. "I think people are clay is pure silver, and requires “I think fascinated by the fact that it's Triangle pendant of PMC+, brass, fine no further explanation. (Federal people are called a clay, but it's actually a silver, and sterling wire, by Celie Fago. law also requires that anything fascinated metal. It's like alchemy," she stamped with a mark – by the fact says. "It's like Merlin says, 'I'm the piece itself, not the materials it is fine silver, sterling, 24k gold, etc. that it's going to turn this clay into a made of, says Pam Lacey of Wilton, – must also be stamped with a called a piece of silver.' It's like magic." Connecticut, a PMC artist with a back- registered trademark. This law clay, but Educating the customer does ground in the corporate world as a prod- applies to any piece sold across it's actually take time, though, and runs the uct development specialist. "Fine silver state boundaries.) The marks may a metal.” risk that the customer won't appeals to people [because] I can say this be applied either before or after firing. understand the value of the piece. is pure silver, and it's more valuable than But while it is perfectly accurate and "People invariably don’t know what the sterling, all words that people love," she legal to describe PMC pieces simply as heck I’m talking about until at least the explains. "But if you have a really ugly "fine silver," many artists choose to mar- second time [through the explanation]," piece of fine silver, and a beautiful piece ket their pieces as PMC. "The whole thing says Celie Fago of Bethel, Vermont, who of sterling, the sterling is going to sell." about selling hand-crafted work is that tailors the detail of her PMC explanation The same is true of PMC. "PMC just hap- people are buying the magic of the to the apparent interest of the customer. pens to be a way to get there," Pam says. artist's life and how the piece is made," "I think it's confusing primarily to hear it's "If you have something gorgeous, and the says PMC artist and certified PMC a clay/it's a metal. It's really thrilling when person is attracted to [the piece] because instructor Elaine Luther of Chicago. "To they make that connection in their minds. it is gorgeous, and you tell them it's made me, technique is always a selling point. And once they see the stuff and get con- of PMC, that's gravy. It's the ribbon tied on Whatever technique I use, I explain to vinced, then they invariably get excited." the bag that they weren't expecting." people what it is." The danger with that excitement is So should you or shouldn't you sell Since she sells primarily through gal- that PMC will be seen as a fad. "If all you your pieces as PMC? The answer depends leries, Elaine includes a hang tag with an have time for is the newness [of PMC], on both you and your customers. When explanation of what PMC is on one side, you have to be careful. You may be get- students ask her the question, Celie says and an artist's statement on the other on ting on a slippery slope that will require she "usually probes them a little bit about each piece. Other artists choose to keep you to be new again next year," says their market, and that usually gives me a the PMC aspect of their marketing more Studio PMC Technical Editor Tim little time to observe their skills at informal, labeling the pieces simply as McCreight. explaining themselves, and how they view "fine silver" and leaving the explanation To avoid that pitfall, artists must their market and even a little psychology – of PMC to the sales patter. remember that the key selling point is Continued on page 16. Questions & Answers 16 Questions and Answers

Do you have a PMC question for Tim, our Technical Editor? Mail your PMC tech questions to Tim McCreight,2 Technical Editor, Studio PMC, 34 Danforth St., Portland, ME 04101. E-mail [email protected]

P=MCQ: Drilling Holes Q: How fast to heat PMC? Q: Late Additions? How can I drill holes for findings, jump My kiln has five settings for the speed at After a piece is made and dried but not rings, and chains in fired PMC? which the temperature rises. I know PMC fired, can I add more unfired PMC, or do I needs to be fired at 1650˚F (900˚C) and PMC+ have to fire the piece and solder on silver? A: is fired at 1470˚F to 1650˚F (800˚C to 900˚C) The best tool for drilling is a motorized but how FAST should the heat be increased? A: rotary drill with a bead reamer You can add PMC to a piece you've set, but you can also use conventional drill A: already built, before or after firing. bits. Just be aware that fine silver, includ- The rate at which a kiln heats up is called Imagine that you've made a piece, consid- ing PMC, is "gummy." Tiny pieces sheared the "ramping speed." How fast to reach ered it done, and set it aside to dry. Later, off in drilling or sawing don’t break off temperatures is determined by you decide it needs an additional orna- cleanly, but smear and distort. To compen- the relationship of thickness and damp- ment in one corner. Put a drop or two of sate when drilling, use the slowest speed ness of your PMC pieces. Moisture in the water on the corner and give it a few sec- and lightest pressure possible. Let the tool PMC turns to steam, which is driven off onds to soak in. Press on fresh PMC and do the work and give it time. Lubrication is in the kiln. If a piece is thin (no thicker model it to the desired shape. In firing, helpful: touch the tip of the drill bit with than a penny), even a piece that has the two elements will join just as if they beeswax, a candle-stub, or a product like dried for just a half hour will lose its were made at the same time. Further, if Bur-Life. Most diamond tools require a bit moisture without a problem at a fast you decide you should add ornamentation of water for extensiveQ drilling. Either stand ramping speed. But thicker pieces (a to a fired piece, press on some PMC, allow at the sink and work under a trickle of tap quarter of an inch or so) can Ablister if it to dry, and refire just as before. The water, or work over a dish of water, dip- they’re still damp when fired quickly new PMC will bond completely to the first ping the tip of the tool periodically. For because the steam, in trying to escape, piece. Remember that the second piece light drilling or enlarging, I skip the water can actually deform the PMC. The solu- will shrink, but the first piece has already altogether even though it may shorten the tion for thicker pieces? If you must fire reached its final size. When designing the life of the tool by a hole or two. them while they’re damp, ramp them parts, the element you add should look a very slowly. A better way is to pre-dry bit over-sized and out of proportion. It &them with a hair dryer, in a kitchen will shrink and look right after firing. oven, or by air drying overnight. An When adding to solid metal, you must alternative is to set your kiln on a slow double the firing time to allow solid fusing ramp speed until the moisture has been of the parts. This refiring technique is an driven off, then increase the speed. alternative to soldering. It’s most success- ful if the fired PMC element is clean.

Sales Pitch Continued from page 15. like what kind of rapport they have with artist is several steps removed from his that path without hesitation, as well. their clients." If the student has the sales customers. "If you're shipping things all "It's really about knowing your audi- skills and the opportunity to educate over the country, and trying to decide ence," says Pam. "You have to know their clientele, Celie encourages them to whether in a tiny little space to put PMC your customer, how to talk to them, and market their pieces as PMC. "I think it or 999, I think the best answer is to how to close that sale. … Where you're helps everybody, including those of us stamp it 999, and then have a nice story marketing [your jewelry] and what who love PMC, if they go into some detail card that explains it," she says. you're doing will determine whether about it," she says. And if selling your pieces as "fine sil- you call it fine silver or PMC." But that may not be the case if the ver" works best for you, you can take PMC Classifieds

17 PMC CLASSIFIED ADS

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Free Classified Ads for PMC Guild Members • Subscription to Studio PMC Classified ads in Studio PMC are a great way to buy, sell, swap, or give away • Back issues and multiple PMC-related products, tools, classes, firing services, more. copies of Studio PMC • Professional listing in the • Reach over 1,000 serious PMC artists. official PMC Guild Directory • Up to 25 words, no pictures. • Free first classified ad in Studio PMC. • First ad FREE for PMC Guild members. To renew membership to the PMC Guild: • Nominal fee for subsequent classified ads. • MAIL this form and check to PMC Guild, 417 West Mountain Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80521. • PHONE us at 970-419-5503 and charge it. Submission deadline for Summer, 2003 issue: March 15, 2002. • FAX form to 970-419-5504 and charge it. Mail, fax, or e-mail to PMC Guild. See p. 2 for contact information. • DIAL UP our secure server to enroll on the web and charge it by following the links at www.PMCguild.com. Sign me up for: Call for SUBMISSIONS ❑ 1 year $25 ❑ 2 years $40 ❑ 3 years $55

PMC Guild members are the VANGUARD To be returned, submissions must be Name: ______of the PMC community. You are among accompanied by a self-addressed enve- Business Name: ______today's most dedicated and innovative lope with appropriate postage. Address: ______craftspeople. As you explore new tech- City: ______State: ______Zip: ______niques and ideas for working with Submission Guidelines: Phone (day): ______Fax:______PMC, please send news, photos, and Visit www.PMCguild.com and follow Phone (eve):______articles to Studio PMC — we'll share the links under "Newsletter." E-mail: ______❑ your discoveries with the people who'll Payment: Check or Money Order Enclosed Charge Card: ❑ Visa ❑ Mastercard appreciate your breakthroughs most: Studio PMC MAILING ADDRESS Card Number: ______other PMC Guild members. Studio PMC, P.O. Box 265, Expiration Date:______Name on Card ______All submissions will be considered Mansfield, MA 02048. Billing Address on card IF different from above: ______for publication in Studio PMC or other E-mail to: [email protected] ______PMC Guild publications. Signature ______(Required for charge card) PMC Marketplace

18 StudioADVERTISE PMC in Studio PMC If your company or business markets PMC-related products, tools, or services, here’s the best way to reach out to nearly 2,000 serious, dedicated PMC artists. Contact our Advertising Manager, Carl Stanley, for specifications, deadlines, and prices for larger Marketplaceads. Phone: 805-687-5415. Fax: 805-687-3215. E-mail: [email protected]

www.gemresources.com PMC Marketplace Studio PMC 19 Marketplace

the sky is the limit Turn to the books that the pros use…

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262 North Street ¥ Bennington, VT (802) 447-1778 ¥ www.spectrumwebworks.com WORKSHOPS • FEATURE STORIES • DEPARTMENTS • HOW TO • QUESTIONS & ANSWERS • TECH TIPS

20 NEW! Tips & Tricks from Studio PMC Readers We're getting ready to introduce a new column in Studio PMC, and we need your help. The column, Tips & Tricks, will offer short suggestions for working with PMC, such as the hints from Celie Fago printed below. If you've made a discovery or have a solution to a common problem, we invite you to share it with Studio PMC readers by e-mailing [email protected] or by writing to Tips & Tricks, Studio PMC, P.O. Box 265, Mansfield, MA 02048. Photos and illustrations are welcomed.

Tips from Celie Fago Prevent PMC From Drying Rather than unwrapping and then re- dampened kitchen sponge or paper wrapping a lump of PMC as you use it towel up into the glass. Hydrated in this during the day, try the following: Put the way, PMC will remain viable for days. unwrapped lump on your work surface and cover it with plastic wrap. Set a No-Stick Rolling drinking glass upside down over the Even if you use olive oil on your work PMC, so the plastic stays pressed to the surface when rolling out PMC, it's likely work surface. I leave PMC out like this to stick. Flipping the PMC over every two for days at a time in the summer. In the or three times you roll across it will pre- winter, when it's drier, I push a piece of vent it from sticking. S renew NOW to continue your subscription uninterrupted. next issue of Studio PMC (February, May, August, and November issues), you need to date your PMC Guild Membership EXPIRES. If expiration falls before the TIME tudi www.PMCguild.com Mansfield, MA 02048 P by mail, fax, or e-mail [email protected] Name & Address incorrect? .O. Box 265 ORENEW your Guild membership? TO o PMC Send corrections to the PMC Guild THE DATE on this mailing label is the U.S. POST PERMIT No.00 PONTIAC, IL PRSR P AID T STD AGE