In this course five projects show how to add smaller gemstones and other standard-sized but un-firable elements to your metal clay creations, using pre-fabricated or purchased bezel cups. You can simply incorporate bezel cups into your metal clay pieces, eliminating the need to solder.
If you have a bunch of gemstones and cabochons around that you purchased because you thought they were really nice and wanted to use some day, now you can.
There are five projects – six videos – made in this course to show you how to use pre-fab bezel cups in just about any design.
- Black Spinels – Square and Set on a Flat Piece
- Amethysts – Tiny round, flat-back rounds sunk into Piece
- Ring – Popular ring with Oval Set on Curved Piece
- CZ Post Earrings – Faceted, Pointed-Back CZ Set in Open-Backed Bezel Cup
- Rhodochrosite Pendant – Large and Tall Appearance
Each project follows the same five steps.
- Decide on Stone and Design the Piece
- Make the Piece to Hold the Bezel Cup
- Prepare and Add the Bezel Cups
- Fire and Finish
- Set the Stone or Cabochon
This is a Beyond-the-Basics course. What is not taught are the basic skills needed for working with metal clay, such as rolling and cutting clay, drying and sanding, firing and finishing.The exception to this would be if a certain step or skill applied directly to using bezel cups.
As usual, you watch the videos then go to your workstation and make what ever you want.
Your Instructor
Kris designs and makes fine and sterling silver, minuscule sculptures, pendants, earrings, charms, and rings. Her work features landscapes, wildlife, and tracks. Her main medium is precious metal clay.
Kris is a PMC Certification Instructor certified by PMC Connection (not longer in existence) and Rio-Rewards Certified by RioGrande.
In 2012 Kris “passed with distinction the certification review” by the Montana Arts Council, signaling that she has developed a sustainable business in art. The additional honor of distinction was awarded based on a demonstrated depth of understanding of her art and the development of a strong brand suited for her specific business niche.
Kris is currently teaching, maintaining her silver business, and working on submissions to the Metal Clay Masters Registry. She achieved Level 1 in 2017, Level 2 in 2018, and is listed as a Master in Masters Registry.