Just Getting Started with ACS

[Metalman]

Let's see - Must haves for Art Clay.
1] a plastic roller for rolling out sheets of clay
2] some of the teflon sheets to work on
3] clay form and syringe form of ACS
4] A method for firing your work
5] miscellaneous tools to texture and work the clay
6] one of the books or videos so you know how to get started.

This is the minimal answer - I will post several more working up the scale. I also recommend the forum thread on tools.

[Metalman]

Check the Art Clay World website for east coast class info

[Polly]

[I'm re-posting this question that originated in another forum, and adding some variations.]
If I'm just getting started with silver clay, and am on a limited budget, what are the bare necessities?
For starters, assume that I'm going to make pendants, earrings and other items that are not rings... what tools and clay should I start with, and what's a good but inexpensive firing method?
Now what if I want to do a little fancier stuff?  What should my second batch of tools and/or clays consist of?
And what if I need to repair something I made?  (Maybe this should be part of the first question.)
Now what if I want to make rings?
What "questions about the basics" have I missed?
Anyone out there, feel free to add more questions!

[quicksilver]

Hi Again!

I didn't know where to post this - I know there is a PMC guild but is there an organization for Art Clay Silver? Also how can I find out about classes in my area Baltimore/Washington DC?
Thanks

[lexs_creations]

Quote (Metalman @ Aug. 04 2003,10:35)

Let's see - Must haves for Art Clay. 1] a plastic roller for rolling out sheets of clay 2] some of the teflon sheets to work on 3] clay form and syringe form of ACS 4] A method for firing your work 5] miscellaneous tools to texture and work the clay 6] one of the books or videos so you know how to get started. This is the minimal answer - I will post several more working up the scale. I also recommend the forum thread on tools.

I have some more questions on this.  I want to try ACS but am on a VERY limited budget, and it seems so expensive!  I want to know if I can start out with it in a way that would be affordable (read: under $100).  If this is impossible, please tell me and I will just shelve that idea until I'm more financially stable.  :'>

Would I have to go someplace with a kiln in order to fire it?  (I'm assuming the answer is yes, at least on my budget, but y'never know.)  My studio is in my apartment, so I can't do anything too risky here.

Thanks,
Lex

[Metalman]

Follow this link to the posts on firing.  Once you figured out a firing method, then the main body of your $ will go for materials. If you can find a short intro class in your area, that will probably be worth the investment.  ACS is a great material, and easy to work with but the easiest way to get started with a few work tips is an intro class


http://www.rings-things.com/cgi-bin....8;t=323

[LynnK]

I've seen the ACS beginners kits for around $129...I'd love to give it a try, is the kit a good deal for someone who wants to experiement?

[Metalman]

STARTER RECOMMEDATIONS
1] Look for the new Rings & Things tool kit for Metal Clay on the website in the next couple of weeks.  We are literally putting the final touches on the kit right now.  Check it out in Tucson in FEB.  if you are there.

2]I would say the minimum material would be 1 20gm pkg of clay, 1 20gm bottle of paste & 1 syringe w/ tips.  This is what I like my students to start with when I teach.

3] I think an afternoon or one day class in Art Clay working is really worth the investment.

[LynnK]

I would love to take a class, but haven't ever seen any offered in my area (Omaha, NE).  Maybe you could teach one at the next trunk show? ;-)

Thanks for the advice. I'd really love to try this medium out and will look for classes in KC or Mpls since I get to both semi-frequently.

Lynn