Was delighted to receive a PMC kit for xmas and finally got round to trying to make a couple of pendants. Got very excited when I got the blow torch out but although there is something very exciting about seeing clay turn to silver I was a bit disappointed with the results.

The instructions I had said tokeep the whole thing orange and cool things a little if it wnet dark orange or red (a colour guide would help!) - As far as I could see the colour stayed fine but at one stage the whole thing seemed a bit fluid so I pulled back on the torch - too late - part of the design melted away to nothing!

I was also unprepared for the pendant to curl and this panicked me slightly as well although one of them went back flat.

I am keen to try and improve but PMC is expensive so - is there anything that I can do so my next project comes out looking more like what I had intended or should I buy a DVD or would it be best to book on a course.

Any advice really welcome. Thanks!!

Hi

First of all - welcome to the addictive world of PMC!!! If you can find a class nearby then I would definitely recommend it. I teach PMC classes (not an advert I promise, I'm in Cheshire!!) and a beginners class can really set you on the right road (as long as it's a good teacher of course!).

With regards to firing - it does take some practice. The fluidy look is definitely not good!! You should have had some warning signs first though - dark orange / red colour. I usually suggest that you try do to your first couple of firings in a darkened room, or create a shadow over your piece. You'll see the colour of the glow much better. Also try purposely heating a piece to melting point (again in the dark) so that you can see the colour changes and then the point that it'll melt.

Keep the flame moving all the time, don't aim it at the piece and use the cooler part of the flame.

The curling is normal! It will flatten back down.

Keep trying with it, it can be expensive in the early stages when you feel that your pieces aren't good enough, but it really is practice. If you need some help finding a local class PM me and I'll give you some websites where you can look.

Hope this helps

Rebecca

Thank you - that is helpful - I think I will go on a course and I have seen a couple near me but is there any way of knowing whether the teacher is good?

Sandra

A good way to find a qualified teacher in your area is to check out

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. If you click on the tab for classes you can find out if there are any near you and once you have a name you can check for reviews of that teacher on the website.

Hi Sandra

As Kallyloo said, you can check the PMC Guild's website. I may be wrong but they aren't necessarily qualified in any way just because they're on the list. As long as you're a member of the guild you can list your classes on the site.

Another website to check is

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they also list classes by County.

If you find someone locally to you, call or email them, ask them if they are Level 1 or 2 (or both) certified. That way at least you know they've attained a certain level of competence. Also, I'm always happy to show people pictures of my work, so that may be something else to ask them.

Good luck and if you need any more help just ask!

Rebecca

Hi Sandra,

You've been given very good advice here already. You mentioned a colour chart would be helpful when torch firing. If you download the beginner's project on my site (

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) there is actually a colour chart showing the colour to aim for.

When you're looking for teachers, also have a look at

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and look at Classes and Instructions. All the teachers listed there will be at least Level 1 Certified.

In Hampshire I can personally warmly recommend Hilary Bowen, an old student of mine. She's been running classes for a couple of years now, I think, and she is an excellent instructor.

We also sell a DVD with instructions, which is the next best step to taking a class. However, taking a class is well worth doing when you're starting out - nothing beats a good teacher who can give you hands-on experience and getting together with lots of other people seeing what they are doing and how they use the clay. It is very inspirational, and usually loads of fun!

Have fun!
Petra

I can definitely recommend Hilary as well - her website is

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. A friend and I went on one of her beginners courses just before Christmas and we both loved it. She taught us everything we needed to get going, and we made 3 pieces of jewellery each while we were there. Give her a ring about the next class dates - she's very friendly and helpful!
Jo x

Well it so happens that Hilary has a place available on Saturday's course so I have booked! I will let you know how I get on......
Sandra

That was good luck!! Enjoy the day - notepad and pen will be invaluable!!!

Let us see some piccies!

Rebecca

Great that you found someone so quickly. You will enjoy it so much, good luck.

How exciting! You'll love it, I'm sure. Bring a camera and show us some pics of what you did.

Have fun! I'm hoping to go on one of Hilary's improver courses later in the year.

Went on the course today and here is the pic of the items I made - and took home

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It was a lovely day with lovely people and I really enjoyed myself. Am trying to upload slightly better pics of the individual items but - truth be told - everyone present made something very wearable (and also saleable).

Can't understand why more people are not hooked!!

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After everything crashing a couple of times I realise I didnt upload the pic of all the items but I think you get the general gist!

Sandra

oh they're really lovely pieces! well done!

I have ordered a starter kit for pmc. I'd love to go to a class though first.