Newtown Shop Showcases

Precious Metals Fired In Stone

By Kendra Bobowick

Jewelry artist Lis-el Crowley rolled out mini slabs of clay then traced decorative designs or pressed patterns on its thin surface. Leaning closer to see her results, which would ultimately be worked into precious metal jewelry, were roughly 15 participants in a class at Bead of Roses at 274 South Main Street on Saturday, February 11.

Ms Crowley of Art & Soul Gallery in Windsor demonstrated the craft of making jewelry from precious metal clays.

While guests shopped the bead and jewelry cases in the store, a group of men and women squeezed around the large table in back where Ms Crowley gave her demonstrations and talked about her craft.

She walked guests through the steps of creating precious metal jewelry.

According to her website, ArtAndSoulct.com, precious metal clay, also known as PMC, art clay silver, metal clay, etc, is made up of particles of precious metal held together with water and an organic binder.

After a metal clay object has been fired with a torch or in a kiln, the water is eliminated and the binder is burned away, leaving behind pure, precious metal. Originally produced in gold and silver forms, it is now available in copper, bronze, and stainless steel.

Bead of Roses owner Lisa Rose said she likes welcoming various artists like Ms Crowley to her store on a regular basis.

Speaking with customers, but with one eye looking in on the workshop, Ms Rose talked about upcoming artists and workshops she will host in coming months.

“The neat thing [with workshops] is, people are inspired and creative,” she said. The afternoon demonstrations, which are open to the public, are a “relaxed, feel-good environment.”

Ms Rose watched the group of participants — children included — as they listened to Ms Crowley. “There are magic moments; when kids come in and they do something on their own, it’s instant gratification. They can wear [their jewelry] right away,” she said.

Turing her attention again to the jewelry making in back, Ms Rose listened briefly before a customer’s questions drew her attention away.

Visit the website AbeadOfRoses.com for dates of upcoming workshops.