SILVER METAL CLAY DIPLOMA
FAQs
Q. Will the Diploma in Silver Metal Clay Proficiency allow me to get a discount when purchasing clay?
A. Ours is an independent qualification, which is not linked to suppliers or discounts. Our course focuses on the quality of your work; not financial incentives. However, there are a few suppliers who will offer a discount to our customers and we can provide you with a list of these during your class.
Q. Will this course teach me about PMC and Art Clay?
A. The majority of our projects will use the various types of PMC (clay, syringe, sheet etc) but a few projects will be made in Art Clay. We don’t mind which brand you use because our classes focus on quality and craftsmanship. You can learn in-depth about Art Clay on our Level 1 and Level 2 Certification classes but all the techniques learned apply to each brand of clay so your skills will be transferable.
Q. Do I have to pass all four grades to get my Diploma?
A. Yes, the Diploma consists of four separate grades. Remember that each of the four grades stands alone as a significant achievement and you will receive a Certificate of Competency for each grade. Some people decide they don’t want the whole Diploma and just attend various Grades to update their skills so they gain their certificates but not their Diploma.
Q. I want to study for the Diploma but I don’t want to teach classes; is there an option for me?
A. Yes. We have developed another option for the Grade 4 of the Diploma, which will focus on Design and Construction. During this two-day class you will learn about the principles and elements of design. With this information in mind you will construct an advanced project to your own design and take part in a group critique of each persons work. This class will suit students who want to progress to a higher level in their artistic and technical abilities. There will still be a written test of your silver clay knowledge on both types of Grade 4.
Q. I have already completed my Diploma but I would like to gain an additional Grade 4 to learn more about design and construction. Can I do both of the Grade 4 classes?
A. Yes. If you have already completed your Diploma and fancy adding Design and Construction to your qualifications simply sign up for our new Grade 4 on line.
You will get an additional printed Grade 4 Certificate as well as a second printed Diploma in Silver Metal Clay Proficiency for your wall.
Students currently in the process of studying for their Diploma have the opportunity to achieve one or both of the Grade 4 qualifications.
Q. How do I pass each Grade?
A. We have devised projects, which will give you a broad understanding of working with metal clay and introduce you to a wide variety of techniques. Within each project you will have some design freedom. For instance everyone in class will make a pair of earrings but you have a wide choice about the size, shape and texture for your earrings. The assessment criteria are clearly laid out and given to you at the beginning of the class so you will know exactly what standards we are looking for when you are making each piece. During each Grade you will take home half a dozen finished silver pieces. You can see exactly what you will be making during each class on our website.
Q. What happens if my Metal Clay projects don’t pass the assessment criteria during the class?
A. It often happens that a piece doesn’t work out quite right and at home you can simply recycle your silver clay and make the item again. However in the classroom situation we have a lot of work to get through so because of time constraints it isn’t always possible to remake the piece to a high enough standard on the day. Don’t worry though; these projects don’t fail (we don’t use the ‘F’ word!). Instead they are ‘Held Over’ for resubmission. You will be able to remake or adjust items in your own time at home and post them to us after the class. There is no time limit on resubmissions. The teacher will explain why the item is “Held Over’ and offer suggestions for improvement. Once your resubmitted items reach the assessment criteria standards we will send you the relevant Certificate.
Q. Will the teacher show me what to do?
A. For each project the teacher will first show you an example of the type of finished piece you will make. The teacher will then give you a physical demonstration of how to make your project, pointing out the important features along the way. You will also be given written notes describing the project so you can take these home with you.
Q. Is there a time limit to how long it takes me to pass the grades of the Diploma?
A. No, you can continue to take grades over any length of time you choose.
Q. Is all my Silver Clay included in the cost of the class?
A. There is enough clay provided for all the projects you are expected to make but only if you don’t make large pieces. If you prefer to work large you will need to buy more clay. The teacher will have some supplies of extra silver clay for sale at market price. You are welcome to bring your own Silver Clay with you but please check with the teacher about the suitability of the clay before you begin.
Q. Why is the 10-day Diploma Intensive (Grades 1-4 in quick succession) more expensive than booking each of the four grades individually?
A. The best way to learn about Metal Clay is gradually and we offer a financial incentive for you to study this way. You will have a deeper understanding of how to produce quality work if you can attend one Grade then go away and work with those skills for a period of time before adding new skills. Ideally it might take you several months, a year or even more to complete the Diploma. As an incentive to learn gradually, the cost is lower for you to attend separate Grades over a period of time. Therefore if you choose to attend the Intensive course it is more expensive.