Sherri Haab & BronzCLay



Naturally we were delighted to welcome Sherri Haab back to Edinburgh, and this time she brought along her Husband! Here is summary of our fantastic weekend!

This two day class focused on BronzClay and etching techniques. We spent the first day of the two days getting to grips with the BronzClay. Everyone got 100g to play with and loved the freedom that this gave as there were no worries about messing up with the Bronzclay! Everyone was free to experiment and literally play with the clay in a way they perhaps had not felt able to with precious metal clay.

We rolled it, modeled it, stamped it, carved it, cut it, in fact you name it - we did it! Some really stunning pieces were made! We dried them and finished them carefully ready for firing. It was fun loading the firing pan for the kiln! Sherri managed to get the majority of the clay into the pan for firing. We used many layers and a slow nine hour firing schedule and finished up for the day.

The next day Sherri, Dan and I, prepared for the class by unloading the kiln and firing pan and checking over all the beautiful work! As the students came in they were all one by one thrilled with their pieces of fired BronzClay. As the excitement levels rose the volume got louder! We all managed to quieten down a little for Dan Haab's turn to talk. He shared with us the background to his new very easy and environmentally friendly etching method! After we had covered the (very important) technical side we got to work choosing our pictures and ironing them onto our copper blanks. There followed a period of rubbing, cutting and taping - and an hour or so later we all had a piece ready to etch. As the etching took place we took a break for lunch (and shopping) and then on our return brushed up our fired BronzClay. I left my Hollow Lentil Bead (above right) with its Patina and some even managed to make their pieces into finished jewellery (below)

Towards the end of the day we cleaned and rinsed off our beautiful and crisp copper etched plates and started to reluctantly finish up the class. I really don't think anyone wanted to leave! I think every one had a wonderful time. I'd just like, once again, to thank Sherri and her Husband, from all of us at The Little Bead Shop, for such a fantastic weekend!

For more information on BronzClay and supplies please contact us on 0131 228 5058.