PMC Courses

[Akasha]

Hi

I am a bit confused with some of the PMC Courses and if they need to be accredited or not? How qualified do you need to be to join the PMC Guild and does anyone offer accredited courses in the North West?

[Helen Olliver]

Hi Akasha,

With any precious metal clay course you should be able to join the guild if you're interested. I belong to the Art Clay World UK Guild which costs a small annual fee as I use mostly Art Clay Silver in my work. There is also the Precious Metal Clay Guild UK.

When looking for a course, you need to check the tutor has qualified in using Art Clay or PMC and has a certificate as they will have followed the relevant curriculum. Art Clay World UK have Certified instructors who have passed Level 1 (like myself) and senior instructors who have passed Levels 1 and 2 to qualify.

Both the Art Clay World UK Guild and Precious Metal Clay Guild UK websites have a list of qualified instructors around the UK for you to search.

I hope that helps.

Helen :)

[Akasha]

(welcome)A bit but costs seem to vary, I have been offered a franchise but seems expensive following research.

[Helen Olliver]

Hi Akasha, I've sent you a PM in reply.

[pepperpot]

Have a look at metalclayacademy as this is a resource website for all things metal clay!

Its been put together by a lady who also teaches at the mid cornwall school of jewellery. It's a great resource and hopefully will give you some information about qualified teachers in your area.:)

[Akasha]

Thanks Pepperpot, will do.

[perkypets]

Akasha

I would always suggest when learning anything join a class recommended by others.
An acredited tutors does not always mean a fun and informative lesson it just means they know (should know) their product.

Many bead shops have details on local tutors. Mine is Beading Crafty and they have very good value 1/2day classes. A nice idea for a taster class to see if PMC if for you and only £40. Pretty good value.

[Akasha]

I understand but when paying good money out, accreditation can be important! My intro to PMC was £110 and an appalling course, I didnt really learn anything.

Today I did an Artclay course which was interesting but this tutor said silver clay courses didnt exist? I am booked on one next week and now totally confused. Also everyone gives different prices for set up materials, any advice would be appreciated.

[Cookie]

Hi Akasha
I am looking for good classes at the moment too. Can I ask which company was running the class you found appalling so I can avoid looking into that one?! Thanks

[Akasha]

Where are you based?

[Cookie]

Hiya, I'm in Norfolk

[Akasha]

I am not in your area but there are alot of courses in the South, I would recommend checking out the PMC or ArtClay Guild websites as they list accredited trainers.

[Carl Martin]

I'd suggest anyone who is considering any course whatsoever go to the persons premises / studio and meet them in person where possible and at the very leasy have a lengthy telephone conversation to ensure peace of mind if that is not possible. You can atleast have first hand experience of location, setting and equipment on offer. One of the biggest questions to ask is what is the size of the class / course / workshop or student teacher ratio is run.

[Akasha]

Still confused?

Basically it appears PMC now have accredited courses and instructors are on their website, however on the metalclay guild website it states basically anyone can teach PMC.

I find this website confusing as I went on a Silver Clay Course last week thinking the teacher was accredited as she was listed on the Metalclay Guild, but this wasnt the case??

Anyone shed any light on this.

[Fired Silver]

Hi Akasha

I'll try my best to fill you in!!

Basically, as with any subject anybody can set up to teach. How do you know they're any good?

Them having certifications themself is a good starting point as you know they've been through training in particular subjects. Art Clay have levels 1 & 2. After teaching Level 1, they allow you to be listed on their Guild website for Introductory Classes, after gaining Level 2, you can then go on to teach Certification classes yourself.

With PMC, historically they had 2 levels as well, but you could only take the Certification classes at The PMC Studio, and they didn't have any other tutors offering certification around the country. That has now changed, and the PMC Studio have Area Training Centres (ATC) offering their Certification Modules (there are now 3 modules). Nobody will be listed on the PMC Studio's website unless they are an official ATC.

Then there's the Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery, and they offer their own certification courses.

Phew! So investigate the certifications the tutor has as a starting point. Then look at pictures of their work, is it well made? Is it a style you like?

How long have they been using PMC or Art Clay, this is another major factor in my opinion. How knowledgable are they - certification only gets you so far.

There are lots of bad courses out there unfortunately, and as Carl says anyone worth their salt will happily talk to you on the phone, or let you visit the studio first. I teach in Cheshire and have been for the last couple of years. I love teaching, and would have no problem if someone wanted to come and meet me first. I've just become one of the PMC Studio's ATC so am about to start running the Certification Classes which is another exciting chapter for me.

I'm more than happy to help, if you let me know what area you're in, I'll try to find out who's a good tutor nearest to you, or if you want to ask me any questions, just send me a PM.

Are you still awake!

Becci
xx