Sarah Marks
Sun Lakes Rock Gem Silver Club President Darrell Dick is passionate about sharing his knowledge of metal clay—a medium that makes jewelry crafting accessible and fun for everyone.
Originally from Colorado, Darrell never imagined himself as an artist. “I was new to the community, still working, and looking for an outlet where I could meet people,” he explains. “I was planning to retire within a year and wanted to make sure I’d stay busy. I’ve always loved handmade items, so metal clay immediately appealed to me.”
According to Darrell, the beauty of metal clay lies in its creative flexibility. “The material gives you the freedom to design without limitations. We have molds and stencils available, but you can also hand-shape your own pieces. Basically, if you can make it with Play-Doh, you can make it with metal clay. And if it doesn’t turn out quite right, you can reshape it until it does.”
What can you make with metal clay?
“You’re limited only by the kiln size. The pieces need to be about six inches,” Darrell explains. “I’ve seen people make jewelry, boxes, mini bowls, and even small sculptures.”
As the lead instructor, Darrell loves showing how simple the process can be:
1. Shape: Choose your metal: silver, copper, or bronze. Soften the clay and shape it as you like.
2. Dry: Refine your design and let it air dry for a few days.
3. Smooth: Sand, scrape, or use water to smooth the edges. You can also join multiple pieces to create larger designs. Some types of metal clay allow for the incorporation of gemstones into the jewelry through the firing process.
4. Fire: An instructor or monitor fires the clay in a kiln, burning off the binder and leaving behind solid metal.
5. Polish: Once cooled, your creation is ready for its finishing touches.
“We teach in copper, because it’s more affordable,” Darrell notes. “Fifty grams cost about $17, and you can make several pieces from that amount. Class fees are $20, and an Open Shop sticker is also $20. There’s no charge for using the studio equipment or for firing your piece in the kiln.”
For more information, to join a class, or to attend a monthly meeting (held on the third Monday of each month from October through May), visit www.slrgs.com.