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Leila has trained at the Mid Cornwall School of jewellery, (MCSJ), where she completed the Diploma in Precious Metal Clay (PMC) Proficiency in July 2007. This is the first independent qualification for working with PMC, and is currently the most thorough training you can get anywhere in the world. She is also a member of the PMC Guild, and has her work included in the prestigious PMC Guild Annual 2008, which showcases exceptional work in Precious Metal Clay from around the world. Leila is one of only a few makers included from the UK.
Imagine being able to shape, bend, texture and write on metal as easily as working with clay. Leila uses precious metal clay (PMC) to make her jewellery. This is a revolutionary material designed by Mitsubishi Materials Corporation which is silver in the form of clay. It is made up of tiny silver particles, an organic binder, and water. The design is worked like clay, and can be shaped, textured, rolled, dried, filed, carved, and built into 3D objects. It also comes in paper form, and can be squeezed through a syringe. When dry, it’s fired using a torch, or a small kiln. At this point, the binder burns off, and the silver particles fuse together to form a solid metal, retaining all the details of the design, and resulting in fine silver which can be hallmarked.
Leila also paints silver “slip” (watered down clay), onto her designs, to create cascades, inspired by the movement of water, and makes her own textures, including words, to create a range of inspirational jewellery. The ability to transfer black & white text or images to the silver using a “tearaway” technique opens up many exciting possibilities for creating truly bespoke jewellery. Each piece is hand made, unique, hallmarked, and presented in a stylish box.
You can also commission something to be designed for you, to give as a wonderful present, or something special for yourself. For example you could have a piece of inspirational jewellery with your own affirmation or choice of words included in the design.
Where to buy Leila's jewellery
Leila's jewellery is for sale at blue-ginger Gallery, near Malvern.
Where to find out more
The Metal Clay Academy is a superb website packed full of
excellent information about metal clay. It is regularly updated, and well worth
visiting at www.metalclayacademy.com
The PMC Guild has an excellent
website explaining more about PMC. See
www.pmcguild.co.uk.
The Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery runs an extensive programme of jewellery courses. See
www.mcsj.co.uk.