I’ve been speaking to the PMC Studio in France about how you can learn a new jewellery skill combined with a relaxing break…every beader’s dream!

Leaf designs made with PMC

Can you start with the basics, what is Precious Metal Clay?

Precious Metal Clay (PMC) is an organic substance which contains tiny particles of silver. When heated, the organic substance burns away and the particles fuse together to form 99.9% pure silver. Increasingly known in North America and Asia, this amazing product has until recently remained relatively unknown in Europe. PMC is also available in gold, copper and bronze.

This material form allows exceptionally intricate designs, like finger prints, to be captured and displayed on a necklace, earrings, bracelet or cufflinks. The design possibilities for PMC pieces are endless!

Learn to use PMC to make your own special beads or pendants, and use your jewellery making skills to make them in to unique jewellery. The perfect way to make something really special!

PMC pendants with fingerprint detail

How can I try it?

We hold courses in the heart of beautiful south west France near the village of Moncrabeau, about half way between Bordeaux and Toulouse. No prior experience is required as the courses offer everyone the opportunity to learn all they need to know from simple jewellery design to setting up your own business.

The courses are run by Caroline who has been a qualified teacher for over 20 years during which she has set up and run learning centres teaching practical skills. She has been taught to use PMC by senior instructors at one of the worlds largest and respected training centres. Caroline has worked in France for 7 years and lives near Moncrabeau with her family.

The courses are relaxed and kept small to ensure that each student gets full value and support. Accommodation can be arranged on site where you can avail of the many amenities on offer. Fully catered holidays are run at Baron-Figuès, a beautifully restored 150 year old farm house sitting in the middle of 50 acres near the village of Moncrabeau. The large pool is heated and is always pleasant to relax in. Spend your afternoons lounging by the pool, exploring the surrounding countryside and all it has to offer or practice the skills you are acquiring in the work-shop.

The gorgeous accommodation

“Combine learning with a fantastic holiday in south west France”

Tell me more…

Holidays combine an Introduction Course and one Certification Module. Certification modules can be taken in any order. The certification courses are based on the curriculum approved by Mitsubishi. This ensures that your certification will be recognised world-wide. The introduction day and three certification modules have been planned and developed carefully to assure a quality programme.

Private lessons and group/corporate tuition are also offered. These can take the form of tutorials, demonstrations or interactive workshops where participants will leave with a creation they have designed and finished themselves.

The 26 hour course is spread over 6 days. At the end of your stay you will have learned how to create beautiful pieces of fine silver jewellery which you will take home with you.

PMC heart pendant

Places are still currently available for the September holiday weeks and new holiday weeks and courses are added regularly. For groups, we can design a course around their needs during a week that suits you best.

Absolutely no experience is required. You will learn all you need to know during your stay with The PMC Studio France, who will continue to support you after you return home.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn a new skill. One which can simply be used to create unique gifts for friends and family or can support a new career. Take your jewellery making to a new level!

If this has inspired you and you’d like to find out more about a holiday with PMC studio France, please visit their web site: www.pmcstudiofrance.com or call 0033 553973769 where a member of the PMC studio team will be happy to help you.