Ana transforms metal clays into striking jewellery

Not only that, it is unusual, bold and striking.

Specialising in metal clays and polymer clay, Ana creates pieces of colour and form that would certainly not go unnoticed.

A former management accountant, the imaginative artist has swapped number crunching for carving, firing and polishing.

Now a certified art clay instructor, she this year realised her dream to set up her own business, and is now passing on her skills to others.

Originating in Japan in 1990, metal clay is a clay-like material made up of fine particles of metal such as silver, gold, bronze or copper, an organic binder and water. It comes in various formats, is versatile and can be formed into shapes and refined to individual designs. Metal clay can be shaped just like any soft clay, by hand or using molds. After drying, the clay can be fired in a variety of ways such as in a kiln.

Ana’s classes range from beginners to - starting in January - advanced, covering all aspects of the art form, from the nature and properties of silver and other metal clays, to handling and conditioning the clay to the various stages of creating a piece of jewellery.

Her jewellery-making classes use a variety of semi-precious stones.

Ana, whose business is based in a welcoming, state-of-the-art studio in Heckmondwike, is passionate about her work and loves passing on her knowledge to others.

“I love teaching metal clays and polymer clays and those are the main classes,” she says. “I also teach jewellery making, wire work and silver smith techniques on request. If prospective students are unsure of what they would like to learn or what media will suit them, they can contact me and we can discuss their requirements.”

Born and raised in Portugal, from being a young child Ana has always loved art. “Since my pre-school days my ability of drawing, colouring and use of various craft materials was noticed and commented upon,” she says. “As my school life progressed my art teachers always encouraged me to go a little further and I took art A-level.”

She adds: “My father loved art and encouraged me to develop it, but as a hobby. He thought that art on its own didn’t pay the bills and that I was to pursue a “more serious career” in law, medicine or finance.”

After a few “trials and errors”, she decided to go into accountancy.

Leaving her home country, she moved in 1979 to England to finalise her studies. She met her husband to be, Peter, in London later marrying and moving to Yorkshire, where they had three sons.

In 1980 Ana was employed by the historic gentleman’s club, the Bradford Club, in Piece Hall Yard, Bradford, first as a bookkeeper and a couple of years later as the management accountant. She remained there until 2015.

But her love of art never left her, and she kept her hand in while bringing up her sons. “Our home life was always very busy. All the family is creative - playing music with various instruments, drawing, painting, woodwork and many more art activities were among the daily activities to keep the children occupied.”

Ana’s long-harboured dreams of working as an artist were kept on the back-burner, and it was by chance that she set about reigniting them, long after her children had grown up and left home.

“One day, one of my favourite pieces of jewellery broke and I decided to repair it. I surprised myself how successful and enjoyable the repair was and soon after I was looking for more pieces to repair and modify,” she says.

“I wanted to learn more so, ten years ago, I enrolled on a two-year evening silversmith course at Huddersfield College.”

That marked the beginning of a string of courses and qualifications, paving the way for a new career.

“I took various classes in jewellery making with precious and semi-precious stones which enabled me to use my skills as a silversmith. While at college we were introduced to other materials like enamel and polymer clay. Both materials attracted me with their vibrant colours and soon after I was experimenting and studying all processes. Enamel required high temperatures and tools which I didn’t have access to at the time so I started to work with polymer clay.”

Extremely versatile, polymer clay is a relatively new medium for arts and crafts. It is plastic - PVC, polyvinyl chloride - but until it is cured (baked) it is a very malleable plastic. It cures at significantly lower temperatures than earthen clays, so it can be easily hardened in a home oven or toaster oven.

“I enrolled in day courses with various reputable artists based in London and Birmingham and was fascinated with the versatility of colours and design,” she says.

She has also acquired many other skills using related materials such as gold clay, enamels and resins.

“Already working with clay, someone suggested that I might like to experiment with other clays and I was introduced to the world of precious clays: gold, silver, bronze and copper.”

Ana further developed her talents with tuition from West Yorkshire-based silver clay instructor and jewellery designer Natalia Coleman and art clay specialist and tutor Tracey Spurgin.

“My qualifications now enable me to teach at all levels,” she says.

“I keep up-to-date with developments through master classes with various national and international artists which, due to their experience, creativity and reputation are the official testers for the new products.”

Ana loves her new vocation: “I have some wonderful students, very enthusiastic and talented. I also have themed classes in which I encourage my students to develop their own ideas around that theme, and also one-to-one classes.”

She adds: “My new career enables me to create beautiful little pieces of art and teach a media which will inspire many future artists.”

*A CAT Art and Craft Studio, Cemetery Road, Heckmondwike, WF16 9EG. For information about the studio, location, dates and prices please visit my website acatjewellery.co.uk or contact Ana on 07784893209.