Hi all,
I've been working with PMC for almost three years now. I started slow, because I found the cost intimidating, and I didn't want to waste any clay or money. Mardel Rein at Cool Tools is a wonderful resource. I have talked with her on different occasions and she has been very helpful.
If you really like PMC, I would suggest that you take a certification class. Once certified, there are additional discounts available for all your needs, including PMC and kilns.
Always have your idea "ready" when you start. I only take out what I need, and keep the rest in a moisture laden container. You can also get great templates from Michaels or Joanns for designs as well. you can use antique buttons also (go antiquing!) also, look around your home - for different textures,... you'll be surprised how many things in your home might have a texture or design that you can use. i.e some wine bottles have fancy embossing and look at your silverware patterns, and even perfume bottles.
I have olive oil on my table all the time, and use it on my templates, work surface, and hands. there's also badger balm. it prevents the clay from sticking. "c z's" add alot to the pieces as well. Burts Bee's hand cream (in the purple tube) is great after working.
there have been times that something didn't turn out right, but I either built more upon the piece, or used it in an idea for something else. don't throw anything away!! broken pieces present a challenge, but use your creative force to design something abstract or unique from them. I find that many women really like abstract pieces.
You mentioned rough edges.. make sure you sand down your dried piece prior to firing. you can do this two ways - either sandpaper it down (be sure to do this over a container that will hold your sanded off particles). I keep a wide mouth "PMC" paste jar at all times, and have this under my pieces when I sand. You can also take a little water to your finger and smooth it down. be sure to let it dry properly though before you fire.
as a purist, I would suggest that you round out/finish your pieces with sterling silver findings - clasps, toggles, etc., because you are working with and creating something of fine silver.
Kilns are pretty expensive, and initially I went to our local bead store, and paid to use their kiln. Once I started selling, I eventually bought my own kiln.
I hope some of these tips help. good luck!
Nancy,