DIEFORMING… WITH A TWIST
WINTER SESSION 2025
FEBRUARY 1 - MARCH 30, 2025
REGISTRATION IS OPEN
JANUARY 16 - 21, 2025
$325 CAN$ 🇨🇦 ≈ $230 US$ 🇺🇸
If you're looking for a fast, fun, and fascinating way to level up your bead-making, Bioforming is it!
Accessible yet intimate, improvisational and intuitive, low tech but high impact, Bioforming is an easy addition to your polymer clay skillset.
But don’t let the easy fool you… it’s a technique that can also be used to create very sophisticated work.
Building on my original adaptation of dieforming that debuted in Relief Beyond Belief, Bioforming takes form even further, taking flat sheets of polymer clay in even more organic and otherworldly directions. From the basics of mastering the mechanics to making more advanced biologically-inspired forms, this class reveals all.
With a focus on craftsmanship and a mindful approach to each WorkPhase along the way, you will also learn to turn a Bioform of your choice into a simple wearable object.
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Bioforming will add to your polymer technique repertoire with a versatile set of new skills. Through a series of exploratory open-ended Modules, I will reveal all my BioForming secrets, beginning with ALL THE BASICS, foundational lessons that demonstrate the technique in its most fundamental forms.
This will be followed by PROCESS & PLAY, a collection of variations that will give you the chance to build on that foundation in your own unique way.
Next, FROM FORM TO FINISH is a Module of lessons outlining ways to turn a Bioform into a finished piece, for those wanting to see something through as a completed class project.
Finally, BIOFORMING AND BEYOND will open a MOTIF MULTIVERSE of Bioform options to explore, through a survey collection of my Bioforming prototypes and maquettes. A final lesson called WHAT LIES BENEATH will reveal new layers in your Bioforms, introducing depth and colour to your pieces.
These Modules and Workphase Lessons will include:
a complete lesson for constructing your own set of DIY dies
design considerations for choosing the size and shape of your Die silhouette
tools and techniques for exploring the pattern language of Bioforming, including Bumps, Ridges, Dips, Pinches, and Twists
design tips for choosing and combining motifs within your overall silhouette shape
an exploration of different Bioforming possibilities, including bonus variations that were not part of the original curriculum when Bioforming debuted in 2018
clay & colour considerations to enhance your design
baking tips & techniques
multi-phase construction techniques specific to Bioforming
strategies for efficient and effective sanding & buffing
a visual survey of Bioforming possibilities to spark your creativity and help you imagine new pathways to unique work
an introduction to layering techniques that amplify your Bioforms with depth and colour
Bioforming is an easy, accessible, fun shortcut to sculptural forms! Mindful mastery of each WorkPhase and an attention to detail will allow you to turn your Bioform into an elegant wearable object.
WILL I NEED ANY SPECIAL TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, OR MATERIALS?
One of the really cool things about Bioforming is just how little you need to give it a try. Minimal tools, minimal clay, minimal fuss.
If you have a basic polymer clay studio set-up, you won't need much more than that.
As an extension of basic dieforming (where decorative veneers are the feature, and the forms tend to be simpler), Bioforming has many variations. To give you lots of options for exploring all these variations, your tuition will include downloadable PDFs to make your own set of twelve different DIY Dies, in assorted styles, shapes, and sizes.
A complete Tools & Materials List lesson will be waiting for you in the classroom. This list will also include recommended amounts of clay (don’t worry… it’s not much!). And we’ll be reviewing all the tools and materials together as part of our Orientation once the classroom opens.
Not sure if this course is for you? Here are some highlight reasons why you might want to join us for this online workshop experience…
BIOFORMING IS FUN!
Bioforming is a really fun and easy technique to learn, no matter what your experience or skill level is. It takes minimal tools and minimal clay... but it’s also full of possibilities that can be applied to create more complex design elements and sophisticated one-of-a-kind work.
YOUR FRONT ROW SEAT IS WAITING
Bioforming is fun to watch. With our online classroom format, you can watch Dan demo all of his Bioforming tips and tricks via pre-recorded videos… and with added zoom shots and the option to pause, rewind, and replay as often as you want, the POV is even better for you than it is for Dan! In your own space, at your own pace, your front row seat is waiting.
FROM FLAT... TO ALL THAT!
Bioforming is one of the few techniques in polymer clay that is both structural and decorative at the same time. There’s lots to be learned in the exploration alone, but we’ll also be showing you some strategies for turning a simple form into a finished piece, for those students who are ready to complete a project.
MORE SHOW, MORE TELL
In addition to this course curriculum covering the foundation techniques of the Bioforming process, we’ll also have variations and samples from over the years to show and share… a bonus that rarely fits into the packed schedule of an in-person weekend workshop.
ORIGINAL TECHNIQUE, ORGINAL TEACHER
Bioforming is an original technique, and there’s no better teacher to learn from than the artist who developed it. Invest in yourself and your work by investing in this workshop to fully understand the history, application and potential of this process, right from its source. For way less than you’d pay to come to us to attend in person for a day or two, we’ll come to you via the web for a full five weeks, in the best classroom of all: your own studio.
MOVING PICTURES
Before venturing into online teaching, we had never produced an instructional video before. We had mostly taught in-person workshops, and when we did create tutorials, the lessons were explained through words and step-out photos. Since debuting our first online course, Single Slice Mokume in 2018, video lessons have become a much bigger part of how we teach. In Bioforming, you can expect detailed videos to accompany all of the lessons.
BONUS LESSONS
When we debuted Bioforming in 2018 we decided on a certain set of archetypal techniques to communicate Bioforming‘s distinct pattern language. But that wasn’t all we had to offer. In 2020, we added new lessons to the original course, pushing the possibilities even further with thought-provoking iterations conveyed through new video lessons.
NOT JUST FUN, BUT FUNDAMENTAL
Whether or not Bioforming becomes a part of your ‘go to’ repertoire as an artist, learning anything new is a chance to get your hands on the clay, venture out of your creative comfort zone, and improve your fundamental studio skills at the same time with a teacher who has worked in this medium full time since 1992.
BIO EVOLUTION
Suitable for opaque, metallic, or translucent clay sheets, or as a way to enhance blended, textured, or patterned veneers, Bioforming can elevate the look of a flat sheet within many different silhouette shapes and a wide array of textural motifs.
Here are some examples of Bioforming I've done over the years, from studio prototypes to gallery pieces. Click on any of the images to get a closer look at each of these objects and learn more about their place in the history of this original technique...
REGISTER HERE
FOR THE WINTER 2025 SESSION
BIOFORMING
TUITION
$325 CAN$ 🇨🇦 ≈ $230 US$ 🇺🇸
THE BIOFORMING CLASSROOM OPENS FEBRUARY 1, 2025
ALL WINTER 2025 MASTERCLASSES END MARCH 30, 2025
REGISTRATION CLOSES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2025
MEET OUR GRADUATES
Here are some personal perspectives from our Bioforming GuestBook, graduates sharing the takeaway moments and favourite memories from this MasterClass...
“Dan, I have seen your work for years and understanding the process through this class has been a joy. I am so impressed with the lessons and their thoroughness. Your comments are so encouraging; you are a natural teacher. I await your next online class! Thank you for this opportunity!”
“Bioforming is a fun and exciting class, chock-full of visual and written content that provide an all-around increase in skill for working successfully with polymer clay. A thoroughly generous and professional class and I can’t wait for the next adventure. Thank you Dan and Tracy for sharing your expertise through your online classes!”
“Thanks so much Dan & Tracy for this awesome online class. I was hesitant to sign up as I haven’t been to satisfied with a couple of onlines classes that I have participated in. This was an exceptionally enjoyable class! The videos were clear and made the content come to life. It was as close as possible as having you in my studio working alongside me. Can’t wait to keep Bioforming.”
Yves Lafont : FRANCE
“This was my first class with you, but not the last one.
You have a unique way to make everything easy. Super detailed video, precise explanations, very progressive lessons. I really appreciated everything. We not only learn how to do from A to Z... we learn each part of the technique, to allow us to find our own way after. Thanks a lot for all of that.”
“Wonderful class! The videos were very clear, and as a visual learner, I found them easy to follow. The tricks of the trade such as the necessity of burnishing and detail cutting with a blade will have me working much more professionally on future projects. This course has stepped things up. Time to get to work and experiment.
Thanks so much for all the effort you have put into this.”
“I continue to be amazed at the potentials of polymer clay. Your videos and instruction are clear and thorough. I think the number one of many things I take away from this workshop is the importance of attention to detail at every step of the process if we want our work to reflect fine craftsmanship. I look forward to seeing what’s next in your plans for another workshop.”
Jan Munyon : USA
“Dan your style of teaching makes it so easy to learn. You start us out simply and gradually add more content so it builds confidence in us. I have so thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this class. Every day I would log in to see what was new. I was so excited to see what you were giving us. It’s been like Christmas getting to open each new lesson. Thank you so much for sharing your techniques and designs so freely with us. Also I would like to thank Tracy for keeping you organized and being there for us as well. I can’t wait for the next class to start.”
“I am absolutely proud of myself to have joined you all in this journey. I struggle with many things in life, and this course and the joy that all of us felt while creating has really meant a lot to me. Thank you, Dan and Tracy, for the amazing help, support, organization, detailed descriptions, and all the answers you have given us no matter which questions we asked you. I am so so happy to have joined you all, thanks so much.
”
“This course was very rewarding. I continue to be impressed with Dan’s adherence to good technique every step of the way.... no short cuts... and results show it. So many amazing things can be made with his technique. Thank you both for such a professional and well paced course. Truly great teachers !”
“Bioforming was broken down into easy to follow steps, with lots of hints and tricks that result in a beautifully finished bead. The designs are sophisticated, but not difficult to achieve. And the construction techniques are brilliant and make it easy to achieve consistent, professional results. On top of all of this, the class was fun! I will definitely be saving my pennies for more of Dan and Tracy’s courses! ”
“What a terrific course! Being new to polymer, I’ve been somewhat over whelmed by all the choices and rabbit holes I can follow, colours, veneers, texture etc. This process focused me in achieving my desire to incorporate polymer with metal working and creating my own designs going forward. Thank you Dan and Tracy, your presentations are top notch!”
“I am completely astonished with the level of care and dedication that Dan and Tracy put into the course. In summary, a high level of professionalism. It was an enriching experience from every point of view and a sample of what an online course should be. I came from a bad online experience. This time the experience has been completely different, encouraging and inspiring. Unquestionably I will repeat again. Thank you very much Dan and Tracy !!”
Colleen Manestar : CANADA
“Thank you very much for everything you have taught us in this perfectly thought-out and put-together class: very convenient self-paced timeline, very clear explanations, and easy to follow demonstrations. I enjoyed the lessons and the homework assignments very much, and I am looking forward to the next online class of this format. Many thanks also to the students who have added real value to this class by posting photographs of their creations, allowing the rest of us to see the potential hidden in all these bioforming techniques, and providing inspiration for our future designs. ”
“It was just such an amazing journey!!!!! In fact, I didn’t know what bioforming was, I was just fascinated by the beads on the picture!!! For me, it was a fabulous journey, so surprised by the simplicity of the techniques, so surprised by the perfect explanation and videos... so surprised by everything!!!!! I am sooooo glad that I participated, and I’m sure it won’t be my last time!!!! I already look forward to other courses in the future!!! Thanks Dan and Tracy for the wonderfull experience of this course!!!! Thanks a million!!!! It has been wonderfull!!!”
“Inspiring class! Watching the video demos was like watching a master magician share the secrets of his illusions with me. The meticulous attention to detail demonstrated from start to finish explains why Dan’s work is absolutely flawless. Thanks to both of you for a beautifully crafted course!”
Marina Rumanova : USA
ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions at all about this upcoming workshop, we'd love to hear from you!
Please contact us and we'll reply via email and/or share your Q and our A right here on this web page.
We’d love to see take your work to new heights (literally!)…
Dan + Tracy
