Getting Started Metal Clay Jewelry Making

GETTING STARTED:

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Metal Clay Jewelry Making

THE SPRUCE CRAFTCAST.COM

INTRODUCTION TO METAL CLAY For many jewelry makers who have dreamed of working with metal but have had nightmares about using the torch, Metal Clay, also called Precious Metal Clay (PMC) and Art Clay, may be their dream come true. However, keep in mind that while you don't need to use a torch to necessarily solder metals together, it can be helpful to know a little about metal work in order to clean and finish metal clay pieces.

To get started with metal clay, you need a number of basic supplies and equipment. Some of this depends on the clay you pick, however, since different types of metal clay heat at different temperatures. For a few more details about the different types of metal clay available, refer to "What Is Metal Clay?"

FIRING THE CLAY Depending on the heat required to fire the clay, you have a number of options available including a kiln, a torch, or a hot pot.

Some metal clay will require that you fire it in a kiln because it must be fired up to 1600 degrees F (871 degrees C) in order for the clay to turn into metal.

Most kilns, as long as they can reach this temperature, can be used for metal clay, glass fusing, bead annealing, lost wax burn out, and also enameling.

So though a kiln may be the most expensive piece of equipment you’ll need, it can have many other applications other than metal clay.

Kilns can start around $100 and go up to $800 or more. On average, the larger the kiln the larger the price tag.

Metal clays that require a lower temperature to fire (such as Art Clay Silver 650 or PMC3) require either a torch or hot pot. For the torch, you will also need ceramic tile to set the metal clay on while you hold the torch over it to fire. For the hot pot, which is kind of like a mini-kiln and costs about $50, you need some kind of fuel like butane to heat the pot.

SELECTING YOUR CLAY You may need to figure out the type of clay you will use either before or after you determine if you will use a kiln, torch, or hot pot for firing. Different metal clays fire at different temperatures. They also have different uses. An excellent soure for determining the clay that will fit your jewelry making needs is the book Metal Clay Magic

by Nana V. Mizushima.

Price ranges vary and are dependant on the type of clay you purchase as well as the amount. Obviously, as with most jewelry supplies, often the more you buy the less you pay. However, an average price for one ounce of silver metal clay is about $30. For a syringe of slip (a thinner version of metal caly used for decorating or repairing), expect to pay around $12 to $15.

METAL CLAY HAND TOOLS

Once you have your metal clay and a way to fire it, you just need some inexpensive hand tools.

Roller: In order to roll the clay out, you’ll need a roller. I used a piece of PVC approximately 6 inches long and about an inch in diameter.

Clear Plastic: You will want to roll your clay on a clean surface. A piece of clear vellum (available at most office supply stores) works well.

Graph Paper: Slip this under the clear plastic. The lines on the paper help you line up and cut squarely.

Price ranges vary and are dependant on the type of clay you purchase as well as the amount. Obviously, as with most jewelry supplies, often the more you buy the less you pay. However, an average price for one ounce of silver metal clay is about $30. For a syringe of slip (a thinner version of metal caly used for decorating or repairing), expect to pay around $12 to $15.

CARDS FOR METAL CLAY Playing Cards: A few cards come in handy (about 10 or so) when rolling out clay. Put the same amount of cards on either side of the clay when rolling.

CUTTING METAL CLAY Cutter: You will need a sharp edge to use to cut the clay. I used my Exacto knife. Dental tools, often available at flea markets, are also helpful for this.

SMOOTHING METAL CLAY Smoother: A tool for smoothing out lines and edges of the clay is helpful. I use the end of a small paint brush. Ceramic stores also carry hand tools for this purpose.

MISC. METAL CLAY TOOLS Small Jar: Every scrap of clay can be used. Keep them in an air-tight jar.

Water can be added to create your own slip which can be used as a kind of solder by helping to stick pieces of clay together.

Emery Board: After pieces are fired, there might be some finishing work needed just as with any metal work. However, little filing is required, so an emery board or fine sand paper may be used.

Olive Oil: Clay can be sticky. Olive oil should be applied to hands (you don’t need much), and your roller to prevent the clay from sticking.

Metal Mesh: A small piece of metal mesh is handy for drying clay before it is fired.

Vermiculite: If you are making three dimensional pieces, such as beads, after they dry you’ll want to place them in some vermiculite. Then they can be fired in this, and you won’t get a flat side to your piece.

Textured Scraps: Lace, mesh, and other textured material is great for creating textures in the clay.

Distilled Water: Occasionally the clay will dry while you are working with it.

Dabbing a few drops of water on the clay helps re-hydrate it.

Boy, that sure seems like a truck load of supplies, and I’m sure you might find other tools that would be helpful with making metal clay jewelry.

However, I was able to find many of the supplies listed here around my house. You probably will also find all kinds of items that you could put in your clay tool box.