Monday, April 6, 2015

My Adventures in Precious Metal Clay

I researched for MONTHS before I bit the bullet to buy a kiln.  Type of kiln, size of kiln, manufacturer, and, my research also included due diligence of the website from where the kiln would be purchased.  Specifically - warranty, ease of communication with problems, etc.

Well, somewhere along the line, I did not read the teeny tiny print under "shipping".  All I saw was "we strive to ship all orders within 48 hours".  The teeny tiny print I missed (and it was truly a smaller font!) stated "small and medium size kilns are drop shipped from the manufacturer, thus extending the shipping time".

Hmpf.  The box I received last week was the kiln shelf, kiln furniture, and a few other accessories, along with a packing slip stating that the kiln will be here in another "12 - 15 days".

So, what is a middle aged woman ANTSY to get started in PMC to do when her kiln has not yet arrived??  Use a torch.

I started slow and tiny.  Granted, this silver clay is expensive.  But, I started with two itty bitty little charms.



I was so pleased with the texture on these charms!  So, I decided to go just a tad bigger.


The charms above have a bark-like texture - deep grooves that capture the colors of the patina. I added a squirt of ammonia to my liver of sulfur solution and used the hottest water that would come out of my tap.  I was excited by the deep pink to purple rainbow patina I was able to achieve - I kept it in the crevices of the bark.  Believe me - achieving a rainbow affect with liver of sulfur/ammonia is a hit or miss event.  For me, it's more miss! 

I have some more charms drying, prior to firing later this week.  I am being very careful to ensure they are not too thick as from what I have gleaned, the thinner the piece (when torch firing) the better - or sintering will not happen.  The entire process that a clay can be formed, dried, and fired to turn into silver just fascinates me beyond belief.

I will keep you updated on my successes and failures - there will be failures...GUARANTEED! :)

Thanks for stopping by today!

xo
Patti

11 comments:

  1. I'm so excited that you've started with metal clay. The idea of clay turning into metal fascinates me too! I love you charms and I have to try adding ammonia to LOS.

    Today is beautiful, isn't it? Of course, it's supposed torain the next several days!
    But, it was great to have some beautiful days even with the wind. Hope you had A very happy Easter.

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  2. These PMC charms turned our beautifully! The earrings are gorgeous! I would be thrilled if I were able to create these! Sorry it is taking so long for the kiln to be shipped, but it will be worth the wait! I can hardly wait to see what is coming next!

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  3. Kudos to you Patti for trying a new medium. Your pieces are great. The patina you achieved is wonderful. I'm looking forward to seeing what you create once the kiln arrives.

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    1. Thanks Becky...I am at least trying! That patina was a wonderful surprise - I have tried the ammonia before, with not nearly as wonderful results!

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  4. I have been so excited to see how your PMC starts and transforms and so far, you are off to a beautiful start! Your own PMC components with your wirework will be brilliant and gorgeous ~ I just know it! How exciting for you to be on your way...even w/o the kiln ;-)

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  5. I'm so excited for you getting into PMC. I can't wait to see how you progress when you get your whole kiln together. You will love it! It is also helpful that you are starting it after having those other metal smithing techniques under your belt. Brava! Have fun! (Save all your scraps and dust.)

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  6. I've been away from blog visiting for a while so I have to say how thrilled I am to see that you are back to making your stunningly beautiful creations again! Your work is such eye candy and I do love to read your posts. Your latest pieces are, as always, breathtaking. Thank you so much for sharing your talent - hugs hugs from Shroo:)xxx

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  7. Oh wow - how cool. Can't wait till you get your kiln and can enjoy it and create more pieces!! Of course you know I love the top earrings with those gorgeous pearls and those awesome silver charms you made - super!!

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    1. I think pearls make everything look better...don't you? :)

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  8. Beautiful work! I look forward to seeing more. I took a PMC class once and it really was fascinating to see clay turn to metal. I admire people who can do that well.

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    1. I have been searching for classes locally - no such luck! So, I finally just had to jump in! I am having so much fun!

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