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
