Jewellery Making for Beginners with Easy to Use Silver Clay

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by: Adam Hunter
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Date: Fri, 10 Jun 2011 Time: 10:30 AM
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Those in the know about jewellery making will be familiar with the product of silver art clay. But for those who are thinking of embarking on jewellery making for the first time can read this guide to using art clay for stunning effect.

Art clay silver is similar to normal soft clay, it can be worked and then shaped using a variety of tools. Once dried, the art clay can be fired.

Because of the structure (small metal particles mixed with an organic binding material and water), the material used to bind the metal particles together in a clay form is burnt away when it is fired. This leaves an end result consisting purely of sintered metal. There are three methods used in firing art clay silver.

The first method for firing silver art clay is by using a small butane torch, which should only be used for firing small pieces of jewellery. Generally if an item weighs more than 25 grams it should not be hand fired using a butane torch.

When firing with a hand held torch it is important to put the clay on a fire proof board such as fibreboard. The area you are in should also be well ventilated. When the jewellery starts to change to orange in colour the work is done and this should take no longer than one and a half to two minutes.

As a second option for firing you can use a special kiln designed specifically for firing art clay silver (also known as a bead kiln). This method can often produce a higher quality finish as it uses higher temperatures and an even application. Another advantage of the kiln is that it will allow the piece to be left firing without the need of the constant attention that a butane torch would take.

The 'Hot Pot' method is the final way of firing art clay and it is ideal for larger pieces and consists of a ceramic kiln and usually some form of gel based fuel. There is specially provided fuel and a wire grid on which the jewellery sits. The fuel is placed in the bottom of the pot and burns for enough time to allow the jewellery to be fired before burning out once completed.

Most importantly with all these methods is that they have the effect of helping you get a good finish when working with art clay silver. The more you invest in the tools and equipment such as firing apparatus, the greater benefits you will see in your finished items, which will have a professional look. For anyone interested in beginning to use art clay silver, follow the instructions that come with the particular brand you buy as each differs slightly in terms of heating time and usage. With time and practice you are sure to get the hang of using this versatile item and start seeing the beautiful original pieces you can create.

About the Author

Adam Hunter - E-commerce Marketing Manager of cooksongold.com. Cookson Precious Metals offer a choice of supplies from over 10,000 products including gold and silver wire, jewellery findings, tools, precious metal clay and art clay silver - gold, silver, platinum and palladium plus technical information for jewellers, jobbers, designer, craftsmen, artisans and students.