Pottery and Ceramics

Types of Silver Clay Explained – Precious Metal Clay and Art Clay

Metal clay is a suspension of tiny particles of metal in a clay binder, which can be used to make jewellery, beads and small findings. The beauty of metal clay is that it can be manipulated in the same way as any modelling clay, but once fired the binding agents are burnt off leaving the metal form intact. Although there is a certain amount of shrinkage (between 10-15% for the more modern versions), very fine detail can be achieved, including impressions that would require casting in any other method of metalwork.

Silver metal clay results in objects containing almost pure silver (also known as fine silver) which is ideal for enamelling. There are two popular brands available – Precious Metal Clay (also known as PMC) and Art Clay Silver (ACS). Precious Metal Clay was developed in the early 1990’s in Japan and consists of microscopic particles of pure silver (or fine gold powder) and a water-soluble binder which burns off during firing. The original formula of PMC (now called ‘Standard’) has to be fired in a kiln at a temperature of 1650F and has a high shrinkage rate of around 30%. Two additional versions were later developed called PMC+, which can be fired at 1490F and PMC3, which can be fired at temperatures as low as 1100F. Both of these later versions of PMC have much lower shrinkage rates, allowing much finer detail to be worked into designs.

Art Clay Silver (ACS) was also developed in Japan and is similar in consistency to PMC+. The main difference with ACS is that it can be fired using a hand-held torch or gas oven. Because of subtle differences in the binder components and the longer firing times, ACS benefited from having a considerably lower shrinkage percentage – only 8-10%. This means that ACS can be worked in more detail without any loss of definition in fine work. Art Clay Slow Dry was introduced soon after, which has a much longer working time before requiring firing, allowing intricate work to be moulded into the clay with no loss of malleability.

Art Clay 650 and Art Clay 650 Slow Dry are now becoming increasingly popular, as not only do they have a longer working time but can be fired at temperatures as low as 650C/1200F. This allows jewellers to incorporate glass and Sterling Silver into the designs without fear of damaging the components. AIDA, the manufacturers of ACS have also introduced Oil Paste, a product only used on fired metal clay or milled fine silver, and Overlay Paste which is designed for drawing designs onto glass and porcelain. These two products have allowed the use of metal clay products to be incorporated into a whole new range of designs and mediums, expanding the potential of this product.

Metal clays allow jewellers to work with a material that is as malleable as ordinary modelling clay but produces fine (almost pure) silver jewellery of exquisite intricacy and beauty. Once polished it has a lustre and shine that is easily comparable to cast silver and because of the development of the products over the last few years shrinkage is now no longer an issue. The type used depends on personal preference as both types have their advantages, but incorporating metal clays into your jewellery design gives you a new medium to explore with beautiful results.

About the Author

Adam Hunter – E-commerce Marketing Manager of cooksongold.com. Cookson Precious Metals offer a choice of
jewellery making supplies
from over 10,000 products including gold and silver, tools,
silver art clay
and gold and silver sheet – gold, silver, platinum and palladium. Contacts: Adam Hunter E-commerce Marketing Manager Tel(DDI): +44 (0) 121 212 6491 E-mail: adam.hunter@cooksongold.com

Metal Clay: How to Fire Precious Metal Clay

Microkiln, Medium (Microwave Kiln) $140.00 …

Precious Metal Clay Vol. 1 – The Beginners Workshop Silver in No Time by Linda Bernstein Precious Metal Clay (PMC) is a clay-like substance that is worked with traditional clay working techniques. It can be sculpted, molded, carved, stamped and more! After air drying and firing in a kiln, it emerges as pure fine silver, gold or platinum. You will learn all the basic techniques of forming PMC into sheets, balls, and ropes: make molds, forms and learn how to carve it. Finally, you will …

Precious Metal Clay Silver in No Time (Advanced Volume 1) Glass Enamel and Dicbroic Glass Instruction by Linda Bernstein…

Precious Metal Clay Vol. 2 – The Intermediate Workshop Silver in No Time by Linda Bernstein This amazing new clay transforms into pure silver after firing in a kiln. In this workshop Linda Bernstein teaches you all about three-dimensional objects. You will make numerous Precious Metal Clay objects. Beginning with beads – round, barrel shaped with inset stones, croissant, and those shaped like a mini bagel or goldfish. Next learn to make bead caps with imbedded barrel clasps and bezels to…

Stepped And Plain Wooden Ring Mandrel Set With Steel Base Fo $26.86 Stepped And Plain Wood Ring Mandrels. Set Of 2 Mandrels With Steel Base. Wooden ring mandrels, designed by metal clay artists for metal clay artists. Wooden mandrels prevent cross contamination to your metal clay from contact with other metals, such as steel and aluminum. Each wood mandrel can securely mount on to the steel base and can rotate 360°. One mandrel is smooth and unmarked. The other m…

Such Precious Clay $17.99 “”Such Precious Clay will inspire you, challenging your concept of what it means to obey God and honor your spouse. You will learn about the joy of relationships and the power of prayer, the strength of God’s grace, and the miraculous-often mysterious-way he weaves the strangest of circumstances into a life plan we wouldn’t trade for the world.” -Joni Eareckson Tada When Mark Grawehr married his dream girl, twenty-two year-old Debbie-blond hair, blue eyes, captain of the high school twirlers, and homecoming queen runner-up-he had no inkling that within months, multiple sclerosis would seize control of his beautiful wife’s body. The rapid onset of multiple sclerosis soon paralyzed Debbie from the neck down and rendered her legally blind and mute. The disease contorted her limbs in such a way that others found it painful to look at her. Lovely yet fragile, Debbie was as breakable as a delicate piece of pottery. In this riveting first-person account, Mark Grawehr unfolds the seventeen year journey during which he and Debbie came to know God, the Master Potter. He testifies how God used their challenging circumstances to strengthen their marriage and shape Debbie into a glorious vessel. Such Precious Clay will inspire you to draw closer to God by understanding his grace more deeply and apply it with refreshed personal gratitude. Beyond mere testimony, this book offers insightfully practical instruction for a joy filled life transcending life’s unpredictable circumstances.”

GloMinerals – Glam Bag Precious Metals $437 Glam Bag Precious Metals: 1x GloMetallic Smoky Eye Kit 6.4g/0.22oz ( #Light Gold , #Light Bronze, #Copper, #Dark Bronze ) 3x GloEye Pencil 0.78g/0.027oz ( #Copper, #Dark Bronze, #Platinum ) 1x GloGloss 4.4ml/0.15oz ( #Brown Sugar ) 1x Brush

Introduction To Precious Metal Clay $19.95 Best Seller. This do-it-yourself guide by Mary Ann Devos provides all the information you need to get started and advance to a master class level. The easy-to-follow guide explains the clay and tools you and 39;ll need, as well as showing step-by-step projects with detailed instructions and photos. Projects by author and artist Mary Ann Devos.

Revlon Illuminance Creme Quad Eye Shadow Precious Metals – 0.12 Oz $6.18 Revlon Illuminance Creme Quad Eye Shadow Precious Metals gives luminous finish that brightens up eyes and offers a luminous enchanting eyes.

Precious Metal Clay: 25 Gorgeous Designs for Jewelry and Gifts $4.99 Precious metal clay is an exciting new material made from fine silver dust in a binder that can be used just like ordinary modeling clay. However, once fired, the silver dust fuses together to become pure silver. This unique and versatile material gives crafters of all levels the opportunity to design and create unique silver jewelry – a technique once reserved only for trained silversmiths. Artist Xuella Arnold demonstrates how precious metal clay can be used alongside traditional methods of jewelry making, and combined with a range of natural and man made materials to create truly unique designs. You’ll find a variety of step-by-step projects along with inspirational ideas to develop your own designs. The book contains an introduction to the tools of the trade and types of clay, as well as step-by-step instructions for mastering precious metal clay techniques such as cutting, molding, combining with other materials, and firing. Perfect for all beaders, jewelry makers, crafters and ceramicists interested in making jewelry and gifts who want to apply precious metal clay to their discipline.

Transparent Enamel Assortment For Metals $15.95 Add some exciting color to your metal art with this enamel assortment. Use for copper, gold, silver, steel and metal clay. Includes 10 colors of transparent enamels. 14 gm per color. First project below made with metal clay, texture sheets and enamels by Linda Bernstein. From PMC in Mixed Media book 6483. Second project made with copper and enamel by Dorothy Cockrell. From Beginner and 39;s Guide to Enameling book 6553.

Opaque Enamel Assortment For Metals $15.95 Add some exciting color to your metal art with this enamel assortment. Use for copper, gold, silver, steel and metal clay. Includes 10 colors of opaque enamels. 14 gm per color. First and second copper enameling projects below from Beginner and 39;s Guide to Enameling book 6553. Artist Dorothy Cockrell. Third project made with metal clay, texture sheets and enamels by Linda Bernstein. From PMC in Mixed Media book 6483.

Precious Metals Gold with Orange Accents 18 x 18 Satin Pillow $161 -Satin

Precious Metals Plum with Magenta Accents 18 x 18 Satin Pillow $161 -Satin

Precious Metals Burgundy with Pink Accents 18 x 18 Satin Pillow $161 -Satin

Pmc 3 Clay – 7g $20.95 Jewelry clay is a revolutionary way to make fine silver jewelry that is 99.9% pure silver. PMC (Precious Metal Clay) is a mixture of tiny particles of silver, an organic binding agent and water. This user-friendly clay can molded and worked like clay, then requires firing with either a micro torch, hot pot, SpeedFire Cone or a kiln to burn out the binder. Just shape, dry, fire and polish your project. Then get ready to wear the gorgeous fine silver jewelry of your own design. Compatible with Art Clay Low Fire. PMC3 has the same characteristics as PMC+ except for having a much lower firing temperature (200 to 350 degrees less). The lower firing temperature makes this clay a great match for fusing with glass, especially Wasser 90 COE glass. Shrinks about 12% during firing. Shape the clay like a modeling clay to create beautiful pure silver art. Can be used with PMC3 Paste ( 67016) and Syringe ( 67017). Can be made into paste by adding water to the clay. Fire with a micro torch, hot pot, SpeedFire Cone or kiln. 7 grams is post-fired weight; actual package content weighs more. Pendant below created by Mary Ann Devos. From Metal Clay and Mixed Media Jewelry book 6715

Pmc+ Clay – 45g $129.95 Jewelry clay is a revolutionary way to make fine silver jewelry that is 99.9% pure silver. PMC (Precious Metal Clay) is a mixture of tiny particles of silver, an organic binding agent and water. This user-friendly clay can molded and worked like clay, then requires firing with either a micro torch, hot pot, SpeedFire Cone or a kiln to burn out the binder. Just shape, dry, fire and polish your project. Then get ready to wear the gorgeous fine silver jewelry of your own design. Compatible with Art Clay Slow Dry. 45 grams (post-fired weight). Clay shrinks about 12% during firing. USA pendant created by Delphi artist Michele Drobney. Pendant and bracelet projects from PMC in Mixed Media book 6483. Pendant artist is Sherry Fotopoulos. Bracelet artist is Linda Bernstein.

Jewel Lump Enamel Assortment For Metals $17.95 Use this colorful mix of lump enamels to create thick, jewel spots of color when you fire your pieces. Use for copper, gold, silver, steel and PMC Silver Clay. 8 oz.

Pmc+ Clay – 18 Gm $52.95 Making Your Own Silver Jewelry is Now Unbelievably Easy. Silver Jewelry Clay is Easy as 1-2-3. 1) Molds Like Clay 2) Fires Fast 3) 99.9% Fine Silver. Jewelry clay is a revolutionary way to make fine silver jewelry that is 99.9% pure silver. PMC (Precious Metal Clay) is a mixture of tiny particles of silver, an organic binding agent and water. This user-friendly clay can molded and worked like clay, then requires firing with either a micro torch, hot pot, SpeedFire Cone or a kiln to burn out the binder. Just shape, dry, fire and polish your project. Then get ready to wear the gorgeous fine silver jewelry of your own design. Compatible with Art Clay Slow Dry. 20 grams (pre-fired weight); post-fired weight is about 18 grams. Clay shrinks about 12% during firing. USA pendant created by Delphi artist Michele Drobney. Pendant and bracelet projects from PMC in Mixed Media book 6483. Pendant artist is Sherry Fotopoulos. Bracelet artist is Linda Bernstein.

Pmc3 Clay – 50 Gm $139.95 Making Your Own Silver Jewelry is Now Unbelievably Easy. Jewelry clay is a revolutionary way to make fine silver jewelry that is 99.9% pure silver. PMC (Precious Metal Clay) is a mixture of tiny particles of silver, an organic binding agent and water. This user-friendly clay can molded and worked like clay, then requires firing with either a micro torch, hot pot, SpeedFire Cone or a kiln to burn out the binder. Just shape, dry, fire and polish your project. Then get ready to wear the gorgeous fine silver jewelry of your own design. Compatible with Art Clay Low Fire. PMC3 has the same characteristics as PMC+, except for having a much lower firing temperature (200 to 350 degrees less). The lower firing temperature makes this clay a great match for using with glass, especially Wasser 90 COE and colorful dichroic glass. Shrinks about 12% during firing. 55.5 grams is the packaged weight; post-fire weight is 50 grams. Pendant below created by Mary Ann Devos. From Metal Clay and Mixed Media Jewelry book 6715

Pmc3 Clay – 16 G $47.95 Making Your Own Silver Jewelry is Now Unbelievably Easy. Silver Jewelry Clay is Easy as 1-2-3. 1) Molds Like Clay 2) Fires Fast 3) 99.9% Fine Silver. Jewelry clay is a revolutionary way to make fine silver jewelry that is 99% pure silver. PMC (Precious Metal Clay) is a mixture of tiny particles of silver, an organic binding agent and water. This user-friendly clay can molded and worked like clay, then requires firing with either a micro torch, hot pot or a kiln to burn out the binder. Just shape, dry, fire and polish your project. Then get ready to wear the gorgeous fine silver jewelry of your own design. Compatible with Art Clay Low Fire. PMC3 has the same characteristics as PMC+ except for having a much lower firing temperature (200 to 350 degrees less). The lower firing temperature makes this clay a great match for fusing with glass, especially Wasser 90 COE glass. Shrinks about 12% during firing. Shape the clay like a modeling clay to create beautiful pure silver art. Can be used with PMC3 Paste ( 67016) and Syringe ( 67017). Can be made into paste by adding water to the clay. Fire with a micro torch, hot pot, SpeedFire Cone or kiln. 16 grams is post-fired weight; actual package content weighs more. Pendant below created by Mary Ann Devos. From Metal Clay and Mixed Media Jewelry book 6715

Pmc+ Sheet Clay – 5 Gm $19.95 Making Your Own Silver Jewelry is Now Unbelievably Easy. Silver Jewelry Clay is Easy as 1-2-3. 1) Molds Like Clay 2) Fires Fast 3) 99.9% Fine Silver. Jewelry clay is a revolutionary way to make fine silver jewelry that is 99.9% pure silver. PMC (Precious Metal Clay) is a mixture of tiny particles of silver, an organic binding agent and water. This user-friendly clay can molded and worked like clay, then requires firing with either a micro torch, hot pot, SpeedFire Cone or a kiln to burn out the binder. Just shape, dry, fire and polish your project. Then get ready to wear the gorgeous fine silver jewelry of your own design. Compatible with Art Clay Slow Dry. The sheet is an exciting new form of PMC+. Formed with a binder but no water, you can bend and fold these sheets without cracking or breaking the material. Create folded forms such as origami. Amazing project possibilites – all created with 99.9% pure silver. Post-fired weight is 5 grams. Clay shrinks about 12% during firing.

Pmc3 Deluxe Jewelry Clay Kit $124.95 Create Fine Silver Jewelry Using Clay Discover the creative possibilities of Precious Metal Clay. Shape it like a clay, and fire it to 99.9% pure silver. PMC3 fires at a low temperature, no kiln or torch is needed. A Delphi Exclusive Create intricate silver projects with a simple firing option, the Hot Pot(see image below). Kit includes everything you need to fire your pieces, plus PMC3 clay and tools to easily create beautiful textures and perfect shapes. This kit was recently reviewed in Beadwork Magazine. Excerpt from the review is If you have always wanted to try working with Precious Metal Clay but are discouraged by the cost of the setup, get a hold of the PMC3 Deluxe Jewelry Clay Kit from Delphi. This kit comes with everything you need to make your very own PMC pieces. I had no PMC experience and quite honestly, was a bit overwhelmed when I started working with the kit. However, I found plenty of instruction and ideas on Delphi and 39;s website, and now I feel like a PMC pro. Earrings below made by Mary Ann Devos. From Introduction to Metal Clay book 6289 Firing metal clay with the hot pot is easy. See step-by-step images below 1. Fill the terra cotta pot with fuel. 2. Place dried metal clay project onto wire grid. 3. Light with a long match. Once fuel burns out, polish project and enjoy. Please note that this item cannot be shipped by air or overseas.

Precious Metals Glass with Silver Grey Accents 18 x 18 Satin Pillow $161 -Satin

Precious Metals Glass with Butterflies and Silver Grey Accents 18 x 18 Satin Pillow $161 -Satin

Precious Metals Gold with Butterflies and Orange Accents 18 x 18 Satin Pillow $161 -Satin

Precious Metals Plum with Butterflies and Magenta Accents 18 x 18 Satin Pillow $161 -Satin

Precious Metals Silver with Pale Green Accents 18 x 18 Satin Pillow $161 -Satin

Precious Metals Silver with Butterflies and Pale Green Accents 18 x 18 Satin Pillow $161 -Satin

Precious Metals Burgundy with Butterflies and Pink Accents 18 x 18 Satin Pillow $161 -Satin

Clay $18.95 Learn How To Work With Clay… With Your Own Two Hands Create beautiful pots by hand using the time-honored techniques of coil, pinch, slab and others. With easy-to-follow instructions for every procedure, and 168 step-by-step photos even beginners can learn how make works of with clay. 168 pages. Black-and-white. Hardcover.

Clay Roller $2.95 Clay roller helps keep clay consistent and smooth when rolling metal and polymer clay.

Treviso Weathered Clay Pendant $275 Treviso Weathered Clay Pendant

Precious Onsie Thank you $24.99 Precious Onsie Thank you:

Molding Clay $15.99 Men’s 90 ml/3 oz Clay. American Crew Molding Clay has concentrated styling power that maintains touchable shape and texture. Works well for short styles. Can be used on wet or dry hair.

Jars of Clay $15.99 By Jars of Clay. Songbooks and Folios. 112 pages. Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing #BK3236. Published by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing

Mixed Metals Braided Necklace $85 Weave your particular brand of magic in the mixed metals braided necklace. Cleverly braided silver fabric connects faceted crystals to gold-plated cuban links. The choker style necklace is an unusual beauty, and is sure to draw numerous compliments all night.

Mixed Metals Braided Bracelet $75 The mixed metals braided bracelet is a funky mix of metal finishes and gems. Four distinct rows of white diamond crystals, woven silver fabric and gold plated links create the unusual design that is versatile enough for almost any evening ensemble.

Dermalogica – Dermal Clay Cleanser ( Unboxed ) $303 Dermal Clay Cleanser ( Unboxed )

Precious Present $22 “Discover the precious present and find yourself.A simple story, engagingly told, The Precious Present does more than capture the heart: it is a valuable gift for anyone seeking a deeper level of fulfillment and personal happiness.Telling a story of vital significance in today’s fast- paced, competitive environment, The Precious Present will help you discover the joy in life we all seek – whether we go to Wall Street or around the world to find it.”

Precious Parcels $350 Precious Parcels: Colorful stripes are the perfect background to display the whimsical “Just Arrived” mini-envelope applique featured on the front of this card. Your announcement is printed on the inside of this folded, layered card.

Precious Package $131 Precious Package: The stork has brought its latest delivery to your doorstep with this colorful card. The card is pre-printed in the colors shown, though your text can be printed in the ink and font of your choice.

Clay Walker Tickets $45 Buy Clay Walker tickets. TicketNetwork.com gets you in!

Jars Of Clay Tickets $45 Buy Jars Of Clay tickets. TicketNetwork.com gets you in!

Marine Metals Aerator $43.99 Marine Metals Aerator . Floating 12V DC aerator automatically adjusts to any depth livewell while its filter stays cleaner–away from bottom debris. Adjustable air flow regulates the stream and amount of airflow The gentle current created keeps fish from the corners of the livewell so they stay healthy longer Can be used in fresh and saltwater 1 year warranty

Round Clay Stool – Burke Decor $118 Round Clay Stool Fiber Clay 15.75″(h) x 14.5″(dia.)

Purifying Clay Soap 3 Oz $3.19 Purifying Clay Soap(PURIFYING CLAY SOAP by Oxylife Products).

Morbid Metals 14 Gauge Clear Flexible Retainer $10 This clear retainer is 14 gauge and features a clear O-ring. By Morbid Metals.

Burnt Clay and Bronze Wash Mirror $317.9 Burnt Clay and Bronze Wash Mirror

Clay – Nude $49.49 Add a little excitement to your outfit from Promise. Clay has a smooth nude upper with a 1 inch double stacked platform and gold decorative studs lining the back. This peep toe style is finished off by a 5 inch heel.

Clay – Camel $43.99 Add a little excitement to your outfit from Promise. Clay has a smooth camel upper with a 1 inch double stacked platform and gold decorative studs lining the back. This peep toe style is finished off by a 5 inch heel.