live benchtips - working with silver metal clay: your questions answered
We regularly run a a free Live Benchtips Session, a Q&A for you to ask an expert jewellery your questions. This month I was joined by metal clay artist Anna Campbell to answer your questions on all things metal clay.
Watch the whole session or skip to the question you want answered!
00 Introduction to Anna
01 Tell us about the different types of metal clay
02 What is silver metal clay made of?
05 How do you keep the metal clay workable and avoid cracks?
10 How do you store metal clay?
13 I've had some unopened packets about Clay for a few years. Does it have a limited shelf life?
14 How can you reconstitute metal clay?
BONUS Here is a step by step video on reconstituting metal clay
15 The ethical side of silver clay - 100% recycled silver
17 What do I do if the clay gets mouldy?
18 Can I fire styling silver, together with silver clay in the kiln?
20 Can I work with gemstones and silver metal clay?
BONUS Here is a guide to fireable gemstones
25 How do you torch fire silver clay?
BONUS Here is a video showing how to torch fire silver clay
28 Should I use sterling silver or fine silver findings with metal clay pieces?
30 What is Project X silver clay?
32 Can you fire seaglass in silver clay?
34 What are the limitations of torch firing?
40 Will there be a second Metal Clay Diploma from Jewellers Academy?
41 Can you use keumboo (gold leaf). And can you pickle and solder after adding the gold leaf?
BONUS Here’s a free video showing how to use keumboo with silver metal clay
45 Do pieces with keumboo need to be hallmarked in the UK?
47 Can you reconstitute the cork feel like used in making beads?
48 If setting sea glass, would you recommend using a protective paste?
50 How do we do stamp both sides of a silver clay piece without smooshing it?
52 Tip: for setting a gold casting grain in silver metal clay
BONUS Here’s a free mini course showing you how to set a gold casting grain in silver metal clay
ABOUT ANNA
Anna Campbell is a PGCE-certified teacher and a qualified Art Clay & PMC instructor having completed courses with Art Clay World UK & Rio Rewards in America.
She has been a guest demonstrator in silver clay on Create and Craft TV and wrote articles for Making Jewellery magazine, including having her silver clay work featured on the front cover.
She is the founder of Jewellery School Scotland and teaches workshops in Edinburgh.
Anna and I will both be speaking at the Sinter metal clay conference this year.
RESOURCES
fREE 5 DAYS OF SILVER METAL CLAY
If you’d love to have a go with metal clay then take the free 5 days of silver metal clay challenge.
Day 1 -Make a Silver Name Necklace
Learn how to work with silver clay to create a hand-stamped name necklace and a stone setting
Day 2 - Make Embellishments in Silver Clay
Learn different ways to create embellishments and extras in the clay. No soldering is required!
Day 3 - Reconstituting Your Silver Clay (so there's zero waste)
One of the great things about metal clay is that there is no waste. If you don't like a piece you've made you can simply grind it up, add water and make it back into clay again. Learn how
Day 4- Make a Silver and Gold Drop - Casting Grain Technique
Learn how to affordably add gold to your silver clay designs with this technique
Day 5 - How to Hand Polish Your Silver Clay Jewellery
The polish and finish you get to your jewellery makes a big difference. Today you'll learn how to hand polish your pieces to a mirror shine