want to try making jewellery from silver metal clay? join the free 5 day metal clay challenge
EDIT - even though this live challenge has ended you can still enrol now and get immediate access to this 5 day course. Take it at your own pace, you get lifetime access.
Have you heard of metal clay but wonder what it is and how to use it?
You're in luck as we have a FREE five-day challenge using silver metal clay starting on Monday 26th February 2024.
Each day that week you get access to a free mini-video course with a step-by-step guide to a project designed for beginners.
Sign up now.
Day 1: Make a Silver Name Necklace
WHAT IS METAL CLAY?
Silver metal clay is a manufactured material made using recycled silver particles, an organic plant-based binder to bind the particles together and some water. This material can be moulded, shaped and textured. It is then dried (it can be left to dry naturally or put on a heated surface to dry). It is fired using a jeweller's torch (a creme brule torch will do!) or in a jeweller's kiln. The result is a piece of metal of hallmark quality.
Silver metal clay tends to be the most commonly used metal but other metals are available. They are similar in the way they are manufactured and the method of working with them.
SO YOU'RE SAYING CLAY TURNS INTO SOLID METAL? HOW DOES THAT WORK?
The clay is moulded, shaped, textured etc to make jewellery or other objects
The clay is left aside to dry. You can just leave it to dry or you can dry it faster on a hot surface e.g. hot plate, food dehydrator, on top of a radiator etc
Once dry, the clay can be filed and finished ready for firing
The clay is then fired. For silver clay, small pieces around the size of a £2 coin or smaller can be fired with a jeweller’s torch. Larger or more complex pieces tend to be fired in a jeweller’s kiln. During the firing process, the organic binder in the clay burns away so a small flame is seen briefly. The piece is then heated for 3 minutes. During this heating phase the metal particles form together - they sinter to make one solid piece of silver.
Once cool, the silver can be polished. Findings e.g. jump rings and earring wires are added and the pieces are ready to wear
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MAKING JEWELLERY FROM METAL CLAY?
Jewellery can be made from metal sheet, wire, clay and wax and each of these methods have its own benefits.
The benefits of working with silver metal clay are:
It’s easy to do from home - there is not much equipment that you need to get started
The tools you need to start are not expensive
The tools are not bulky - you generally don’t need a lot of space and you can work from your kitchen table easily
The clay is perfect for moulding, texturing, carving and sculpting
There’s zero waste as any dry clay designs you don’t like can be ground back up, water added and made back into clay
Clay is easy to use for those with dexterity issues e.g. arthritis. Unlike traditional methods where there is a lot of sawing, filing, hammering etc
Day 4: Make a Silver and Gold Drop
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE FREE CHALLENGE?
Day 1 - Monday 26th February 2024
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 - Tuesday 27th February 2024
Make Embellishments in Silver Clay
Learn different ways to create embellishments and extras in the clay. No soldering is required!
Day 3 - Wednesday 28th February 2024
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 - Thursday 29th February 2024
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 - Friday 1st March 2024
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