samedi 7 février 2009

Art Clay Silver with fused glass


I have read recently that these two media go very well together. So today I will try to put one of the cabochons I made yesterday onto a 'mount' of art clay silver. I have some fine silver bezel that I could surround the cabochon with first and then attach the whole thing to a backing of rolled out metal clay. I will cut a hole in the back of the backing as I think this will benefit the dichroic glass cabochon, allowing the light to shine through.

I have been experimenting with metal clay now for a few months. For anyone who has never used this it is 99.9 per cent pure silver mixed with an organic binder to the same consistency as pottery clay. This means that this can be worked as clay, no traditional metalsmithing involved. No hammering, no cutting - just use like clay. There is no waste, every tiny bit of scrap can be saved and put in a jar with a tiny bit of water. This makes your 'slip', a very wet form of clay which can be used to 'stick' together components parts of a piece of silver art.

The piece above was my first piece of silver clay jewellery, a wearable piece of artwork. I am sorry the photo is not too great. I am experienced with pottery and using clay in all its forms as an art teacher, but to work on a piece so small I found really difficult. I am used to throwing large lumps of clay around a table or a wheel. Metal clay arrives in tiny packages of 7, 20 or 50 grammes.

We have sleet and snow again here in the south of France so I will be inside today experimenting with the metal clay and glass combinations. I have found some great links and tutorials for these media and will publish them in my next posting.

The cats will be glad I am staying in today.

4 commentaires:

  1. Love it Jo, the glass is great as well.

    We still have snow, frozen solid after a veryeavy frost last night. E wants to go out for a walk, me????? not keen too afraid of slipping and broken bones.

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  2. Your silver clay piece is wonderful. I tried working in silver clay and did not do very well with it; however, I've been thinking of making another attempt.

    I see we are kindred spirits - both retired, live in a rural area, new to blogging, love the creative process and jewelry. Thanks for following my blog and I will return the favor.

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  3. Looks great! Silver clay is something I've been wanting to try but haven't gotten around to. Keep it up, I can't wait to see a piece with glass!

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  4. can we correspond by email in english?

    bst rgds,
    j.r.
    safetech@zahav.net.il

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