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How to Use Precious Metal Clay

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(3 Ratings)

Precious Metal Clay is made up of tiny particles of silver or gold in an organic binding material. It can be rolled, shaped and pressed into any form with your hands or simple tools. When fired in a kiln or with a torch, Precious Metal Clay looks and feels like metal. Below are basic ideas to get you started making many types of Precious Metal Clay items.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Select the type of clay and form that you'd like to work with. There are three types of Precious Metal Clay. Each one is available in lump form, similar to polymer clay. It also comes in sheets, paste and slip which can be pressed through a nozzle.

  2. Step 2

    Acquire the right tools. Most basic tools can simply be found around the house. As you work more with Precious Metal Clay, you may want to get more professional tools to add texture and design.

  3. Step 3

    Set two stacks of playing cards a few inches apart on a flat sheet of plastic. Put a lump of clay between the stacks. Wipe some olive oil over the surface of the roller. Run the roller over the clay until it is a uniform thickness equal to the height of the cards.

  4. Step 4

    Cut pieces and lift them off the sheet with a kitchen knife or craft knife. Press the Precious Metal Clay against a textured surface or roll the surface over a sheet of clay. Objects like leaves, lace, and wood are some examples of objects that can give texture to the clay.

  5. Step 5

    Roll out a rod and form it into a loop to make a loop for a pendant. Moisten it with water and attach it to the piece. To join pieces together, place them next to each other, then apply a drop of water with a brush. Fire the piece according to the manufacturer's directions.

  6. Step 6

    Make a ring by wrapping a piece of tape around a dowel 12 percent larger than the final desired size. Cover with plastic wrap. Wrap a piece of clay around the dowel and remove before it dries.

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