How to Make Metal Clay Jewelry

Metal clay--or art clay--has a texture similar to modeling clay and can be used to make jewelry. Metal clay is made up of tiny particles of silver or gold in an organic binding material. When fired in a kiln or with a torch, this clay has the consistency and look of metal. The clay shows fine details, so molding, stamping and texturing are popular techniques for making metal clay jewelry.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Materials to mold
• Plexiglas or other non-stick surface
• Cardboard lid or jewelry box
• Masking tape
• Mold medium
• Mold release
• Small paintbrush
• Metal clay
• Kiln or torch
• Wire brush
• Soft cloth
• Metal polish

Rubber Stamping a Charm or Medallion

1. Set two stacks of playing cards a few inches apart on a flat surface. Put the ball of clay between the stacks. Wipe some olive oil over the surface of the roller. Run the roller over the clay until it is the thickness that you want to medallion to be.

2. Choose a cutter for the clay-- a piece of PVC pipe in the appropriate diameter, a bottle cap or a cookie cutter to cut the shape. Push the cutter into the clay. Cut around the edges of the impression with a knife.

3. Press the rubber stamp into the cut out clay and remove. Let it dry overnight.

4. File around the edges of the piece with an emery board or jeweler's file. Make sure the edges are clean and smooth.

5. Fire the piece in a well ventilated area according to the manufacturer'directions. To use a torch, hold it a few inches from the clay and heat until the clay turns a peach color. Pull the torch back if it starts to bubble or look shiny. Fire for a few minutes after the clay has turned color, and then allow the clay to cool before touching it.

6. Clean the piece with a wire brush. Use a jewelers file to clean up any rough edges. Polish with a soft cloth and metal polish. Punch a hole in the top with a hole punch.

Using a Mold

7. Find materials to mold. Leaves, feathers and pieces of lace make good molds. The jewelry will pick up the fine details of the original object.

8. Cut a clean, non-stick surface such as Plexiglas into a rectangle slightly larger than the object to be molded. Glue the original piece of material to the surface of the Plexiglas.

9. Seal the edges of a papier mache or cardboard lid or jewelry box. Make sure the edges won't leak. Tape the piece of Plexiglas to the bottom of the box with masking tape so that the object you are molding is facing up.

10. Mix the mold medium according to manufacturer's directions. Apply mold release to the object you are molding. Brush some mold mix onto the material with a paintbrush. Pour mold mix into the box until the object is well covered, and then cure as recommended by the manufacturer.

11. Cut the mold from the frame. Peel the original out of the hardened molding medium. Press the clay into the mold. Place in a freezer for five minutes. Flex the mold to remove the clay.

12. Fire the clay in a kiln or with a torch. Once its fired, allow it to cool before touching it.

13. Clean the piece with a wire brush. Polish with a soft cloth and metal polish.