With metal clay, you can create jewelry easily without years of technical metalsmithing training. Learn how to make a highly decorative toggle clasp out of metal clay. Adding your own custom findings to your creations increases value and allows you to create your own unique look.
Grease your hands and work surface to prevent the metal clay from sticking to your hands and work area.
2
Roll out the metal clay to about four playing cards thick. Apply texture. Cut the clay into the desired shape of your clasp
3
Cut a hole in the center of the clay. Seal with water to activate the binder in the clay as necessary to smooth edges.
4
Dry the piece using a hair dryer, coffee mug warmer or other hot plate. Once the piece is dry, file using a medium-grit nail file. File the clasp until it is smooth and finished.
5
Create the toggle portion of the clasp. Roll out a second piece of metal clay using your hands or a piece of clear Plexiglas into a "snake" until it has reached your desired thickness. Cut to size.
6
Roll a second, thinner snake to create the "eye" of the toggle. Scratch the surface of the first, larger snake in the center. Moisten with water and/or slip. Attach the eye to the longer snake. Dry and file until smooth.
7
Fire the clasp using a kiln, torch or stovetop according to the metal clay manufacturer's instructions.
8
After firing, the clasp will appear white. It will be soft (or fully annealed). This is normal. Finish the clasp by brushing it with a wire brush or by putting it into a rotary rock or jewelry tumbler.
9
Use a patina to highlight the details in your metal clay creation.
10
Add the clasp to your handmade jewelry to create your own unique look.
Tips & Warnings
When creating a toggle, it is important that the toggle be properly proportioned to the opposite piece or it will have a tendency to come unclasped. To determine the proper proportion, measure the center hole of the clasp. Each side of the toggle should be just slightly longer that than the diameter of the center hole. The entire length of the toggle should be greater than two times the diameter of the center hole.
Never leave a kiln unattended when firing.
Take fire safe precautions when using a torch or stovetop to fire metal clay.
Necklace toggle closures are convenient and simple to use if they're working properly. Many jewelry wearers prefer them because it's generally easier...
