How to Make Flexible Metal Clay

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By geltdesigns
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Metal clay dries out quickly and hardens into a rigid green state. Adding glycerin to metal clay allows it to dry more slowly and creates a more flexible product to work with. Flexible clay introduces new ways to make silver jewelry. This tutorial will explain how to mix glycerin into PMC or art clay to make the metal clay flexible.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

one package of metal clay (PMC or Art Clay)
glycerin
work surface
roller
scraper
Badger Balm

Step 1

Gather your tools and materials.
Step 2

Prepare your work surface with Badger Balm to prevent the metal clay from sticking as you work.
Step 3

Open a package of metal clay. You can use Art Clay or PMC. Roll the metal clay out on the work surface until it is very thin. Do not use any playing cards to roll out the metal clay.
Step 4

Add a few drops of glycerin to the entire surface of the metal clay. Roll the metal clay up to work the glycerin in the metal clay. Use your scraper to mix the now very sticky metal clay.
Step 5

Continue rolling and mixing until the metal clay resumes its original texture. You can use a plastic bag to prevent handling the metal clay as you work.

Tips & Warnings

After you add the glycerin, the new flexible metal clay should remain flexible for several days.
Never leave a kiln unattended when firing.
Take fire safety precautions if using a torch to fire metal clay.

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