How to Attach Sterling Silver to Ceramic Pots

Sterling silver charms and trivets are a lovely embellishment for anything but are particularly noteworthy when attached to ceramic pots. The contrast of the two materials gives depth and dynamic to any project, and the method of attachment depends largely upon the aesthetic preferences of the creator of the craft project. There are an array of decorative ideas for attaching sterling silver pieces to a ceramic pot as well as simple and utilitarian ways.

Things You'll Need

• Metal epoxy
• Sterling silver charm(s)
• Ceramic pot
• Wooden craft stick
• Cyanoacrylate glue
• Cotton swab
• Nail polish remover
• Ribbon
• Twine
• Memory wire
• Measuring tape
• Scissors

Instructions

Metal Epoxy

1. Select a two-part epoxy that is specifically designed to adhere to metal. This type of glue comes in two separate bottles--the adhesive itself and a curing agent, or hardener. Use epoxy when the bond between the sterling silver and the ceramic pot needs to be strong and it does not matter that the adhesive is visible.

2. Mix the two parts according to the directions given by the manufacturer of the epoxy. Some epoxies require you to squirt equal portions from syringes, while others mix in unequal portions.

3. Place a small dab of metal epoxy on the back of the charm with a wooden craft stick.

4. Position the sterling silver piece onto the ceramic pot in the location of your choice. Press the charm firmly against the pot.

5. Allow the epoxy to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. This can range in time from 30 minutes to 24 hours.

Cyanoacrylate Glue

1. Select a fast-drying cyanoacrylate glue when the project needs to be completed in a hurry or the adhesive must be invisible. It can be found under the brand names of Super Glue or Krazy Glue.

2. Place one or two small drops of cyanoacrylate glue on the back of the sterling silver charm.

3. Press the charm against the ceramic pot firmly.

4. Allow the glue to dry for the time specified by the manufacturer. Drying times can range from 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

5. Remove any visible glue from the edges of the ceramic charm using a cotton swab soaked in nail polish remover.

Decorative Methods

1. Measure the circumference of the ceramic pot.

2. Cut a piece of string, twine, memory wire or ribbon about 1/2 inch larger than the circumference of the pot.

3. Thread the charm onto the string, twine, memory wire or ribbon. If the charm does not have a hole, place a small dab of cyanoacrylate glue on the back of the charm and affix it to the string, twine, memory wire or ribbon.

4. Tie the string, twine, memory wire or ribbon around the ceramic pot. If the ribbon, twine, memory wire or string will not stay in place, use a small drop of cyanoacrylate glue to secure it in place around the pot.

5. Remove any excess glue with a cotton swab soaked in nail polish remover.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose your attachment method based upon the needs of your finished project. If the ceramic pots will be used for outdoor gardening, choose a metal epoxy or cyanoacrylate glue. If the ceramic pots are intended for decorative purposes, wire, string or ribbon will suffice.

• Another factor to consider when choosing a method for attachment is the time required. If a project needs to be completed immediately, cyanoacrylate glue or tying the piece on are quickest. If you have more than a day to complete the project, metal epoxy can be used.

• If you are painting your ceramic pot, it is almost always advisable to do so before gluing on the sterling silver. The exception is if you decide to utilize metal epoxy. Metal epoxy will show on the finished product, and can be painted to match the rest of the pot using a small detailing paint brush and a color of paint to match the pot.

• Follow warnings set forth by the manufacturers when dealing with glues and epoxies. Generally they should only be used in well-ventilated areas and should not come into contact with skin and should under no circumstances be ingested.

• Clean-up of glues can be messy. Lay newspaper on your work surface if you are concerned.

References

• This to That - Metal to Ceramic
• This to That - Cyanoacrylates
• This to That - Epoxies