How to Mix Art Clay & Metal

Experiment with the clay opening size for the metal object on a small slab of the same artist clay used in the project.

The mixing of art clay and metal together requires an individual to have a basic understanding of the property of clay. Art clay shrinks as it dries. It also shrinks during the firing process from greenware to bisqueware. The addition of metal is done after the firing process is complete. A hole or area to put the metal is built into the clay item prior to firing. Experiment with slabs of the same artist clay used in the project to determine the proper diameter for the hole or area to place the metal to ensure a tight fit.

Things You'll Need

• Artist's clay
• Canvas
• Metal wire or metal object
• Ruler
• Paper
• Pencil
• Craft knife

Instructions

1. Press a slab of clay 3/8 to 1/2-inch thick on a piece of canvas.

2. Push the metal object or wire into the clay. Remove the object or wire and measure the opening. Write down the measurements.

3. Allow the clay to dry and then fire. Measure the openings after firing. Write down the measurements.

4. Compare the two measurements to determine the percent of shrinkage. Example: A wire hole that is 1/8-inch in diameter when wet is 1/16-inch after firing. The hole shrunk 50 percent during firing.

5. Press a second slab sample on the canvas. Make a 1/4-inch hole in the clay. Allow the clay to dry and then fire. The hole will shrink to 1/8-inch during firing.

6. Insert the metal wire into the hole and secure with epoxy glue.

Tips & Warnings

• Metal objects are added to clay as handles, holders, hangers and decorative appeal.

• Combine as many pieces of metal as desired in an art clay project. Do test samples prior to completing the finished item to ensure each metal object will fit securely.

• Do not fire metal in a clay object. The clay will crack, split or explode while firing. Add metal items to the clay after final firing. Shrinkage occurs during the drying process. The clay starts in a liquid form then dries enough to become workable. The next step is drying to a leather hard stage when pieces can still be added with slip. The next stage is greenware. This stage is when the clay is dry enough to put in the kiln. After the clay is fired it is said to be bisqueware. This is when the item is glazed or painted. Another firing is needed if glaze is applied. The metal is added at this point.