What is Metal Clay

Metal Clay is a medium that consists of very fine particles of metal mixed with a water-soluble, non toxic organic binder to create a workable clay. These fine particles of metal include gold, silver, bronze or copper. The clay is rolled out, textured, cut to size and shape, with or without a template or cutter. At this stage, the clay is referred to as the green ware stage. Much of the fine tuning is done in the green ware stage.
It is easier at this point than when it’s fired because it will be metal, a lot harder to refine or adjust.

Once I am pleased with my work, I place the created item into a Jeweler’s kiln and fire at very high temperatures for a given amount of time. For example: Fine Silver is fired at 1650°F and Bronze 1485ºF. This process takes several hours, warming up, the firing and cooling down. You can not open the kiln when it is registering such high temps!

During the firing, the water-soluble, non toxic organic binder burn away and the particles fuse together. The result is pure metal. It is almost magical!

I work primarily with Fine Silver clay.
I like silver metal, because it is a cool color.
Here is an example: https://kathyavicolli.com/jewelry/fine-silver-cross-with-aquamarine/

I also work with Bronze clay, it evokes a warm tone just  like 14k Gold.
I like to support small businesses that make the highest quality metal clay available. The clays that I work with are made in Australia by one woman! Ros Bailey makes her clays available in the U.S. through https://aussiemetalclayusa.com/home/