Quick Project

Making a simple pendant.

Supplies

1. Read Mary Ann’s book: Introduction to Precious metal Clay or watch Hattie’s new 4 hour long DVD. The DVD takes you through every step of the process. It’s a bit like a one week’s course crammed into 4 hours!
2. Buy a packet of PMC+. This doesn’t dry as quickly as PMC3 but can be torch fired.
3. Tools: 1 wipe out/shaper tool, small tin of Badger Balm, small plastic rolling pin, small craft knife, drinking straw, paint brush and cup of water to rinse brush, empty photo film container (for making slip) and plastic coated normal playing cards. Optional: stamp or texturising mat.
Finishing tools: rubber block and stainless steel brush (Optional: burnisher)

Note: What is slip?
Slip or paste can be bought ready made or you can make it by using the scraps/cut offs of clay and placing them in a small airtight container. Simply mix with a little water to create slip. This is used to bond two pieces of clay together.

Start by rubbing a tiny amount of Badger Balm on you hands and on one of the playing cards that you will be using as a work surface. The advantage of using Badger Balm is that it stops the clay sticking to you hands, your work surface and any texturising tools. It is also non greasy as opposed to using an olive oil/water mix.

Now tear open you clay packet and take out the amount you expect to use straight away. Wrap the remaining piece of clay back in the wrapper and return to the foil pouch.


Adding a texture

Rub a tiny bit of Badger Balm onto your texturising mat and place the clay on top. Now use your rolling pin to roll out the clay on the mat making sure it doesn’t get too thin. About 2-3 mm should do.

Alternatively, roll out your clay on the playing card and use a stamp.

Use your craft knife or cutters to create a shape.

If you want to use a jump ring to hang your pendant simply use your drinking straw to punch a hole. This way you get a nice clean hole as opposed to using a cocktail stick.

Adding a bail

If you prefer to add a bail to hang your piece you may want to dry your piece to make it a little more robust before adding the bail. (If your piece is particularly delicate you can add your bail after firing.)

You can leave your piece to dry overnight or place it on a sunny windowsill. However, as you probably don’t want to wait that long you can use a hairdryer or food warmer to speed up the process.


Creating a bail

Take a little piece of clay from your pack and roll out a sausage shape long enough to form a loop at the top of your piece. Lay your sausage down and form a loop. Use your brush to wet the two areas you are about to join, using slip. Now place your piece on top and push down gently and tidy with the wipe out tool/shaper as necessary. Use some more slip to secure the join.

Leave your pendant to dry.

Finishing

Aim to do most of your finishing before firing as it is much easier.



Use a fine grit sandpaper to smooth any edges. Baby wipes are also great for smoothing out any edges or surfaces.

Firing

We will soon be launching a kiln firing and tumbling service. However, if you want to try firing at home we recommend using a handheld torch.


Torch firing

This is suitable for flat items up to the size of a 50 pence piece (2-3 cm). Place your item on a fire brick (kiln brick) or try new firing mat. Use the handheld torch to fire your pendant as per the chart. Once you turn on the torch your pendant will start to smoke a little. This is the organic binder burning away. (Although it is non toxic we recommend you work in a well ventilated area or next to an open window.) Gently move the torch around to distribute the heat evenly. Soon your pendant will start to emit an orange glow. It is now firing. Watch out! It doesn’t start to bubble – this means the silver is starting to melt. If it does, simply pull the torch away to stop it.

Once your pendant has finished firing it will be covered in a white coating.

To achieve a matt silver finish, place your pendant on a rubber block and brush it using a stainless steel brush. Use a burnisher to ‘rub’ any areas you want to give a polished/shiny look.

For an all over polished/shiny look place your pendant into a rotary tumbler. This will condense the silver particles and will strengthen the silver.

To purchase any of the products featured in this project, please visit our online store
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