Technique Series — Metal clay basics

In this metal clay basics Technique Series video, instructor Jill Erickson shows you how to work with silver metal clay. Silver metal clay contains very small particles of silver along with an organic binder and water. The benefit is that you can work with the material as a clay, forming and sculpting it, letting it dry and refining the details. When it's fired, the binding agent burns away, shrinking the object and leaving behind a piece of .999 pure silver, otherwise known as fine silver.

Learn how to:

• Roll and cut metal clay
• Add texture to metal clay
• Repair a break in unfired metal clay
• Make metal clay paste
• Fire metal clay with a handheld butane torch
• Add a liver of sulfur patina
• Make lavender-oil paste for joining fired metal clay components

This Jewelry Classes on Demand Technique Series download includes:

• A video showing demonstrations of each technique listed
• A downloadable PDF that includes written instructions and photos of each technique AND easy-to-follow instructions with photos for a project so you can use your new skills right away.

The project PDF included with this video features an easy-to-make pendant made using the following skills: rolling, cutting, and texturing.

Jewelry Classes on Demand's Technique Series is brought to you by Bead&Button, BeadStyle, and Art Jewelry magazines. Each Technique Series video includes a downloadable PDF with written instructions and illustrations of the techniques demonstrated, as well as easy-to-follow instructions and photos of a project or projects. Download a Technique Series video now, and you’ll master the technique in no time, plus you'll have the video to refer to as you make new projects.

Jill L. Erickson is an associate editor with Art Jewelry magazine and a mixed media artist. Jill edits feature project articles for the magazine, as well as the “Business Savvy” and “News & Announcements” columns. She also writes how-to projects and teaches at the annual Bead&Button Show.