{"id":10438,"date":"2019-08-02T09:30:11","date_gmt":"2019-08-02T08:30:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/blog\/?p=10438"},"modified":"2025-08-26T15:36:27","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T14:36:27","slug":"how-to-use-metal-clay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/blog\/learn\/how-to-use-metal-clay\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Use Metal Clay"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re starting out in your journey as a jewellery maker, our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/how-to-make-jewellery\">how to make jewellery<\/a> <\/strong>hub is the place for you. We&#8217;ve collated the perfect collection of guides and resources to help you learn a range of different jewellery making areas including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/silver-clay\">how to make jewellery with silver clay<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the best materials for a beginner is silver clay (or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/Precious-Metal-Clay\/all\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Art Clay<\/a>). With that in mind, we\u2019ve created a handy introduction to silver clay to help you get started. In this blog, we\u2019ll talk you through how to use silver clay and the essential pieces of kit for your silver clay projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Watch our YouTube video for an introduction to silver clay. As a visual guide, you\u2019ll discover the different tools and how to use them, techniques and top tips from an Art Clay expert, Lori Ridgway, at one of Cooksongold\u2019s Demo days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-embed-handler wp-block-embed-embed-handler wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Introduction to Precious Metal Clay for Jewellery Making\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8klmepI-Zns?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your Silver Clay <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you start using precious metal clay, there are a few essential things you\u2019ll need to get started. Here\u2019s what to include in your precious metal clay kit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/Precious-Metal-Clay\/-Range=Art_Clay_Silver\/-Alloy=0\/-Type=0\/&amp;prdsearch=y\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Art clay silver<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sealed box and baby wipes &#8211; to keep clay moist<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Balm &#8211; so the clay doesn\u2019t stick<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/Precious-Metal-Clay\/Plastic-Spacers-1.5mm-Pack-of-2-prcode-700-643&amp;query=spacers&amp;channel=uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Spaces<\/a> (or metal rulers)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/Precious-Metal-Clay\/Acrylic-Roller-25-X-175mm-prcode-700-644&amp;query=roller&amp;channel=uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Roller<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/Precious-Metal-Clay\/-Range=Tools_%5E_Accessories\/-Alloy=0\/-Type=Moulds\/&amp;prdsearch=y&amp;show=N\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Moulding compound<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Needle tool\/scalpel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Buffet plate warmers\/dehydrator\/mug warmer &#8211; for drying the clay<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/Precious-Metal-Clay\/Sponge-Sanding-Pads,-Set-Of-3-Grits-prcode-999-SS01\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sanding pads<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/Precious-Metal-Clay\/-Range=Silver_Clay_Kilns\/-Alloy=0\/-Type=0\/&amp;prdsearch=y\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kiln<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/Jewellery-Tools\/Stainless-Steel-Gauze-15cm-X-15cm-prcode-999-AFN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gauze<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/Jewellery-Tools\/-Range=Metal_Melting_Equipment\/-Size=0\/-Type=0\/-Brand=0\/-Font=0\/&amp;prdsearch=y\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Blow torch<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/Jewellery-Tools\/Wooden-Handle-Brass-Brush-4-Row-prcode-999-173&amp;query=brass%20brush&amp;channel=uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Brass brush<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How To Use Silver Clay<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When using Silver clay, it is important that you fully understand the process behind making jewellery with Silver clay \u2013 we can help with that. Follow our advice on how to use Silver clay, and you\u2019ll be ready to start in no time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Planning<\/strong>. Whether you\u2019re making a pendant, a ring or earrings, you\u2019ll want to plan your design first. Think about textures, shapes, sizes, patterns and whether you\u2019d like to add gemstones and other finishing touches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Prepare the clay<\/strong>. Break off the amount of clay you need with a spacer and roll it in your hands. Once done, place it into a sealed tub with baby wipes to ensure the clay stays moist (so the clay doesn\u2019t crack).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Prepare your workplace.<\/strong> When creating intricate designs, the last thing you want is for your clay to stick to your workplace. To prevent this, use an olive oil based balm on your tile, roller and template. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/Precious-Metal-Clay\/Metal-Clay-Balm-prcode-700-576\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">metal clay balm<\/a> is ideal for this and will keep your clay from sticking to your work surface. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/metal-clay-release.jpg\" alt=\"balm\" class=\"wp-image-18637\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/metal-clay-release.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/metal-clay-release-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/metal-clay-release-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Get the right size.<\/strong> Using your spacers, you can get a rough idea of the size of your piece. Place two spacers on your tile with a gap in between for your clay. Then roll it to get an idea of the size of your design and repeat on the other side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Add texture.<\/strong> If this is something you want to add to your design, now\u2019s the time to do it. To add texture one of the best tools to use is a moulding compound. With this tool, you\u2019ll be able to get the exact texture you require. Place under and over your clay, then roll once in one direction \u2013 if you roll back and forth you\u2019ll lose the sharpness of your design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Get the right shape.<\/strong> There are a few ways you can do this. The easiest is to use cutters, but you can also use anything else as a template. You\u2019ll need to cut around it using a scalpel or a needle tool which requires a little more precision. Top tip \u2013 remember to add balm to your template to avoid it sticking!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cutting the clay.<\/strong> When using a scalpel or a needle tool, make sure you\u2019re using it at a 90\u00b0 angle. This means that you\u2019ll get a straight edge rather than a beveled edge (which is fine if that\u2019s what you\u2019ve planned for your design).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/cuting-clay.jpg\" alt=\"Cutting clay\" class=\"wp-image-18635\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/cuting-clay.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/cuting-clay-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/cuting-clay-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dry the clay.<\/strong> There are a variety of ways that you can dry your clay before you fire it. A buffet plate warmer, the drying setting on your kiln, a mug warmer or even your radiator. Just don\u2019t put it on something over 150\u00b0 C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sand the clay.<\/strong> Once it\u2019s completely dry, you can start sanding. Using sanding pads or nail file blocks, gently sand down your design so you won\u2019t have to polish it as much once it\u2019s finished. When you\u2019re happy with it, you\u2019ll be ready to fire the clay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fire the clay.<\/strong> Before you start firing, make sure the clay is completely dry, otherwise it\u2019ll fire bubbles into your design. If it\u2019s ready, you can choose one of many ways to fire your clay. You can use a kiln, gas stove or a blow torch\u2013 just choose the best option for you. Once finished, your design should be salmon pink colour before turning white away from the heat.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/firing-clay.jpg\" alt=\"Firing silver clay\" class=\"wp-image-18634\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/firing-clay.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/firing-clay-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/firing-clay-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Finishing touches.<\/strong> To make sure your design is finished to the highest standard, there are a couple of things left. First, dip it in a bowl of cold water. Then to get rid of the white colour, use a brass brush until your piece turns silver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And there you have it! After reading our introduction to Silver clay and watching our video, you should be feeling ready to give it a go yourself. Just make sure you have all the right<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/Precious-Metal-Clay\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Art clay tools and materials<\/a> and you read up on some more of our resources as well as our projects to help you along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re starting out in your journey as a jewellery maker, our how to make jewellery hub is the place for you. We&#8217;ve collated the perfect collection of guides and resources to help you learn a range of different jewellery making areas including how to make jewellery with silver clay. One of the best materials [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":10435,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1784],"tags":[42,905,906,113,114,29,71,48,34,49,30,414,1775,592,50,1022,51,64,52],"class_list":["post-10438","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-clay","tag-clay","tag-clay-and-resins","tag-clay-jewellery-making","tag-cookson","tag-cooksongold","tag-jewellery-making","tag-jewellery-making-blog","tag-jewellery-making-clay","tag-jewellery-making-supplies","tag-jewellery-tips","tag-jewellery-tools","tag-jewelry","tag-legacy","tag-metal-clay","tag-pmc","tag-pmc-clay","tag-precious-metal-clay","tag-silver","tag-silver-clay"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\r\n<title>How to Use 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