wHat do I do first

[Wendy Moriarty]

Hi
I'm a total novice having not actually crafted any jewelery yet just put things together. I am planning to use fine silver slow drying clay for my first pieces but having read and watched tutorials I have some questions, how do I 'condition' clay, how do I do joins, ie, a ring or bangle or clay on clay as decoration, do I need to use anything on my hands or matt, what are the best stones to set in it? I am planning on doing the basic Fired Silver pmc day course and basic chainmail but the're weeks away and having bought the materials (art clay, sheet, wire, chains, clasps, solder) and some tools ( whats the best torch I got a pencil one but don't think it's up to the job) I'm itching to get started especially after viewing some of the work done by members. I am good at fine crafts, needlework and model making so think I will be able to make jewelery, just not sure where to start, and wary of messing up, so any advice would be appreciatedThank Wendy

[MuranoSilver]

Hi Wendy
Here's a few links for you
Conditioning the Clay (http://pmctips.blogspot.com/2010/05/art-clay-silver-conditioning_194.html)
Rolling out the Clay (http://pmctips.blogspot.com/2010/05/rolling-out-silver-clay.html)
Texturing the Clay (http://pmctips.blogspot.com/2010/05/texturing-silver-metal-clay.html)
I would avoid making rings or bangles until you're more practised and ideally have a kiln to fire them in
but you can join the clay with just water or a little paste (pre-mixed clay & water to cream consistency)

Re tools there is a suggested tool list & lots of other info in the "Metal Clay, Polymer Clay, Resin & Mixed Media (http://www.cooksongold.com/forum/metal-clay-polymer-clay-resin-mixed-media/)" area of the forum :)

The tool list is Here (http://www.cooksongold.com/forum/metal-clay-polymer-clay-resin-mixed-media/1307-pmc-silver-clay-tool-list.html)
Re stones I'd stick to CZ's (from trusted suppliers e.g. cooksons) initially and work on others later
Nic xx

[Wendy Moriarty]

Thans a lot, I love your Jewelery pieces, they are amazing and whatgot me itching to start :-)