Bronze & Copper Clay

[The Dragon]

I've just received an email from one of my would be suppliers about Bronze & Copper clay that they are now stocking.

I thought it might be nice to throw this topic into the forum for people to discuss the pros & cons.

I have to say I have some very nice lampwork beads that would go very well with either medium - just as soon as I feel I can get to grips with the different processes.

I now hand it over to you ...

:feedback:

[Solunar Silver Studio]

Hi Annie - I haven't done any myself but a friend of mine has been playing with it...with mixed success I would say - but practice makes perfect!! He's a lampworker too and sees a lot of potential with what he is doing. I think the biggest problem is the length of time taken to sinter the material (hours and hours I believe) and the fact you have to have the stainless steel container and carbon filling ...you have to have a kiln and it has to be the size of a Paragon to be big enough to take all this extra stuff! When you are used to using pmc and the speed and the clean simplicity of it all the bronz and coppr clays can be a bit of a surprise!! He seems to be having fun with it though - so I guess if you are all set up with the right size of kiln it is worth having a play!! Sour grapes....me??....nah!!:) I love my little kiln and it serves me very well....if it ever needs replacing though I would move up to a Paragon to give myself more options!!

[MuranoSilver]

I've done a couple of Blog posts about my experiences with bronze clay..
Bronze Clay the Pleasure and the Pain (http://pmctips.blogspot.com/2009/04/bronze-clay-pleasure-pain.html) (general workability etc)
and another on Firing Times & Temps (http://pmctips.blogspot.com/2009/05/creating-bronze-jewellery-firing-times.html) (that worked for me)
I've attached the first results (still lots of work to do!)
Nic x

[The Dragon]

Thanks Nic,

You continue to be an inspiration to me. The peices look wonderful and I'm glad the bunny made it through the firing process. I'm trying to persuade my OH not to buy me a anything for my birthday & xmas but give me the money towards a kiln instead

:worthy::worthy::worthy:

[Di Sandland]

Thanks Nic,

You continue to be an inspiration to me. The peices look wonderful and I'm glad the bunny made it through the firing process. I'm trying to persuade my OH not to buy me a anything for my birthday & xmas but give me the money towards a kiln instead

:worthy::worthy::worthy:

Great minds Annie

[Tilly]

With regards to kilns....... where do you go to fire things if you don't own a kiln, its something im interested in trying but wouldn't really know where to start!

Thanks

[The Dragon]

I have a hand held torch that I fill with lighter fuel. I put my work on a heat resistant block and heat it up until it's a dull red colour, I then keep the flame moving around the piece for 3 minutes until it's fired through. The trick is not to get too close and keep the flame moving otherwise it starts to 'run' and you ruin any detail. Take a look at Nic's blog she goes into it in better detail.

It's fine for small pieces or if you don't want to do a lot.

:Y:

[Tilly]

thanks Annie, I'll have a look