Results 1 to 8 of 8

Thread: PMC / Silver Clay Tool List

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Market Deeping
    Posts
    2,693

    Default PMC / Silver Clay Tool List

    I've been asked a few questions on PMC mainly during my courses,
    for beginners the most confusing thing is "What tools do I need"
    so here are a few suggestions.

    PMC Suggested TOOLS - minimum needs, in order of use
    A roller - used for rolling out the clay
    A rolling surface - Non-stick as possible e.g. a glass board or polished tile
    Spacers or playing cards - for getting the depth of the clay even
    Cutting blade, scalpel - For getting straight edges and making your shapes.
    A small lidded pot - to put filings & tiny offcuts into so you can save them for making silver clay paste or slip
    Various grades of sanding pads - or get a 4 way nail filing block and strip the sides off.

    FIRING METHODS -
    For Hob firing, stainless steel mesh with protection net.
    Torch firing - Handheld torch and a firing brick (asbestos substitute not a household brick )
    Kiln - If you can get access to a kiln then use it, the metal is normally denser and the results more consistant.
    Stainless steel or brass brush - for brushing off the white post firing and leaving you lovely silver.
    Silver polish & Cloth - for getting the final buffed up shine.

    Some Optional Extras:
    For ring making - A sliding ring guage, A wooden ring mandrel, and ring papers (to stop clay sticking to the mandrel).
    For Better finishes - A small set of metal files for neatening edges quicker than sanding them down.
    Long Tweezers - For holding / moving the pieces when firing
    Liver of Sulpher - For antiquing or bringing out fine detail
    Burnishers & ultra fine sanding pads - Post firing for a REAL shine!
    Cutters & Shapers - Using pre-shaped cutters e.g. hearts will same time and give you more consistant shapes
    Tiny drill bits - you can twist them in your fingers to drill through the unfired clay & make jump ring holes & hanging points.
    Texture Mats/plates - Roll the clay out on these and you'll have fabulous patterns straight away!
    Letter Stamp Set - For stamping words into unfired (rubber stamps) or fired clay (metal stamps).

    Feel free to add any suggestions & comments (I'll add them to the list)
    Nic xx
    Monthly FREE entry giveaways on Blogs!
    Shop Blog: http://muranosilver.blogspot.com/
    Silver Clay Blog: http://pmctips.blogspot.com/
    View images of my work on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/muranosilver

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Malmesbury, Wiltshire
    Posts
    103

    Default

    I have been reading my borrowed book and other websites and they all mention something called badgers balm for stopping the stuff sticking to the tools. You don't mention it in your list. is it nessasery? will anything else work as well?
    I was thinking olive oil? or hand cream?
    I'm guessing the answer will be "argghhhh! not oil or hand cream, throw that woman off the forum!"

    I'll just sit here quietly for a bit.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Market Deeping
    Posts
    2,693

    Default

    It depends on how dry your hands are. I never use the stuff others apply it religiously (praying their piece will go right )
    If you do choose to use it then dont' dollop it on, use it sparingly. Otherwise it starts to coat your clay and as you re-roll it in use you can get a Filo Pastry effect (i.e you clay starts not sticking to itself and builds up layers that you have to work hard to get back together)

    nic x
    Monthly FREE entry giveaways on Blogs!
    Shop Blog: http://muranosilver.blogspot.com/
    Silver Clay Blog: http://pmctips.blogspot.com/
    View images of my work on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/muranosilver

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Malmesbury, Wiltshire
    Posts
    103

    Default

    Wow that was quick!
    so the stuff isnt all that sticky then?
    I'm used to working with fimo type clay. how is it in comparison with that?
    More or less sticky?
    I'm still trying to get up the courage to open the packet and the kids will be going back to school soon. yippee!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Market Deeping
    Posts
    2,693

    Default

    I tell my students to think of it like pastry....if it's at the right consistency
    it's not sticky at all. If you add a bit too much water though...urrrgh
    and if it gets too dry then it cracks.

    If you're a polymer clay gal then it's closest in workability to fimo soft.
    Monthly FREE entry giveaways on Blogs!
    Shop Blog: http://muranosilver.blogspot.com/
    Silver Clay Blog: http://pmctips.blogspot.com/
    View images of my work on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/muranosilver

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Rye Foreign, East Sussex
    Posts
    2,221

    Default

    Time until Sunday, 27 September 2009, 10:00:00 (London time)
    31 days
    746 hours
    44817 minutes
    2689045 seconds

    Alternative version
    It is 31 days, 2 hours, 57 minutes and 25 seconds until Sunday, 27 September 2009, 10:00:00 (London time)

    Current time is
    2009-08-27 07:02:35 BST(local time in London


    Its getting closerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
    Su' xx

    My FB fanpage -https://www.facebook.com/CintaHandCraftedJewellery
    My Website www.cintahandcraftedjewellery.co.uk

    I want to learn so much, and i want to know it all NOW!!!:p

    One day i will arrive

    A huggle a day makes the bad stuff go away

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Market Deeping
    Posts
    2,693

    Default

    Lol - I'm so glad you're looking forward to your course!
    Monthly FREE entry giveaways on Blogs!
    Shop Blog: http://muranosilver.blogspot.com/
    Silver Clay Blog: http://pmctips.blogspot.com/
    View images of my work on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/muranosilver

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Rye Foreign, East Sussex
    Posts
    2,221

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by MuranoSilver View Post
    Lol - I'm so glad you're looking forward to your course!
    Now what on earth would give you that idea?
    Su' xx

    My FB fanpage -https://www.facebook.com/CintaHandCraftedJewellery
    My Website www.cintahandcraftedjewellery.co.uk

    I want to learn so much, and i want to know it all NOW!!!:p

    One day i will arrive

    A huggle a day makes the bad stuff go away

Similar Threads

  1. PMC / Silver Clay Tool List
    By MuranoSilver in forum Metal Clay, Polymer Clay, Resin & Mixed Media
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 15-01-2011, 08:55 PM
  2. Silver Clay Sale - 10% OFF Art Clay & 5% OFF PMC
    By apike in forum Latest Cooksongold E-mails
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 10-09-2010, 01:26 PM
  3. Silver clay and silver wire?
    By Pandanimal in forum Metal Clay, Polymer Clay, Resin & Mixed Media
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 01-10-2009, 03:22 PM
  4. Silver clay and silver wire?
    By Pandanimal in forum Metal Clay, Polymer Clay, Resin & Mixed Media
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 01-10-2009, 03:22 PM
  5. Art Clay Silver (again)
    By Di Sandland in forum Metal Clay, Polymer Clay, Resin & Mixed Media
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 11-08-2009, 06:48 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •