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Thread: Is PMC tough to use?

  1. #1
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    Default Is PMC tough to use?

    Do you have to be an excellent and experienced jewellery maker to really master pmc. I hear its easy to use, however extremely difficult to produce high quality silver jewellery. Has anyone had any experiences they like to share regarding pmc???

  2. #2
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    I've done a bit of work with PMC, I'd say it's NOT that easy to work with, the clay dries out very quickly so you have to learn to work quite fast. Basic things like cut out shapes for pendants would be quite easy though, because they'd be straightforward and quick to make. I guess it's down to practise, the more complicated yo get the harder it will be to acheive a good result!

  3. #3
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    PMC (like any jewellery technique) takes practise to master properly.
    The main thing is to learn to hydrate the clay to give you the best working consistency and results.
    The trouble with hydration is that it's almost impossible to learn out of a book.

    This is a ring made out of silver clay - it took me almost a day to make.
    (which is possibly a shorter time than making a wax, sending it off to be cast,
    tidying it up & finishing the casting then setting the stone).
    Most of the time was spent in finishing it in the pre-firing stage,
    various grades of sandpaper to very, very fine.

    Here's a Art Clay flower pendant, fine silver bezel set with a 4ct Green Tourmaline.

    PMC is great for texture, carving and a whole host of other stuff
    but it isn't a "quick fix" and you still have to put some time in to achieve
    consistent results (lots of sanding sponges, and patience helps too )

    Nic x
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  4. #4
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    It depends what you want to do with it, some things are easier than sterling, some things would be impossible with sterling, and some things are better made with sterling....
    as for use, it takes practice...remember your first piercing and soldering attempts?
    IMHO its an amazing material when properly used!
    Em

  5. #5
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    the ring is lovely ... if i wasn't 2h 43m away from you i would have really enjoyed doing one of your courses

  6. #6
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    Where'dya get the green tourmaline from? It's so gorgeous!!!

  7. #7
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    Default its not an either/or for metal clay

    I have a background in sculpture rather than traditional metalsmithing and 'discovered' metal clay about 5 years ago. I immediately loved its sculptural possibilities, the fact the basics were relatively easy to get to grips with and it was possible to work at home with a small range of cheap accessible tools.

    I've never seen it as an total alternative to 'traditional' silversmithing, but I enjoy exploring its vast creative potential and constantly pushing the boundaries of what it can do over more traditional methods. Design, techniques and craftsmanship are always of paramount importance. A day's intro class will rarely produce particulary exciting work but that's fine, we've all got to start somewhere.

    Although I might be preaching to the converted, the rather snobby attitude from the jewellery 'establishment' is slowly changing as people see the truly amazing work that is being made. good eye candy on Metal Clay Academy amongst many other places.

    i'll jump off my soap box now

    debbie

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Coco View Post
    Where'dya get the green tourmaline from? It's so gorgeous!!!
    Ooh sorry I think I picked it up at IJL last year
    There are some wonderful gems to be had there.

    Same soap box as Debbie there are some stunning things being made in metal clay now!
    nic x
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  9. #9
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    having recently started to work with PMC i have found it s tendency to dry out so quickly very frustrating but i just use it in moulds now to make small items such as charms etc although just having bought a fresh batch i am very tempted to make some beads. It is very costly if you make a mistake. Being an 'old school jeweller' well no that old, i wouldnt even attempt to make a ring out of it as a day to make this is just to long and how do you get you money back on that?

  10. #10
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    Yes it does dry out but once you've mastered the dark art of "hydration" it's not so bad. If you wanted to get your "money back" you'd not set the stone and use it to make a master mould for casting
    Nic x
    Monthly FREE entry giveaways on Blogs!
    Shop Blog: http://muranosilver.blogspot.com/
    Silver Clay Blog: http://pmctips.blogspot.com/
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