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Thread: Metal clay question

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
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    247

    Default Metal clay question

    Hello, my apologies for not being around much recently, things get in the way sometimes.
    I'm using metal clay more these days as it's easier on the hands.
    I would like to know if it's ok to use the same tools, moulds and texture sheets for copper and silver clays, so long as they are washed first.
    I'd hate to contaminate my silver though.
    thanks

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Brittany
    Posts
    776

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    If you do go to the trouble of washing everything then I cannot see a reason why you should not use the same things for all types of clay. I would not perhaps use the same polishing materials though just in case, files,papers,discs, brushes etc as they could not be washed.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
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    247

    Default

    That's what i thought, i use my cutters and texture mats for ceramic clay as well so they get well used

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
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    247

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    got another question as I've just been playing with my clay. It seemed that no matter how much I worked it, or moistened it I got fine cracks on rolling, why?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Brittany
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    776

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    If it has dried out a little it is best to moisten it then leave it wrapped in cling film overnight before conditioning it or working it as you say. The moisture really needs to get right through the clay and I have found that to be the best way, dampen it wrap in a tiny piece of just damp kitchen roll then in cling film and leave. The following day with a little grease on your fingers (badger balm) work the clay briefly (it dries so quickly being handled too much) before rolling and see if that sorts your problem.

  6. #6
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    Feb 2010
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    Thanks for the tips, it has been a while since I used silver clay and I didn't have that problem last time. So I need to be patient and let the water soak in overnight.
    Thanks again

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Earley, Berkshire
    Posts
    371

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    I always put a drop of water inside the sealed packet (but not inside the plastic that the clay is wrapped in) to help maintain the humidity after using some, but not all, the clay in a session.
    Elaine at Mead Moon
    Mead Moon
    My Etsy shop

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Posts
    13

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    I put a dampened make up sponge in the packet to keep it moist ;-)

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Posts
    247

    Default

    I'm sure I replied to Elaine yesterday but it's gone, so thanks for the moisture tips ladies.
    I have a group of NWR ladies who come to do something crafty every year, so yesterday I wanted to see what you could do with half a 7g pack of clay. I needed a bit more, 4g for the cockle shell, so I think maybe I need to find a smaller shell

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Brittany
    Posts
    776

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    I made some shell elements just last week, these were about as small as I could get 2.32g for the largest one and 1.1g for the slim pointy one:


    Fine silver shells by kwant, on Flickr

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