How Do You Work With Precious Metal Clay (PMC)?
Precious metal clay (PMC) is used to make jewelry and unique handcrafted decorations. Gold and silver clay can be molded and sculpted just like any other kind of art clay, and can be used to make beads, rings, hair picks, or other ornaments. To get the most out of your PMC, you need the proper tools for sculpting, and the right equipment for firing. The steps below will get you started in gathering the right materials, and learning techniques. First, you should by a small kiln to fire pieces made of precious metal clay. Although many kinds of clay can be fired by torch, kilns are safer and far more versatile. If you work with a clay the require high firing temperatures, you can only achieve that with a kiln. It is worth the investment. Acquire some sculpting tools. A knife and plastic roller are essentials, but you may also want tools for stamping, creating impressions, or filing finished pieces. When your roll out clay to make rings, you also need a clean, smooth plastic or glass surf