A scientifically engineered material that originated in Japan in the early 1990s, metal clay is a soft, nontoxic clay that consists of powder-like microscopic particles of precious or base metals suspended in a mix of organic binder and water. Metals such as fine silver, sterling, gold, bronze, and copper have been specifically engineered in different forms to be used in creating objets d' art.

Metal clay can be easily textured, formed, and shaped to create jewelry components, beads, and small sculptures. After being formed into the desired shape, it can be dried and fired using a torch or kiln. When fired, the binder burns away while the metal particles fuse together to form the
desired piece.

The metal can then be finished with any of the traditional techniques used by jewelry artists to produce stunning pieces. You can use enamel, gold, resins, colored concrete, pencils, gems, pearls, and more to embellish and add interest to the metal.

There are many websites and books that can be used as references, but learning from a good teacher cuts through all the questions and provides support. Many people have told me that they tried working with metal clays only to become frustrated because they watched a YouTube video, and the results were not the same.

If you ever have any questions, feel free to give me a call at Bernadette Denoux Art Jewelry & Instruction in Miami, Florida.