How to Make a PMC Brooch

Developed in Japan in the 1990s, Precious Metal Clay (PMC) is made up of metal particles mixed with moist organic binding. Like clay, the substance can be worked and moulded to create various shapes and forms. Ideal for jewellery making, when heated by a kiln or torch the binding material is burned off and the microscopic metal particles are fused together to leave an attractive looking piece. The final product can then be polished, decorated and enamelled to create a unique item. The majority of PMC jewellery is made with silver particles. However, there are many forms of metal clay available made from different metals and with varying firing requirements.

The clay is easy to manipulate using simple tools and is a flexible medium for all art and craft projects. Once the clay has been fired it will shrink in size and become denser, and will need stronger metalsmithing tools to finish. Following the firing process precious metal clay can be worked like any other silver item, allowing the item to be decorated and embellished to create an individual and stylish item of jewellery.

Metal clay goes a long way and it is important to keep any leftover clay once finished with as this can be used for future projects. Return spare clay to the resealable bag that comes with the product. If the clay becomes too dry a few drops of water can be added to keep the PMC moist and malleable.

Making a brooch with PMC

Because of its supple properties, silver clay is the ideal material for creating patterned objects that would normally require engraving to achieve the same effect. By using a transfer pattern or stamp that is pressed down onto the item, a unique and elegant texture is created which can be as intricate or as simple as you want. This can be used on any size project, whether working with beads or the smallest of silver clay items. Once fired and polished, the piece is almost pure silver and works like any other piece of silver jewellery.

To create a brooch using art clay, only a few simple tools are needed. Working on graph paper and using olive oil to prevent the clay from sticking, roll out your required amount of clay until it is the a couple of millimetres thick. Playing cards are often used to aid measuring; a pile of a few cards on either side of the clay will help keep the clay even as it is rolled. Clay must be at least three cards thick to be strong enough for the firing process.

Once the correct thickness has been achieved a design can be pressed onto the clay, which will inevitably make the clay slightly thinner. Using the graph paper lines for guidance, cut around the clay to create the desired brooch shape whilst bearing in mind that the clay will shrink during firing. The precious metal clay needs to completely dry before being fired and will need to be lightly sanded to remove sharp edges. Once fired the item will become dense like metal and can no longer be sanded or shaped in the same way. Use a sharp knife to etch in any further designs or to initial the piece and then fire in a kiln or with a torch. Once the firing process is complete, you can then clean the final product to leave you with a unique and attractive PMC brooch.

Source by A Hunter

How to Make a PMC Brooch