
If you haven't heard of metal clay, it's the newest true artistic medium. I recall it's introduction from Japan in the 1990's. The concept is based on powdered metallurgy. Incredibly small particles of jewelry grade metals (gold, fine silver, copper and bronze) are m temperatures ixed with an organic cellulose binder to form a "clay" of sorts. This material comes in various forms including lump clay, slip, paste, and paper types. When molded, sculpted, formed, stamped, cut, extruded, or punched. These types of metal clay are then dehydrated of all water. Depending on the material, quantity and objects it can be used with, it is kiln or torch fired at high. The binder burns away, leaving pure metal. The disintegration of the binder causes the metal particles to come together in a process known as sintering. The loss of the binder results in a percentage of shrinkage that can range from about 8-14% depending on the brand, application of the clay. I dabbled with the art form for over a decade until my friend and metal clay mentor, Art Clay Silver President - Jackie Trudy encouraged me to begin the process of certification. I have been Senior Metal Clay instructor for just over three years now. I love that metal clay can be used as a stand-alone material, but that it has nearly unlimited mixed-media applications; especially for polymer clay. My devotion to the medium has lead me to a regular magazine feature (Clay Convergence) in the premier publication for the art form, Metal Clay Artist. One of my favorite uses for small bits of metal clay that are left over from larger projects is to make accents and charms. This tiny face still captures a lot of detail as the focal point in a millefiori lid. An asymmetrical clay frame highlights the Fine Silver accent. A gold leave crackle finish is used over black polymer clay for the rim. To learn more about the medium of metal clay, visit the link to Art Clay World USA, for a wealth of information about materials, classes and more!