DIY Network

Precious Metal Clay Connector Precious Metal Clay Connector From "Jewelry Making" episode DJMK-301

Completed design by guest Jamie Weiss.

Materials:

head pins
beads
22-gauge wire
PMC syringe
PMC paste
container of water
paintbrush
micro tubing
waxed disposable paint palette paper cut in square
pencil or pen
salon board
jeweler’s files
wire brush
burnishing tool

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

1. Draw a basic outline of the bell shape on the square of waxed paper (figure A). Draw either vertical, horizontal or diagonal connecting lines—whatever you prefer. Precious metal clay shrinks about 11 percent when fired, so make your outline a little bigger than desired.

2. Uncap syringe and place nozzle in jar of water to keep moist. Trace outline with syringe (figure B), overlapping the connecting lines for support. Cap syringe and set aside.

3. Brush clay lines with paste to reinforce joints and overlap, then replace nozzle and squeeze out clay from syringe in the empty spaces. Overlap to fill (figure C) and create a "filigree" design. Remove nozzle and place in water to keep moist and recap syringe.

4. Reshape clay with wet paintbrush to desired design. Blend visibly sharp points of clay with wet paintbrush.

5. Place paper square with design on warming tray to speed dry or set aside and air dry.
   After piece is dry, gently shape with salon board to smooth edges. Clay is very fragile and brittle when dry, so be careful when handling it. Use a jewelry file to smooth the smaller areas and inside the loop. If you need to reinforce the joints again, brush more paste and let dry. Smooth again.

6. Place on firing board and fire piece. Temperature ramps up to 1650 degrees Fahrenheit. Let piece cool completely after firing before handling. (To hasten cooling, tongs can be used to immerse the piece in cold water).

7. Place in tumbler with mixed stainless steel shot and soapy water to shine for fifteen minutes or so or burnish with wire brush to bring to luster (figure D). Use burnishing tool to bring extra shine to desired areas.

8. Bead head pins and wire wrap to bottom of piece and bead 22 -gauge wire and wire wrap to loop on top.

9. Attach with silk or leather cord or include in beaded necklace.

RESOURCES :

PMC Supply
Phone: 800-388-2001
Website: www.pmcsupply.com

GUESTS :

Jamie Weiss
Rouge 2 Designs
Phone: 323-936-1614
E-mail: jamie@rouge2jewelry.com
Website: rouge2jewelry.com