Metal Clay

Metal Clay is made of microscopic particles of metal mixed with a moist binder to create a material with the feel and working properties of modeling clay. There are different types of metal clay but I work exclusively with sterling silver or fine silver. The binder is usually a moist cellulose that, when fired, will burn off easily. The metal pieces continue to be heated until the metal particles fuse or sinter. While green or wet, metal clay can be worked using your hands, simple wooden tools, and traditional jewelry-making tools. Those same jewelry tools can also be used to finish each piece when it has been fired.