“Metal Clay” is a broad term used to describe various forms of a very exciting artistic medium. Metal clays currently available on the market include silver, gold, copper, steel, and bronze and are available from several different companies. Microscopic metal particles are suspended in a small amount of water and some variety of organic binder. Fresh from the package, the metal clay is soft and malleable and can be molded, formed, and shaped with nearly any tool you have available. Once the pieces are dry and hard they enter the “greenware” state. Filing, sawing, and gluing greenware pieces is one more way the project can achieve dimension and detail. When exposed to high heat, the water and binder are burned away and the metal particles fuse together, creating a solid metal object. The piece can then be finished with traditional metalsmithing techniques to bring out its true beauty.
by Nineteen Thirteen
