What's In This Lens 

• Art Clay vs. PMC - What's the Difference?
• Using PMC and Art Clay Products Together
• The Evolution of Metal Clay Formulas
• First-Generation Silver Clay (High-Fire Formula)
• Second-Generation Silver Metal Clays: Medium-Fire Formulas
• Third-Generation Silver Metal Clays: Low-Fire Formulas
• Silver Oil Paste: A Unique Product
• Gold Metal Clays
• Gold Metal Clay "Paints"
• Recommended Information Resources
• Recommended Metal Clay Suppliers
• Metal Clay Books on Amazon
• Metal Clay Auctions on eBay
• More Metal Clay Auctions on eBay
• Even More Metal Clay Auctions on eBay
• Ratings and Feedback
• Link to this Lens
• Guestbook
• Copyright and Terms of Use

Art Clay vs. PMC - What's the Difference? 

Using PMC and Art Clay Products Together 

The Evolution of Metal Clay Formulas 

First-Generation Silver Clay (High-Fire Formula) 

• PMC Standard (Original)
  
  The first commercial metal clay formula. While second- and third-generation clays have improved in many respects, the original formula is still a wonderful choice for applications that can take advantage of its unique characteristics, such as high shrinkage and ease of carving.
  
  Key Characteristics:
  
  - Contains the largest silver particles and the most binder of all the silver clays.
  
  - Shrinks approximately 28% (and, therefore, can produce sharper details after firing in carved or textured items).
  
  - Firing options: None. Must be kiln-fired for 2 hours at 1650ºF. (As Tim McCreight likes to say, any of the metal clays can be torch-fired in theory, but who is going to hold the torch for 2 hours?)
  
  - Carves easily without crumbling.
  
  - Dries out less quickly than subsequent generations of PMC and, therefore, provides a little longer working time.
  
  - Is not as strong as subsequent generations of silver clay and is somewhat more brittle after firing.
  
  - When dry, it is quite sturdy compared to other silver clay formulas, so it can be handled and transported with less risk of breakage.
  
  - Is more porous after firing than subsequent generations of silver clay, and therefore tends to absorb solder. (If you must solder on fired PMC Standard, burnish the affected area very well first.)
  
  Best Used For:
  
  - Items to be carved in the leather-hard state.
  
  - Items that will not be subject to a lot of wear and tear (e.g., earring dangles are suitable; rings are not).
  
  - Items without inclusions that cannot withstand the necessary firing time and temperature.
  
  - Items that can take advantage of the high shrinkage properties of the clay. For example, using a single mold to making earrings out of PMC Standard and a matching pendant out of PMC3. After firing, the earrings will be significantly smaller than the pendant. Or attach a layer of PMC+ or PMC3 to a base layer of PMC Standard. Since the base layer shrinks more than the top layer during firing, it creates a domed effect.
  
  Mixing your own custom shrinkage clay formulas
  
  As long as you fire the item at 1650ºF for 2 hours, you can mix PMC Standard with PMC+ or PMC3 in different proportions to achieve variable shrinkage rates.
  
  A mixture of 50% PMC Standard with 50% PMC+ or PMC3 would yield a clay with a shrinkage rate of approximately 20-21%(midway between PMC Standard's 28% shrinkage rate and PMC+'s/PMC3's 12-15% shrinkage rate). Combining 2 parts PMC Standard with 1 part PMC+ or PMC3 would yield a mixture with a shrinkage rate of approximately 23-24% (28%x2 plus 12-15%, divided by 3), and so on. The precise calculations aren't important, but the principle is useful to know.
  
  Example: To create identical components in a variety of sizes, mix several different custom clays using varying proportions of PMC Standard and PMC+ (or PMC3). Create the pieces identically in their clay form and let the magic of the shrinkage do the sizing work for you.

Second-Generation Silver Metal Clays: Medium-Fire Formulas 

• PMC+
  
  Key Characteristics:
  
  - Shrinks approximately 12-15%.
  
  - Is available in lump clay, paste, syringe and paper types.
  
  - Kiln-firing options: 1650ºF for at least 10 min., 1560ºF for at least 20 min., or 1470ºF for at least 30 min.
  RECOMMENDED FIRING SCHEDULES:
  * 1650ºF (900ºC) for at least 30 minutes (if no inclusions, such as sterling silver findings, glass, or gemstones that cannot tolerate that temperature).
  * If firing with sterling silver findings, glass, gemstones or other kiln-safe inclusions that cannot tolerate 1650ºF (900ºC), fire at 1425ºF (775ºC) for at least 30 minutes.
  TIP: If you are using inclusions that cannot tolerate 1425ºF (775ºC) heat, use PMC3 and fire at 1100ºF (600ºC) for at least 45 minutes.
  
  - Small pieces may be torch-fired. See the PMC Guild's instructions at Teach Yourself To Torch-Fire PMC3 but hold at the red-orange glow for at least five minutes instead of two minutes (the silver particles in PMC+ are larger than those in PMC3 and take longer to sinter at the same temperature).
  
  - Stronger than PMC Standard but not as strong as PMC3.
  
  - Slightly more expensive than PMC Standard (Original) formula.
  
  Best Used For:
  
  - An excellent all-around clay for most applications.
• Art Clay Silver - Standard
  
  Key Characteristics:
  
  - Shrinks 8-10% during firing.
  
  - Is available in lump clay and paste types.
  
  - Kiln-firing options: 1600ºF-1650ºF for 10 min., 1560ºF for 20 min., or 1472ºF for 30 min.
  TIP: If you are embedding glass and gemstones or other inclusions that cannot withstand 1472ºF firing temperatures (or embedding sterling silver findings and wish to avoid firescale), use Art Clay Silver 650/1200 Low Fire formula and fire at 1200ºF for 30 min.
  
  - Small pieces (no larger than a silver dollar and no heavier than 25 grams) may be torch-fired, with certain exceptions. See Art Clay World's torch firing instructions for detailed instructions and exceptions.
  
  Best Used For:
  
  - An excellent all-around clay formula for most applications.
  
  Here is Art Clay World's detailed product instruction sheet for ACS Standard.
• Art Clay Silver - Standard Slow Dry
  
  Key Characteristics:
  
  - Moister formula than Art Clay Silver - Standard allows up to five times longer working time.
  
  - Takes much longer to dry thoroughly (a must before firing).
  
  - Takes impressions and textures well.
  
  - Can be extruded from an empty syringe.
  
  - Can be fired with, but not be mixed into, other clay formulas.
  
  - Kiln-firing options: 1600ºF-1650ºF for 10 min., 1560ºF for 20 min., or 1472ºF for 30 min.
  
  - Small pieces (no larger than a silver dollar and no heavier than 25 grams) may be torch-fired, with certain exceptions. See Art Clay World's torch firing instructions for detailed instructions and exceptions.
  
  Best Used For:
  
  - Time-consuming techniques like braiding, weaving, or complex designs.
  
  - Working in very dry environments (such as arid climates or air-conditioned rooms).
  
  - Designs that involve rolling coils/snakes or extruding clay.
  
  - Molding, texturing.
  
  - Designs that can be created in components no thicker than 3mm (so that the clay can dry all the way through without cracking.) Note: Dried components can be layered to make larger/thicker designs.
  
  Here are Art Clay World's complete product instructions for ACS - Slow Dry.

Third-Generation Silver Metal Clays: Low-Fire Formulas 

• PMC3
  
  Key Characteristics:
  
  - Shrinks approximately 10-15% during firing.
  
  - Is available in lump clay, paste, and syringe types.
  
  - Can be fired as low as 1110ºF, the lowest temperature for any metal clay formula.
  
  - Strongest of the formulas after firing, especially if fired at 1650ºF for at least 30 minutes.
  
  - Kiln-firing options: 1290ºF (or up to 1650ºF) for at least 10 min., 1200ºF for at least 20 min., or 1110ºF for at least 30 min.
  RECOMMENDED FIRING SCHEDULES:
  * 1650ºF (900ºC) for at least 30 minutes (if no inclusions, such as sterling silver findings, glass, or gemstones that cannot tolerate that temperature).
  * If firing with sterling silver findings, glass, gemstones or other kiln-safe inclusions that cannot tolerate 1650ºF (900ºC), fire at either 1425ºF (775ºC) for at least 30 minutes or at 1100ºF (600ºC) for at least 45 minutes, depending on the heat-tolerance of the inclusions.
  
  - Small pieces may be torch-fired. See the PMC Guild's instructions at Teach Yourself To Torch-Fire PMC3.
  
  - A wide range of gemstones, glass and other inclusions can be embedded and fired successfully.
  
  - Is more expensive than PMC+.
  
  Best Used For:
  
  - Rings and other items that require more durability.
  
  - Embedding glass and gemstones that cannot withstand higher firing temperatures (fire at 1200ºF for 20 min. or at 1110ºF for 30 min.)
  
  - Embedding sterling silver findings. Fire at 1200ºF for 20 min. or at 1110ºF for 30 min. to avoid firescale.
• Art Clay Silver 650/1200 - Low Fire
  
  Key Characteristics:
  
  - Shrinks 8-9% during firing.
  
  - Is available in lump, paste and syringe types, as well as a special Overlay Paste.
  
  - Kiln-firing options: 1472ºF (or up to 1650ºF) for 5 min., 1380ºF for 10 min., 1290ºF for 15 min., or 1200ºF for 30 min.
  
  - Small pieces (no larger than a silver dollar and no heavier than 25 grams) may be torch-fired, with certain exceptions. See Art Clay World's torch firing instructions for detailed instructions and exceptions.
  
  - After firing, it has a slightly cooler-toned (bluer) silver brightness than the Art Clay Silver - Standard formula.
  
  - A wide range of gemstones, glass and other inclusions can be embedded and fired successfully at the lower temperatures.
  
  - Overlay Silver Paste (OSP) can be painted onto porcelain, ceramic or glass.
  
  Best Used For:
  
  - Embedding glass and gemstones that cannot withstand higher firing temperatures (fire at 1200ºF for 30 min.).
  
  - Embedding sterling silver findings. Fire at 1200ºF for 30 min. to avoid firescale.
  
  - Applying raised/dimensional, fine silver accents to porcelain, ceramic or glass (Overlay Silver Paste only).
  
  Art Clay World provides complete product instructions for ACS 650/1200 Low Fire Clay Type (lump), Syringe Type, Paste Type and Overlay Silver Pasteas well as an extremely helpful comparison chart of Art Clay Silver 650 vs. Art Clay Silver (Standard).
• Art Clay Silver 650/1200 - Low Fire/Slow Dry
  
  Key Characteristics:
  
  - Combines the advantages of both low fire and slow drying clay.
  
  - Provides up to four times as much working time as Art Clay Standard (slightly less than Art Clay Standard - Slow Dry).
  
  - Fires at lower temperatures (same as regular Art Clay 650/1200).
  
  - Kiln-firing options: 1472ºF (or up to 1650ºF) for 5 min., 1380ºF for 10 min., 1290ºF for 15 min., or 1200ºF for 30 min.
  
  - Small pieces (no larger than a silver dollar and no heavier than 25 grams) may be torch-fired, with certain exceptions. See Art Clay World's torch firing instructions for detailed instructions and exceptions.
  
  Best Used For:
  
  - Projects that require both lower firing temperatures and longer working times.
  Complete product instructions are available from Art Clay World.

Silver Oil Paste: A Unique Product 

• Art Clay Silver Oil Paste
  
  Key Characteristics:
  
  - Oil-based (unlike other metal clay formulas, which are water-based).
  
  - Comes with its own special diluent, since it cannot be diluted with water. (Use diluent sparingly.)
  
  Best Used For:
  
  - Attaching fired silver clay components (e.g., attaching already-fired clay slabs to construct a fine silver box, or attaching a fired silver clay bail to a fired silver clay pendant).
  
  - Attaching fine silver findings, settings, bezel wire, etc. to fired silver clay pieces.
  
  - Filling cracks in fired silver clay. (Roll the paste into the crack with a toothpick or bamboo skewer to ensure that the paste is forced all the way in and fills the crack completely.)
  
  - Holding stones temporarily at the right angle on a fired silver clay piece until it gets back into the kiln (you still need a bezel or other permanent setting to hold the stone securely after firing).
  
  Complete product sheet with instructions can be found in Art Clay World's ACS Oil Paste Product Instructions.

Gold Metal Clays 

• PMC Gold (24K formula - discontinued)
  
  Key Characteristics:
  
  - Results in 24K gold metal after firing.
  
  - Firing options: Must be kiln-fired for two hour firing at 1800ºF.
  
  - Fairly soft after firing
  
  - High shrinkage rate - more than 25%.
  
  Best Used For:
  
  - Suitable only for gold accents.
• PMC Gold (22K formula)
  
  Results in 22K gold metal after firing.
  
  Key Characteristics:
  
  - Shrinks 14-19% during firing.
  
  - Currently available as lump clay only (other types are in development).
  
  - Kiln-firing options: 1650ºF for at least 10 min., 1560ºF for at least 30 min., 1380ºF for at least 60 min., or 1290ºF for at least 90 min.
  
  - Torch-firing: Warm to drive out any remaining moisture and burn away the binder, bring to a vibrant, glowing red and hold at that color for 2-5 minutes.
  
  - Dries much more slowly than regular silver clay formulas. Drying overnight (24 hours) is recommended.
  
  Best Used For:
  
  - Can be treated similarly to PMC3, as most of the techniques and firing schedules are the same. However, 22K gold is a soft metal and is most suitable for items or areas where it is not subject to a lot of hard wear.
  
  - Combining unfired gold clay and unfired silver clay elements (preferably PMC+ or PMC3, which have similar shrinkage rates and firing schedules).
  
  - For metal clay mokume-gane. Stack alternating paper-thin layers of PMC3 and PMC Gold clay, then carve or drill openings in the stack to create a "landscape topography" (you can also press tiny aspic cutters partway through the stack). Roll the stack to reveal concentric or parallel bands of gold and silver.
  
  - Adding an unfired Gold PMC element to a fired silver clay piece with a mechanical connection (e.g., drill a hole into the silver and press the gold to fill the hole, or wrap the gold clay around the silver so it will be locked in place after firing.
  
  - Thinning with water to create Gold PMC slip that can be used to brush on 22K gold accents, similar to Aura 22.
  
  Detailed product instructions for PMC Gold are available on the PMC Guild site.
  
  There are some excellent Tips On Using PMC Gold from the PMC Guild.
• Art Clay Gold
  
  Results in 22K gold metal after firing.
  
  Key Characteristics:
  
  - Shrinks approximately 15% during firing.
  
  - Available in both lump and paste types.
  
  - Firing options: Must be kiln-fired at 1814ºF for 60 min.
  
  - Cannot be fired with silver clay because of the hotter firing temperature required.
  
  - Dries much more slowly than regular silver clay formulas.
  
  - Requires hotter temperatures and longer firing times than silver clay.
  
  Best Used For:
  
  - Gold lump clay can be used for similar applications as silver lump clay. Because of the expense and softness of 22K gold, it is most often used for rich accents on silver designs.
  
  - Paste type can be used to add texture or draw directly on the surface of fired silver clay, ceramic, porcelain or glass. It comes with a separate bottle of medium to dilute the paste when using on glazed surfaces. Otherwise, use it undiluted.
  
  Here's a link to Art Clay World's
  complete instructions for using Art Clay Gold lump clay.
  
  Here's a link to Art Clay World's complete product sheet for Art Clay Gold Paste with detailed instructions and firing options.

Gold Metal Clay "Paints" 

• Aura 22
  
  Key Characteristics:
  
  - 22K gold "paint" made of tiny particles of pure metal (91.6% gold and 8.4% fine silver) in a water-based medium.
  
  - Fuses with silver at low temperatures.
  
  - Resulting gold layer is much thicker than that created via electroplating.
  
  Application:
  
  - Required preparation: Be sure the fired silver to which you are applying the Aura 22 is fresh from the kiln or torch and has not been scratch-brushed, burnished, or "cleaned" in any way before applying Aura 22. (The silver will never be cleaner than right after it has been fired!) If in doubt, or if the piece has been burnished or brushed or cleaned with soap, just put the piece back in the kiln for 5 or 10 minutes or torch-fire it again, then let it cool completely before applying the Aura 22.
  
  - Firing options: According to Tim McCreight of the PMC Guild, Aura 22 bonds with fine silver when held for at least 10 minutes at temperatures of approximately 500ºF-850ºF. There are several ways of accomplishing this:
  * Kiln: Fire at 850ºF for 10-30 min.
  * Torch: Heat slowly until the silver glows a radiant red. Fusing occurs instantly.
  * Hotplate: Heat on medium-high until a piece of wood chars when touched to the PMC, then burnish until shiny before removing from heat.
  * Hot Pot kiln: Normal firing sequence with 30 grams of gel fuel.
  * JEC Ultra-Lite Beehive Kiln with red brass inserts: Preheat kiln for 20 minutes, heat fired silver until a toothpick chars, then burnish with a steel or agate burnisher until gold is smooth and shiny before removing from heat.
  
  In all cases, burnishing the gold while still hot is recommended.
  
  NOTE: Over-heating will make the gold become paler and appear to "absorb" into the silver. Remove the heat as soon as the gold appears shiny and smooth.
  
  Alternate methods from Tonya Davidson of Whole Lotta Whimsy (highly recommended):
  
  - As always, start with freshly-fired metal clay and avoid allowing your fingers to touch the areas where gold will be applied, as the oils from your skin can interfere with making a good bond.
  
  - Apply 1-2 coats of custard-consistency PMC3 paste or Art Clay 650 where the Aura 22 will be applied. Let air dry completely (or use dehydrator or hair dryer on low heat to speed drying a bit - do not use cup warmer, hotplate or other heat sources other than those listed to accelerate drying). Try to minimize visible brush strokes.
  
  - Apply 2-3 thin, even coats of Aura 22 and let air dry completely in between each coat (or use hair dryer on low heat to speed drying).
  
  - Kiln firing: Preheat kiln and kiln shelf to 850ºF. Place fired fine silver in preheated kiln. When temperature returns to 850ºF fire for 7 minutes. Remove from kiln immediately and place on a fiber blanket or fiber board to cool. Burnish or tumble as desired.
  
  - Torch, UltraLite kiln or SpeedFire Cone firing: Place prepared item on a Solderite board (for torch), ceramic insert (for UltraLite kiln) or grate (for SpeedFire Cone). Begin firing until you see a light orange glow (not red) and hold at that color for 4-7 minutes. Do not let the gold areas start to glow or the gold will begin to absorb into the silver. Cool and burnish as desired.
  
  - Optional keum-boo "insurance": Once you remove the piece from the heat, hold it with a tweezer and burnish the gold with a pyrex, agate or steel burnisher.
  
  Best Used For:
  
  - Adding richly-colored 22K gold accents to fine silver (including fired silver clay) or depletion-gilded sterling silver.
  
  - Using painterly techniques to apply gold accents to fine silver.
  
  - Adding gold accents to deeply textured surfaces that cannot be burnished effectively through the gold foil keum-boo technique.
  
  Here are the detailed product instructions for Aura 22 on the PMC Guild site.
  
  
• Accent Gold for Silver (AGS).
  
  Key Characteristics:
  
  - 24K gold "paint" made of pure 24K gold particles in a water-based medium.
  
  - Fuses with silver at low temperatures.
  
  - Resulting gold layer is much thicker than that created via electroplating.
  
  Application:
  
  Tonya Davidson of Whole Lotta Whimsy worked closely with the manufacturer to perfect the torch-firing method of applying AGS. Since she is an expert with this material, I am providing her application instructions.
  
  - As always, start with freshly-fired metal clay and avoid allowing your fingers to touch the areas where gold will be applied, as the oils from your skin can interfere with making a good bond.
  
  - Apply 1-2 coats of custard-consistency PMC3 paste or Art Clay 650 where the AGS will be applied. Let air dry completely (or use dehydrator or hair dryer on low heat to speed drying a bit - do not use cup warmer, hotplate or other heat sources other than those listed to accelerate drying). Try to minimize visible brush strokes.
  
  - Apply 2-3 thin, even coats of AGS and let air dry completely in between each coat (or use hair dryer on low heat to speed drying).
  
  - Kiln firing: Preheat kiln and kiln shelf to 1650ºF. Place fired fine silver in preheated kiln. When temperature returns to 1650ºF fire for 7-10 minutes. Remove from kiln immediately and place on a fiber blanket or fiber board to cool. Burnish or tumble as desired.
  
  - Torch, UltraLite kiln or SpeedFire Cone firing: Place prepared item on a Solderite board (for torch), ceramic insert (for UltraLite kiln) or grate (for SpeedFire Cone). Begin firing until you see a light orange glow (not red) and hold at that color for 4-7 minutes. Do not let the gold areas start to glow or the gold will begin to absorb into the silver. Cool and burnish as desired.
  
  - Optional keum-boo "insurance": Once you remove the piece from the heat, hold it with a tweezer and burnish the gold with a pyrex, agate or steel burnisher.
  
  Best Used For:
  
  - Adding richly-colored 24K gold accents to fine silver (including fired silver clay) or depletion-gilded sterling silver. Color is deeper than Aura 22 because it's 24K gold vs. 22K gold.
  
  - Using painterly techniques to apply gold accents to fine silver.
  
  - Adding gold accents to deeply textured surfaces that cannot be burnished effectively using keum-boo techniques.
  
  Here is the package insert for AGS from PMC Supply.

Recommended Information Resources 

Art Clay World USA

As the name implies, this is the place for all things Art Clay-related: product information, techniques, classes, a gallery, distributors/suppliers that sell Art Clay, and much more. You also can shop for a huge assortment of Art Clay products and metal clay-related tools and supplies, from kilns to fine silver findings to books and videos.

Art Clay Product Information

This is the gateway page to Art Clay World USA's MSDS and product information PDFs for all Art Clay Silver and Gold products.

Art Clay Drying and Firing Guide

This is a very handy chart from Art Clay World that provides an at-a-glance reference of drying and firing methods/temperatures/times for each Art Clay product. I keep a printed copy with my metal clay supplies and another by my kiln.

Art Clay Silver 650/1200 vs. Art Clay Silver - Standard

An easy-to-read comparison chart of low-fire vs. standard Art Clay Silver.

Firing Art Clay Silver With A Gas Torch

This document describes appropriate torch-firing methods for various formulas and types of Art Clay. For example, although large pieces of Paper Type should be kiln-fired, you can torch-fire small, applique'-sized pieces of Paper Type.

Art Clay Silver - Paper Type: Appliqué Technique

Tips for using small pieces of Art Clay Silver - Paper Type as appliqués on an Art Clay Silver clay (lump), paste or syringe base.

PMC Guild

The premier organization for Precious Metal Clay. A superb source of information about the clay itself, tips and techniques (including video demo clips), artists, instructors, suppliers and much more. There's a wonderful Search for a Class feature that lets you search by location, instructor, date and/or type of class. Join the Guild and your annual fee will entitle you to their outstanding print magazine, Studio PMC.

Getting Started with PMC

A wonderful introduction to Precious Metal Clay from the PMC Guild. It includes a brief overview of PMC materials and techniques, including texturing, carving, embedding, making hollow forms, kiln- and torch-firing, setting gemstones, finishing, and frequently-asked questions.

The ABCs of PMC (PMC Guild)

This terrifically helpful booklet compares the 3 formulas of silver PMC (Original PMC, PMC+ and PMC3) and shows the unique characteristics, advantages and disadvantages (although these are somewhat subjective) of each. It also includes information on the now-discontinued 24K PMC Gold formula, but has not yet been updated with the new 22K PMC Gold information.

PMC Guild Technique Video Clips

These video clips, many of which are excerpted from Tim McCreight's DVD, "Quick Takes: PMC Basics" (available from Brynmorgen Press), are excellent demonstrations of common metal clay techniques. The current clips include Torch Firing, Making Joints, Carving Dry PMC With A File, Soldering Onto PMC, and Torch Firing PMC.

Tips on Using PMC Gold (PMC Guild)

This is a wonderful 3-page PDF document from the PMC Guild site that will answer most of your questions about working with the new 22K PMC Gold lump clay formula.

Using PMC Gold (MED'A Creations)

From Mary Ellin D'Agostino of MED'A Creations, directions for using the new PMC 22K gold clay and the now-discontinued PMC 24K gold clay, both in lump form and as a homemade paste.

Teach Yourself To Fire PMC3

This tutorial from the PMC Guild is an excellent way to learn the process of torch firing metal clay. It focuses on firing PMC3, but it should apply equally to PMC+ if you fire for an extra minute or two. Written by metalsmithing and metal clay guru Tim McCreight.

Torch Firing Instructions (Mary Ellin D'Agostino)

Mary Ellin D'Agostino (or MED'A Creations) does her usual clear and thorough job of explaining how to torch-fire PMC+, PMC3 or Art Clay Silver.

Clay Usage and Firing (Mardel Rein)

Mardel Rein of Cool Tools has put together a fantastic guide to the different PMC formulas and types, including uses, workability, suitability for embedded objects, and firing options. Highly recommended.

Recommended Metal Clay Suppliers 

Art Clay World, USA

A wonderful selection of Art Clay Silver and Gold products and related precious metal clay tools, supplies, books and videos, as well as a terrific source of information from Art Clay World USA's president, Jackie Truty, author of the excellent book, "Art Clay Silver and Gold."

Art Clay Brazil

Art Clay products, tools, stones and introductory kits are available on this Portuguese-language site, which is the official Art Clay site for Brazil. There is no online ordering, but you can order by phone (within the Brazillian territory only) at 11-4193-8028 or by e-mail at artclay@artclay.com.br.

Contenti

Contenti is a supplier of jewelry-making tools and equipment primarily. They carry Art Clay Silver, a nice selection of hand tools and finishing supplies, and firing supplies and equipment, including Paragon metal clay kilns and the Blazer Micro Torch.

Cool Tools

Owner Mardel Rein is extremely knowledgeable about both metalsmithing and metal clay. Her prices for PMC are excellent and she has developed some unique and wonderful tools and supplies, including Cool Slip, the Cool Roller, the Ultra Clay Pick, Texture Tiles and Texture Tips, ClayMate hand conditioner, Silver-Prep (a pickling product for depletion-gilding sterling silver findings or wire prior to firing them with metal clay) and her new doming forms.

Creative Texture Tools

Elaine Luther sells PMC and specializes in her own proprietary silicone texture plates with lovely, intricate designs. They're flexible and release the clay very nicely if you first coat them lightly with olive oil. She also sells keum-boo supplies, books and CDs, tools, work surfaces, finishing supplies and more.

Fire Mountain Gems

Fire Mountain Gems sells the full range of Art Clay Silver products as well as Accent Gold for Silver, plus cubic zirconia, metal clay tools, supplies, kits, books and videos. Prices go down if you purchase an individual item in quantity.

MED'A Creations

MED'A Creations is owned by highly respected metal clay expert and instructor Mary Ellin D'Agostino. She sells the full line of PMC products as well as a selection of metal clay tools, lab gemstones, kilns, torches, casting grains, 24K gold foil, dichroic glass, a keum-boo kit and kits for her wonderful "rainbow PMC" technique in which she mixes enamel powders directly into silver clay (PMC3 or Art Clay 650) for gorgeous, subtle coloring of the silver metal after kiln-firing.

PMC123

This excellent site is owned by Sherry Fotoupolos, who teaches a wide range of PMC workshops. In addition to selling PMC, she also offers stones, kilns, supplies, tools and some terrific kits for soldering, patinas, keum-boo, etc., and whiteware that can be embellished with precious metal clay.

PMC Supply and Art Clay Supply

This site has an excellent assortment of PMC products, tools, books, videos, stones, findings and more. They also carry the full line of HattieS brand products by Hattie Sanderson, including her excellent instructional DVDs. They now carry the full line of Art Clay products as well!

Rings 'n' Things

Rings 'n' Things sells Art Clay Silver products as well as Art Clay Gold (special order). They also offer tools, kits, gemstones and other metal clay supplies.

Rio Grande

Rio Grande, creator of the Rio Rewards certification classes, carries the full range of PMC products, metal clay tools and supplies, CZ's, natural gemstones and lab-greated gems, metal clay kilns, torches, relevant books and videos, and every kind of metalsmithing and jewelry tool and material you can think of for soldering, filing, finishing, etc. They also carry Colores brand epoxy resins for adding enamel-like effects to PMC.

Whole Lotta Whimsy

Tonya Davidson is an acknowledged expert in metal clay and metalsmithing techniques, a wonderful teacher and an extremely knowledgeable resource about all things kiln-related. Her store carries an amazingly complete and well-organized assortment of PMC products and metal clay-related tools and supplies, including bisque beads onto which you can apply precious metal clay. You'll find just about anything you could need for your metal clay work here.

Artique

Artique is owned by Linda Bernstein, a veteran polymer and metal clay artist, author, and PMC Connection Senior Instructor who also serves as PMCC's Educational Coordinator and Editor of its quarterly online newsletter, Metal Clay Connections. Artique carries a selection of PMC products (PMC3 lump clay, paste and syringe, PMC+ sheet/paper, and a PMC3/PMC+ bundle that's an exceptional value), as well as Linda's popular instructional video series about PMC, "Silver In No Time." Programs in the series can be purchased individually, or you can order a set of her first five videos at a discount with free shipping.

Metal Clay Books on Amazon 

Rich Dad's Advisors: Guide to Investing In Gold and Silver: Everything You Need to Know to Profit from Precious Metals Now (Rich Dad's Advisors)

by Michael Maloney

Amazon Price: $11.55 (as of 10/16/2008)
List Price: $16.99

Usually ships in 24 hours

American Psycho

by Bret Easton Ellis

Release Date: 03/06/1991

Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 10/16/2008)
List Price: $14.95

Usually ships in 24 hours

Metallica - Death Magnetic

by Metallica

Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 10/16/2008)
List Price: $24.95

Usually ships in 24 hours

Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing Without Organizations

by Clay Shirky

Amazon Price: $17.13 (as of 10/16/2008)
List Price: $25.95

Usually ships in 24 hours

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay

by Michael Chabon

Amazon Price: $10.20 (as of 10/16/2008)
List Price: $15.00

Usually ships in 24 hours

Metal Clay Auctions on eBay 

Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by

More Metal Clay Auctions on eBay 

Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by

Even More Metal Clay Auctions on eBay 

Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by

Ratings and Feedback 

Please help make this a better lens for everyone!

Link to this Lens 

Guestbook 

Comments, compliments or suggestions?

Here's another way to leave your feedback about this lens. Or, if you prefer, e-mail me by clicking on "Contact me" under "Look who made this lens!" in the top right column. Thanks for your feedback!

GenerousGeorge What a great article! Clear, concise, useful for any serious jewelry artist! Posted February 17, 2008

trying This is a very detailed lens. Truly a super job. Posted April 26, 2007

Lori

Fantastic resource -- thanks!

Posted January 28, 2007

Copyright and Terms of Use 

This lens is copyrighted by the author and is protected by a Creative Commons "Attribution-NonCommercial" license. You are free to share this lens and to adapt the content with proper attribution and for non-commercial use.

Exception: If you are teaching a class, you are welcome to distribute unaltered, printed copies of this lens along with the link information.




This
work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 License.

©2007 Margaret R. Schindel. All rights reserved.