Precious Metal Clay
I am an avid fan of Precious Metal Clay, also called PMC, a non-toxic material made by Mitsubishi Corporation. PMC
Then once it is fired in a kiln, the binder burns away and what is left is either fine silver
I am trained as a metalsmith, but I love working with the claylike functions of PMC
Click here for a Metal Clay Starter Kit
Getting to Know Precious Metal Clay
It is not really clay, it is precious metal particles
- City Style Slide
- What I Love About PMC #1-3
- Tim McCreight
- More Resources for PMC
- Gorgeous Necklace
- PMC is Fun to Work With #4-6
- Paula Atwell Jewelry
- Needle Files
- There is No Limit to What You Can Make with PMC #7-10
- PMC Varieties
- Are You a Fan of PMC?
- City Style Earrings
- The Final Finish #11
- Dremel Tools
- Precious Metal Clay
- Polish Many Pieces at the Same Time
- Have You Had Experience with PMC?
- More Lenses about PMC and Jewelry Making
- About Lakeerieartists
City Style Slide
What I Love About PMC #1-3
PMC is Non-Toxic
Reason #1:
I love that PMC
is a non-toxic substance. With most art supplies, you are constantly taking your life in your hands. And that is true of jewelry making as well. PMC is totally non-toxic, safe for touching your bare skin. The binder is organic, and the smoke when it is burning away in the kiln is harmless. I can work with it in any room of my house including the kitchen.Reason #2:
I don't need a lot of fancy tools to work with it. Although I prefer to use a kiln to fire PMC with, it can also be fired in a small hot pot that costs less than $100 (pictured above which can only be used with PMC3). Other than firing, tools can be anything from regular silverware to straws, plastic forks, toothpicks, and many other household items.
Reason #3:
PMC
can be purchased in small quantities. I can buy one pack if that is all I need and one pack lasts me a very long time. I work pretty small, so I can easily get a lot of pieces from just one package.
Buy PMC+ (This is what I use the most)
This is the most common form of PMC. PMC+ is available as a Clay, Paste, or Sheet. It has a shrinkage rate of about 10%, and fires in 10 minutes in a kiln. Use the Paste to coat organic objects such as leaves or pine cones to create an exact replica in silver, or build it up around a completely organic form to create a hollow piece. The water-free Sheet won't break or crack and can be folded like origami paper. Note — Because PMC product is pure silver and gold, prices are subject to change based on market fluctuations.
Tim McCreight
The Master of PMC
Cubic Zirconia make wonderful decorative additions to PMC sculpture. Each is selected for its ability to remain stable and withstand the high temperature of kiln firing. They are one of the few crystal/glass products that can remain stable in the kiln environment.
Tim McCreight is the U.S. master of Precious Metal Clay. He is the authoritative voice in the field. Tim was the first person to really use it in the U.S. and has written most of the best books about it. PMC is still relatively new and much is still being discovered by jewelers and metalsmiths.
Working with Precious Metal Clay (Jewelry Crafts)
Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 02/05/2010)
List Price: $29.95
Used Price: $17.77
Tim McCreight has been working with PMC since it was first introduced to the US in 1994. As a consultant to the manufacturer he has studied with the scientists who invented PMC and leading artists as they pioneer uses of this radical new material. McCreight's years of teaching experience and signature lighthanded touch are evident on every page. He has written 10 other books on metalworking and is a consultant to numerous organizations and periodicals.
Release Date: 12/31/1969
Avg. Customer Rating: 
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More Resources for PMC
Precious Metal Clay for the beginner
These books are all good guides and idea generators for working with PMC. After a while, you will want to come up with your own designs, but these will help get the techniques down.
The Art of Metal Clay (with DVD): Techniques for Creating Jewelry and Decorative Objects by Sherri Haab
Since it was first published in 2004, The Art of Metal Clay has introduced thousands of readers to metal clay-the amazing craft product that starts out as moldable, malleable clay and turns into real metal. Now it's even easier to perform that modern alchemy, because something new has been added to The Art of Metal Clay: a great new DVD featuring author Sherri Haab. Haab's personal appearances are popular with crafters eager for new information and ideas, and seeing her on televis...0 points
Metal Clay Jewelry: Projects. Techniques. Inspirations. by Louise Duhamel
Hot New Jewelry Making Material
*Features innovative metal clay techniques not found in any other books *Perfect for every skill level--covering the basics through the cutting edge
Polymer clay and jewelry artists are experimenting with metal clay more than ever, but there are few books on the market to show them how to use this exciting new medium. Highlights include:
*19 fashionable step-by-step projects, including a variety of styles provided by both the author and talented contributing artis...
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PMC Technic: A Collection of Techniques for Precious Metal Clay by Tim McCreight / Various
In this book, ten leading artists teach their specialty, with clarity, care, and passion. Innovative techniques are pesented with clear instructions and examples. Tonya Davidson: Using the PMC Syringe Celie Fago: PMC Hinges Jennifer Kahn: PMC Bezels Doris King: Fusing Sterling and PMC Terry Kovalcik: Viscosity Painting Noortje Meijerink: PMC on Ceramic Kelly Russell: Using Stencils with PMC Barbara Simon: Lampworking and PMC CeCe Wire: Water Etching on PMC J. Fred Woell: Coreless Beads0 points
Enameling on Metal Clay by Pam East
Love metal clay? Who doesn't? Now Enameling on Metal Clay offers an exciting new technique to use with this versatile favorite. Enameling adds a whole new dimension to metal-clay jewelry. The striking, exciting projects in this book range in skill level from beginner to advanced and include earrings, pendants, pins, beads, and a ring. A tools and materials section, as well as metal clay and enameling basics, introduces key supplies and techniques. Easy-to-follow step-by-step directions are....0 points
Metal Clay Beyond the Basics by Carol A. Babineau
Combine amazing metal clay with ceramics, enamel, wire, gemstones, and more. Create earrings, bracelets, pendants, pins, clasps, and more. Combine materials for unique textures, shapes, and finishes. Push the creative envelope! Metal Clay: Beyond the Basics is the perfect book for crafters with some metal clay experience who want to take their skills to the next level. With information on basic tools and supplies, plus beginning, intermediate, and advanced techniques for using metal clay and....0 points
Metal Clay and Mixed Media Jewelry: Innovative Projects Featuring Resin, Polymer Clay, Fiber, Glass, Ceramics, Collage Materials, and More by Sherri Haab
Metal clay plus more, more, more!
* Follow-up to the best-selling Art of Metal Clay
* Author has sold more than two million books!
* Metal clay is hot with crafters, artists--anyone who wants to try alchemy
Metal clay starts as clay and turns into metal. Does it get any more magical? Now it does--with Metal Clay and Mixed Media. Author Sherri Haab takes this compelling material, today's hottest craft item, to the next level, brilliantly combining it with other media ranging from the timeles...
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Creative Metal Clay Jewelry: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration by CeCe Wire
Imagine a material that looks and feels like clay and yet, when fired, becomes pure, solid gold and silver! That's metal clay, and here are the fabulous techniques and instructions, lavish photos and projects that will open up endless creative possibilities to every crafter. With this versatile product, metalwork becomes easier and faster, and it's simple to create meaningful gifts or add techniques to the forms you've already mastered. Combine the clay with lampworked and fused d...0 points
Metal Clay The Complete Guide: Innovative Techniques to Inspire Any Artist by Jackie Truty
*Findings and supplies are readily available at chain and independent art stores, and online
Ten years since its inception, metal clay is rapidly evolving, as thousands more artists yearn for more in-depth techniques. This thorough guide to metal clay jewelry features step-by-step instructions and basic information about materials and processes you can use as a beginner, or an advanced metal clay artist. From glass and polymer clay, to ceramics and everything in between, this book demonstrates....
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Precious Metal Clay: 25 Gorgeous Designs for Jewelry and Gifts by Xuella Arnold
Precious metal clay is an exciting new material made from fine silver dust in a binder that can be used just like ordinary modeling clay. However, once fired, the silver dust fuses together to become pure silver. This unique and versatile material gives crafters of all levels the opportunity to design and create unique silver jewelry--a technique once reserved only for trained silversmiths.
Artist Xuella Arnold demonstrates how precious metal clay can be used alongside traditional methods of jewe...
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PMC Decade
It has been ten years since Precious Metal Clay was introduced in the United States, and it is time to see what artists have done with this fascinating material. This book gathers for the first time work made by leaders in the field. A critical essay by noted designer Donald Friedlich and a technical explanation from scientist Darnall Burks make this a landmark volume for artists and collectors.0 points
Introduction to Precious Metal Clay by Maryann Devos
Introduction to Precious Metal Clay from Wardell Publications art glass introduces precious metal clay, one of the most remarkable developments in silver and gold metal working since lost wax casting was developed thousands of years ago. An easy to understand teaching style is presented in this step by step book to guide crafters through the process of hand forming this remarkable clay material to produce distinctive silver and gold jewelry. Artist and instructor MaryAnn Devos uses 18 engaging p...0 points
Precious Metal Clay In Mixed Media by Mary Ann Devos
Precious Metal Clay in Mixed Media from Wardell Publications art glass introduces an innovative process from Precious Metal Clay that combines the playfulness of clay with the value and permanence of pure silver and 24K gold. It is a fun material to work with and is one of the worlds fastest growing hobbies largely due to the quick and easy learning curve. The 21 projects in this book were carefully selected to demonstrate the versatility of PMC and release the artist imagination to explore the....0 points
Fine Silver Sampler: Introductory Precious Metal Clay Projects--Step by Step Guide for the Classroom or the Home by Nana V. Mizushima
Fun to read booklet introducing Precious Metal Clay (PMC), a wonderful new form of fine silver or gold. Step by step instructions and many photos show any beginner how to create beautiful silver and gold jewelry pieces without traditional metalworking experience. Booklet features 5 projects - "Ancient" Coin, Teardrop Pendant, Snowflake Ornament, Silver Crane Earrings and Silver Leaves with more ideas. PMC Tips, lists of resources, and many technical Tips are offered in addition to basic jewelry....0 points
Creating With Precious Metal Clay by Jeanette Landenwitch
Creating with Precious Metal Clay offers in-depth discussion about Precious Metal Clay (PMC), along with over 200 color and black & white photographs. This book is divided into two sections. The first half gives all the information you need to work with PMC. The entire process is explained, including the types of PMC, tools, techniques, firing, and finishing. The second half includes 15 in-depth projects that allow hands-on experience. Some of the techniques taught include joining, texturing, dr...0 points
Precious Metal Clay : Creative Projects for the Beginner by Peggy Linial, Lindsay Stoms
Precious Metal Clay is a revolutionary new material developed in Japan. It contains microscopic particles of pure silver in a claylike substance. It can be rolled like cookie dough, cut with a cookie cutter, molded by hand or even thrown on a potters wheel. When fired the binder fires away and you are left with pure silver.
This book contains over 30 easy projects from jewelry to embellished candles to decorated lampshades. There are also great party and gift ideas.
Along with step by step proje...
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Gorgeous Necklace
PMC is Fun to Work With #4-6
PMC is extremely versatile
Reason #4:
PMC
is fun to work with. It does take some practice to learn how to keep it from drying out, and to understand how it bonds together, and how it shrinks. But you always have to get to know any new medium.Reason #5:
Precious Metal Clay lends itself to many different styles. I personally prefer an organic look in my work, and I can get that with PMC. But it is also possible to get a delicate filigree look, and a shiny polished look.
Reason #6:
PMC comes in several different varieties to work with. It comes in three different formulas with variations in shrinkage and firing temperatures. It is available in paste, lump, syringe, and paper--all which give the artist more ways to work with it.
PMC+ Sheet (This is really cool to try)
This is the most common form of PMC. PMC+ is available as a Clay, Paste, or Sheet. It has a shrinkage rate of about 10%, and fires in 10 minutes in a kiln. Use the Paste to coat organic objects such as leaves or pine cones to create an exact replica in silver, or build it up around a completely organic form to create a hollow piece. The water-free Sheet won't break or crack and can be folded like origami paper. Note - Because PMC product is pure silver and gold, prices are subject to change based on market fluctuations.
Buy PMC Tools
This brush is a very good tool to have to clean the binder off the PMC after it has been fired.
Designed in PMC, and then cast in fine silver.
Paula Atwell Jewelry
Paula Atwell Jewelry
These are more of my designs. Vote for your favorite.
Needle Files
This is a necessary tool for working PMC
. The easiest time for finishing your piece is in its green state but you can also file it after firing.
Commando Precision File Handle with 6 Mini Needle Files Stored Inside the Clear Anodized Pro Series Handle
Amazon Price: $13.95 (as of 02/05/2010)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
There is No Limit to What You Can Make with PMC #7-10
PMC is fine silver which is 99.5% silver
Reason #7:
In its green
state, once dry, PMC is easily smoothed, filed, and finished. Engraving can be added in its dry state. Shapes can be changed or modified. And it can be re-wet to continue working it wet or to bond another green piece to it.Reason #8:
Firing is very easy. I prefer to use the kiln for firing. But you can fire some of the low temperature varieties with a torch or a small hot pot.
Reason #9:
Once you know how to use the material, it is much quicker to finish a piece then traditional metalsmithing. Much less sawing, soldering, and cleaning.
Reason #10:
It is compatible with so many other items like base metal, gold, polymer clay, found objects, sterling, and glass. I have added fused glass, gemstones, and watch parts to some of my pieces and fired them right into the piece.
Buy PMC Tools
Needle files are really important for working with PMC. You should get a basic set of 6 or 8 files.
PMC Varieties
PMC comes in standard, PMC+, and PMC3
PMC+
This is the most common form of PMC. PMC+ is available as a Clay, Paste, or Sheet. It has a shrinkage rate of about 10%, and fires in 10 minutes in a kiln.
This is definately the best form for any PMC beginner to start with unless they don't have access to a kiln. PMC+ has to be kiln fired.
The reason I recommend this one is that it is the most versatile, it doesn't shrink very much, and of the three versions it is the easiest to work with and learn on. It also comes in all of the forms, lump, paste, syringe and sheet. You can get various size packages of PMC+ and price changes with the price of silver.
If you are planning to fire in a hot pot, then you need to get PMC3. Hot pots are only good to fire small pieces. PMC3 was designed to fire with fused glass at a lower temperature than PMC+, however that also cannot be done in a hot pot.
You can fire small pieces or veneers with a torch as well with PMC3 or PMC+.
Hot Pot Project Kit - These 3 refill kits include clay, instructions and tools to make a bead, a pendant or another earring and pendant set. These refill kits include clay, instructions and tools to make a bead, a pendant or another earring and pendant set. If you like working with kits to start out, this is a great way to go.
Are You a Fan of PMC?
Ready to try PMC?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byReally cool, I want to try it.
deb says:
After years working with polymer clay and trying to get it to look like silver (and other metals) I'm going to delve into PMC - have left major hints as Xmas approaches!
Posted December 16, 2008
Nope, I think I'll pass.
City Style Earrings
The Final Finish #11
After firing PMC
Reason #11:
(I know, I said 10)
My favorite part of working with Precious Metal Clay is finishing the piece after firing. My finishing technique is to polish pieces after firing until they have a high sheen. Then I decide how I want to add color. Some pieces are left the bright color. Others are changed to gunmetal gray.
The majority are oxydized with
Liver Of Sulphur
. I never really know exactly how they will turn out, and that is part of the fun.
A chemical for antiquing copper and silver only. Changes color to darker shades from brown to black. Directions on label. 4 oz bottle.
Dremel Tools
Perfect for Working with Precious Metal Clay
Dremel 7700-02 MultiPro 7.2-Volt 20,000 RPM Two-Speed Rotary Tool with 50 Accessories
Amazon Price: $61.61 (as of 02/05/2010)
Avg. Customer Rating:
Usually ships in 4-5 business days
Precious Metal Clay
by Paula Atwell
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byPolish Many Pieces at the Same Time
Use a tumbler
Buy Barrel Tumbler
This is the tumbler that I use to polish my finished PMC pieces. It also hardens the metal. It is nice and small and simplet to use. You need to get stainless steel shot, do not get plain steel.
Uses 2 lb steel shot, sold separately.
Have You Had Experience with PMC?
-
Reply
- charlie_horse charlie_horse Jun 30, 2009 @ 3:03 pm
- I am trained and experienced as a weldor and metal fabricator. I am wondering if heli-arc is ever used in the jewelry making process. Being retired, I am fascinated at the prospect of taking up the PMC process and helping my wife who is doing very well beading and making jewelry. I am grateful for how well you have surveyed the subject and made the process accessible.
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Reply
- capriliz capriliz Jun 6, 2009 @ 8:56 pm
- You have made some beautiful pieces of jewelry! I am quite envious!
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Reply
- ArtsyTartsyJewels ArtsyTartsyJewels Dec 22, 2008 @ 7:23 am
- Very informative lens! Thank you so much for posting this. :)
- Candice of Artsy * Tartsy * Jewels
-
Reply
- lakeerieartists lakeerieartists Dec 12, 2008 @ 10:20 pm | in reply to chefkeem
- You are such a sweetheart, Chefkeem. Thanks.
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Reply
- MiaBellezza MiaBellezza Dec 11, 2008 @ 1:11 am
- Informative lens! I've wondered how much it would cost to get all the material and equipment to start out making PMC. - 5*s, favorited, and lensrolled.
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I am taking a serious business step this year, selling my jewelry wholesale. It is a serious step because I need to make enough profit at the wholesale price, and I need to be able to provide items in quantity. I had to do a lot of research and trial...
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The Best Tools to Use for Working with Precious Metal Clay
-
Are you interested in working with PMC or Precious Metal Clay? Not sure what tools or supplies you need to work with PMC? PMC clay is one of the greatest materials to work with. You can be a beginning artist or hobbyist and end up with finished prec...
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PMC Metal Clay | Hollow Beads
-
Making hollow beads out of Precious Metal Clay is a good way to keep your pieces lighter weight, and use less PMC per piece. That means that the jewelry you end up with would be less expensive to the end user. It also allows you to make much bigger p...
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About Lakeerieartists
Lensmaster lakeerieartists has been a member since June 5 2008, has rated 2,101 lenses, favorited 132, and has created 261 lenses from scratch. This member's top-ranked page is "The Nile River - History and Facts". See all my lenses
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