For the first time in over a year, I have been playing with bronze metal clay. These charms and the Chinese-looking pendant were taken from molds of vintage buttons and beads. The clay is pressed into the mold, removed when dry and fired for 9 or so hours in a kiln at 1500 F. Little dings and marks in the clay are removed with water—it’s like playing in a mud puddle. Of all the techniques I’ve tried, this is the most fun.
I always like to add a little design on the back so that’s another process. Bronze clay items always look so ancient which is good, but the first metalsmiths melted and alloyed the metal and then either cast or forged the item. Metal clay wasn’t part of the artisan scene until the 1990s. The early makers didn’t have the advantages of kilns, electricity or even the ability to work at night. They were also making weapons instead of the always-feel-good jewelry.
So my next step—which doesn’t seem so complicated after my early craftsmen meditation—is to get inspired and make the bronze pendants, charms and earring components into actual jewelry.
Well Ms Anne, after reviewing your pieces, I’d say you have started your “collection in a Big Way! Congratulations and thanks for the inspiring friendship!