If you are new to working with metal clay, you may enjoy exploring this easy technique for adding dimension to the surface of a piece. You’ll also learn how to attach a pendant and decorative fobs to a chain without using a bail. Complete the pendant with an understated satin finish or add a bit of color with enamels, paints, or gemstones.
You can reuse a carved soap mold to make a series of identical metal clay pieces!
SUPPLIES
Pendant, 1 1⁄4 x 2 1⁄4 in. (32 x 57mm)
- Metal clay: 25–35g
- Metal clay slip
- Sterling silver snake chain: 30 in. (76.2cm)
TOOLS
- Kitchen knife, non-serrated
- 2 bars of soap
- Paper: drawing, tracing
- Felt-tip pen
- Mechanical pencil
- Carving tools: fine-tip, blunt-tip (choose from):
- Wood-, linoleum-, or clay-carving tools
- Metal salon file
- Toothpick
- Carpentry nails
- Dental tools
- Nut pick
- Paintbrushes: round-tip, fine-tip
- Olive oil
- Acrylic roller
- Flexible Teflon sheet
- Playing cards
- Craft knife
- Small light bulb (optional)
- Heavy-duty wire cutters
- Emery board
- Tabletop kiln
- Brass brush
- Silver polish
- Liver of sulfur (optional)
- Gesso (optional)
- Acrylic paints (optional)
- Polyurethane (optional)
- Enamels (optional)
- Heat-resistant gemstones (optional)
- Cocktail straw (optional)
- Clear, hard plastic (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS