Art Clay Silver 99.99% Pure Silver

Today's blog is about how I use Art Clay Silver to create pendants and other objects for my jewelry designs.

The pictured piece is one of my latest endeavors with Art Clay Silver. I created the pendant by rolling out the clay pie crust style and cutting out a triangle shape. Then I added some snake curly cues and a few dots to create a visually interesting pendant.

The beauty of art clay is that it's so malleable you can make any shape you want and then embellish it with more clay or even Cubic Zirconias, which can be fired in place. I fire my pieces with a creme brulee torch. Eventually I'd like to get a plug installed for my kiln so I can make bigger objects that can't be fired with a torch.

I chose to embellish this pendant with wire wrapped amethyst rondelles and peridot briolettes, also wire wrapped and suspended from the chain links. I really liked the way it turned out.

Feel free to make comments or ask questions about my jewelry making process.

You can see more of my jewelry at artfire.com

Welcome to my first blog

I thought I would start with an introduction of who I am and what I do.

I am the owner and creator of Beverly Symes Design. I sell jewelry online at ArtFire.com.

 

I first began doing creative work way back in the 80's when I lived in Miami Beach. I worked as a graphic designer for a book publisher. I still do graphic design and layout for clients in the north Florida area, however, a few years ago I started experimenting with beading and got hooked. So now I'm expanding my creative options with hand made jewelry. I work with Art Clay Silver and vintage brass stampings. 

Art clay is 99.99% pure silver particles suspended in an organic clay. It can be molded and shaped then fired in a kiln or with a torch. The end result is a unique piece that is 99.99% pure silver. I embellish my pieces with sterling silver findings, Swarovski crystalized elements and gemstone beads.

The brass stampings I use are created with molds from the late 1800s. These original tool and dyes exemplify the great attention to detail of artisans from bygone days. Today's vintage brass stampings are plated with a rich aged brass patina, then an antique (Oxidized) finish is applied which has a wonderful vintage appearance. The last layer applied is a non shiny protective finish which will allow the items to look great for years to come without turning skin "green". 

This technique of stamping and plating brass has been passed down for several generations and is an excellent way to produce a product with intricate details that is very light weight and durable.

I've been showcasing my work at art shows and art markets here in north Florida. If you happen to live in the Gainesville area you can find me at the Haile Farmers market every Saturday morning from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon. In the spring I plan to exhibit my work at the Winter Fine Arts Fair in the Town of Tioga on February 27 & 28, 2010.

Thanks for reading my blog.

Beverly