something new! tiny leaf necklace

tiny leaf necklace
Originally uploaded by PoPkO!

I can never decide if I want huge or tiny jewelry. I like them both. I want clunky chunky baubles, I want teeny tiny charms. Here's something new for summertime, a simple, organic, understated charm.

P.M.C. is 99.9% pure silver (more pure than sterling even) that looks like white clay while I'm sculpting it, but once fired the organic binder is burned out leaving one the purest silver to wear. I have to sculpt the shapes, sand, file, and drill it. I then fire it with a torch until the binder is burned out. I then brush it with a steel brush and sand it with fine paper until smooth. I like to hammer the jump rings to add texture.

Pmc is really inspiring to me, it just feels like 'possibility', not being boxed in at all. If you ever want to try it and have questions, ask away, I will share what I know so far!

Q's & A's Below!
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Candace says:
I love it! I've always wanted to try it, but I think I would like to take a class rather than investing in all the supplies. I jump in head first way too much and end up with lots of supplies I never touch again. :)

Popko:
Candace, I am the same way! I have a lot of extra supplies. But you never know what you will love! Classes are a great idea. The most expensive part is the silver, the price is high- and rising. Sterling is about $19.50 an OUNCE today, and this is more pure than sterling. The little brick of pmc is currently about $60- $80 (depending on source) but you can get a lot of little things out of it for sure. If you are selling your pieces, they can pay off the block of clay quickly. Then you have a little freedom to try something wild with the clay!
I use a torch, even though I own a kiln for glass work. You can go the cheaper route with a butane torch which works great. A little bit of sanding paper, a wire bristle brush, maybe a few dentist tools or some cheap silverware to carve shapes. I use a ziplock bag as a work surface.
The startup cost is pretty cheap, if you can wrap your head around the silver price first.