Last Friday I shared by first sterling silver clay project - the bead end caps that I formed by hand. This Friday I wanted to share my next experiment with bead end caps. These are made with fine silver clay and I used a 2 part mold mixture from Cool Tools instead of hand forming them.
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| The mold |
I made 2 parts to the mold and rolled my clay to 2 cards thick. Placing the clay into the deep mold was more difficult than I anticipated. The clay cracked and I had to repair it in several places. It was a little scary taking the two parts of clay out of the molds. After I wiggled the silicone mold, both pieces popped right out. While they were drying on the cup warmer, I rolled the clay for the next end cap. This time I rolled it 3 cards thick and it was easier to put into the mold halves. It did not crack.
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| Drying in the mold |
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| Drying on the cup warmer |
After both halves were dry, I attached them with clay paste and set them to dry again. Sanding and smoothing and then into the kiln.
I drilled holes in the tops after firing. It would have been so much easier to do it before the firing. Bet I remember to do that next time!
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| After firing |
Into the tumbler for 45 minutes and look what I took out!
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| After Tumbling |
p.s. My friend, Kim, was very happy with her sterling silver end caps and I'm very happy with my fine silver ones.
Last Friday I shared by first sterling silver clay project - the bead end caps that I formed by hand. This Friday I wanted to share my next experiment with bead end caps. These are made with fine silver clay and I used a 2 part mold mixture from Cool Tools instead of hand forming them.
I think these came out just lovely, Linda! Very cool and so versatile. Great idea!
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