November 14, 2009

Years to get here...

I have been wanting to work with precious metal clay for years. Sometimes it takes that long for things to come together. I'm glad they finally did. A fellow Made In Ojai artisan was kind enough to let me sit in with her while she worked with her Art Clay. Andre is an amazing jewelry artist and is certified to work with Art Clay. A few months ago I purchased a small amount of the clay on-line and it has been sitting in it's shipping box waiting patiently for me to get my s#@t together. It really helped to see someone work with it in person. To see how the clay feels and what essentials to have on hand. It was also very motivating to have Enchanted Adornments on hand as inspiration and instruction. I got my tools together, set up a work area after the kids were in bed and forced myself to pick one or two ideas to really focus on. My mind was overly excited and taking me everywhere so a few small sketches really helped me to FOCUS! I choose to do a few freeform hearts and 2 small press molded bird charms. I let them dry over night and instead of firing them in the kiln, I choose, out of sheer impatience, to fire them on the stove top! Did you know you can do that? Just some metal mesh and a gas stove! Amazing. I was dubious. The photos tell the story...


Here they are over the burner. I used thin sterling wire as the bail on the heart.


This little bird before brushing with a wire brush...


A speck of liver of sulfur.


Getting their sulfur bath.


A really dark patina.


Proud mama! After they were tumbled!
I'm really excited to see what they become...

8 comments:

mairedodd said...

they are charming! pun intended but with the highest degree of admiration... these are wonderful, i think you are on your way to a very successful branching out in your business... i know i am interested...

Gaea said...

Thanks Marie! I am more that pleased with how they turned out. Getting the gumption up and just doing it is half the battle!

Carol B said...

I love them! Congratulations on getting to work in a new medium!

Susan Marling said...

They are adorable! Smart to start with something small. I have wanted to work with art clay also -think it will now have to wait until after the holidays. How on earth do you fire it on the stove? Looking at your wirework -I think you and Lorelei make the most perfect round loops!!!

Joelle said...

So so so cute! Proud mama indeed!

Jolee said...

Great job Gaea! I fire my PMC on the stove top also. I was so thrilled when I learned you could do it that way. It's alot of fun isn't it?

Mary Harding said...

You are clearly a natural at PMC. Seems to be made for your way of creating. I love what you have made so far. Hope you keep going.

Jenn said...

Very adorable! I just overcome my first fears. I need to do more to keep the Fear Monster shushed.