After a long holiday hiatus, I've finally got something finished to share.  It's fine (metal clay) and sterling silver, sapphires and CZ's

 

 

 

It's lovely!

It's quite beautiful! I really like it.

 

You did a beautiful job on this!  I love the hinges you made.  It looks comfortable to wear.

Lovely design.  I like the contrast between the bright blue cz and the frosty satin silver. :)

Thanks, MarieChristine, Collette, Homegirl and Delia!

i love the pattern and blue jewels! -laura

Thanks, Blue Girl!

Ooooo aaaahhh!  I adore the sinuous curves of Art Nouveau.  This is something any Victorian maiden would be proud to wear!

BTW since I've only done some prehistoric metal clay work [before versions 2 & 3 & syringes, etc.], did you do the original in wax or some other mold?  How did you carve it?  Sorry if the answer should be obvious...but it ain't to me.

I work directly with the clay. First I cut out a set of plaques and the leaves in metal clay, then I cut out another set of plaques and cut out their centers which created a double thickness at the edging for strength. This allowed for the eyelets to be embedded. When they were drying I drapped them over a cylinder to give them a slight curve. Once dried I texturized the panels to give them that frosty appearance. I glued on the leaves and I used syringe for the vines and buds. Once the design was appliqued to the plaque, I cut out around the design for a bit of lightness. I connected them with sterling wire which has a crimp bead at each end. I also crimped two bumper beads between the ends at the start and finish of the bracelet so that the clasp would stay put (you can just see them in on the right in the second picture). I love working in metal clay because it's so adaptable for so many things. It can do just about anything.

Good idea with the bumpers!  Thanks for sharing the process.  This is a real nice piece and your work is great.

Thanks, Jilla!

Great job on the bracelet and a good use of the PMC.  Are the stones back set or set in place before firing?  Congratulations.

Fred

Hi SilverSmith! It’s very beautiful piece! I love how sapphire blue color pop out of silver!!  

Thanks Fred and Natsuko! For Fred, the stones are flush or gypsy set. Since the metal clay shrinks at about 10 percent, I simply drill a hole the exact size of the stone with a stone setting bur and put the stone in and fire in place. The shrinkage locks it in.

Very elegant! You have mastered the medium.

Cheers,

Danika

Thanks, Danika! I don't know if I've mastered it, but I'm sure enjoying the process! It's really a fun medium for me. I hope others are inspired to give it a try!

This is really pretty..I would love to wear this. I bought some pmc some time ago but haven't ventured very far. This makes me want to get it out and try it again!

Silver and blue are my favorites. :) Very nice.  Someday I'd love to give that a try.

Thanks, Deborah and Jo. I love to hear people say they want to try working with metal clay since I'm such a fan myself!