http://cs.artjewelrymag.com/artcs/forums/32.aspxSilver clay, gold clay, bronze clay, and copper clayenCommunityServer 2007 SP2 (Build: 20611.960)http://cs.artjewelrymag.com/artcs/forums/thread/62472.aspxFri, 03 Jul 2009 22:36:16 GMT9605ba16-a6fd-4374-97d6-a658edea507a:62472plutselig0http://cs.artjewelrymag.com/artcs/forums/thread/62472.aspxhttp://cs.artjewelrymag.com/artcs/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=32&PostID=62472I'll try your tips tonight. My paste is thinner than you described and the technique of applying sounds good too. Thanks for the help.http://cs.artjewelrymag.com/artcs/forums/thread/62470.aspxFri, 03 Jul 2009 20:53:28 GMT9605ba16-a6fd-4374-97d6-a658edea507a:62470gagedesigns0http://cs.artjewelrymag.com/artcs/forums/thread/62470.aspxhttp://cs.artjewelrymag.com/artcs/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=32&PostID=62470Jennifer, My answer will address the regular paste vs the overlay paste which I have not used. I'm not clear from your post if you are mistakenly using the overlay paste or not. I know a lot of people thin the paste out, I do not. When "I" do it, it seems to add too many bubbles in it. I teach the following method and it seems to work well on my items and my students. - First I make sure the paste is a nice smooth consistency - a bit thinner than Elmers glue - I load up my brush with lots of slip, so much so that my brush itself really doesn't touch the leaf or other items. I don't load it up so that it is drippy and uncontrolable. - Apply the layer evenly over the leaf. The first layer is the most important as it will be the layer on the top that you see once the leaf burns away. - Let the layer dry completely. - Add the next layer the same way and so on. Using a thick layer and a light touch will prevent that pulling away effect. Just another note. If you are covering the whole seed pod you will get the general shape of the pod, but you won't see the outside detail on the pod because it will be in the inside (understand) If you are interested in seeing the detail. Mold half the pod at a time with a two part molding compound. Then make each half, let it dry and then put the two halfs together. Let me know how it goes. And pics would be cool too.http://cs.artjewelrymag.com/artcs/forums/thread/61608.aspxTue, 16 Jun 2009 21:36:31 GMT9605ba16-a6fd-4374-97d6-a658edea507a:61608plutselig0http://cs.artjewelrymag.com/artcs/forums/thread/61608.aspxhttp://cs.artjewelrymag.com/artcs/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=32&PostID=61608I'm having a recurring problem with metal clay paste. When painting an object after a couple of coats (thin), the paste starts to flake off in random areas. I first experienced this with leaves dry and green. I thought it may be due to the flexible nature of the leaves. I am painting a hard seed pod, and yesterday was dismayed to see the same problem. The only other reason I can see for this is when I ordered my paste, I mistakenly ordered Art Clay overlay paste. I'm not sure how much of the original paste is in my jar, but perhaps that is causing the problem? I would love to hear ideas or if others are able to apply paste to leaves and other objects without this problem. Thanks Jennifer