A New Bronze Age?
Has the price of sterling silver got you down? Perhaps it’s time to consider bronze as an alternative. Bronze precious metal clay (PMC) is an affordable option. Working with it can be fun and satisfying. Roll it, sculpt it, pinch it, cut it, press it, mold it – bronze PMC can be worked any way you like. Fire it in the kiln and the result is pure bronze.
Precious metal clay has only been around since about 1990 and originated in Japan. It consists of microscopic particles of metal mixed with an organic binder. Once it has been shaped and fired (usually in a kiln), the binder burns away and the result is a pure metal. Just like clay, a shrinkage factor must be considered in the design process. PMC is available in silver, gold, platinum, copper, bronze, and steel.
May 11 and 18 you’ll have a chance to experiment with PMC bronze in the Bronze PMC Bracelet class taught by Suz O’Dell. This two-part class focuses on making beautiful patterned links that will result in a completed bracelet or two.
