Lisa / Behind the Scenes 

I'm busy in the studio, trying new things and venturing out of my norm. For my newest project, I decided to try a new form of metal clay called Art Clay. Art clay is very similar to the other metal clays I use, but only takes 30 minutes to fire versus the typical several hour time frame. Art clay is going to be a great material to use in future Craft on Tap classes, because of the quick fire time.

I recommend reading my previous post, Metal Clay, to get a full run down of how I work with metal clay, the tools I use, and the kiln firing process. Working with Art Clay is similar in that in comes in clay form, I can roll it out, cut any design or shape I want, and after firing, it will become a hard metal clay.

Here I am shaping the art clay for my earring designs.

Now that the pieces are shaped, texture has been added, and the corners smoothed, they are ready to fire in my metal clay kiln. For art clay, there are a few extra steps in the kiln firing process. Before putting in the kiln I need to lay them on what is called Fiber Blanket, and when the pieces are removed from the kiln, I need to stick them in a cool water bath. Both steps help in removing the oxidized surface that happens to art clay in the firing process.

This is what the art clay looks like before the kiln firing:

This is what they look like after the kiln firing process:

As you can see, a dark outer shell occurs, and you have to dip the pieces in water in order for the outer shell to break away.

Once I've cleaned all of the outer shell off of each piece, I use liver of sulfur to darken the metal clay for a more signature, rustic LPDstudios look. 

Next, I wanted to add a little something to each of my metal clay earrings, so I cut companion leather pieces that will layer onto the metal clay using hoop rings.

I added a little color to the leather using acrylic paint.

And here are the final Metal Clay and Leather Earrings!! Which ones are your favorite?

Stay tuned for more adventures in the studio! 

After a nice holiday break, I am back in the studio and loving every minute of it. It's nice to take a creative pause, to let my mind and body rest and allow ideas and inspiration to come naturally. Then, when I step back into the studio, I am excited and energized to dive right into new projects.

During break, I brainstormed new ways to bring personalized jewelry options to my customers, and I really like what I have created so far! Drum roll please.....I'd like to introduce the Gold Bronze Flower Earrings and Birthstone Pendant Necklace. 

These petite flower motifs are made using Gold Bronze metal clay. I cut and shape the flowers, use a mold to create the dome center and fire them in my kiln. Once they come out of the kiln, I use hand tools to buff the metal, which gives it that low luster finish!

To make the pendant necklace, I take two domed flowers, place a cultured gemstone between the two pieces and use more metal clay to adjoin the two sides together. Once the pendant is formed, I put it back in the kiln to solidify the metal, making it a completely enclosed pendant. 

You choose the birthstone for a personalized gift (for yourself!) or someone you love! 

Like the flower motif you saw today? It's an LPDstudios signature motif, and you can find it on handbags, cuffs, and leather earrings. Keep stopping by the blog to see what else is new in the studio :)

I really love the metallic finish of the bronze and copper metal clay I use for a majority of the jewelry pieces I create, but to expand my jewelry collection I decided to invest in Fine Silver metal clay for a new look.

What is nice about metal clay, whether it is copper, bronze or silver, is that in the early stages I am able to use it just like clay. I roll it out, cut any desired shape, add texture to the surface, and manipulate it in any way I want to create my pieces. 

For my new silver pieces, I cut and shaped hearts, stars, flowers and round discs to be used for studs and charms.

Once I was happy with the shape, texture and overall design, I placed the delicate little components into my kiln, which is specifically designed for firing metal clay. The high heat of the kiln is what burns off the binder in the metal clay and the metal particles fuse together to create a solid metal item.

Once the firing is complete, the clean up begins, because even though the binder has burned off, there is still a residual white reside present on the metal. I brush, rub and polish each piece to bring out the true luster of the silver finish.

Some of the final products include the Fine Silver Daisy Earrings:

The Heavenly Star Fine Silver Earrings with Silken Sheen:

The Descending Fine Silver Triple Star Pendant Necklace:

And the Swinging Hearts of Brushed Fine Silver Earrings:

Thanks for stopping by LPDstudios to see what's new!