Polymer Clay

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Book Review: Ancient Modern Polymer Clay and Wire Jewelry

by

by Ronna Sarvas Weltman
by Ronna Sarvas Weltman

I was recently lucky enough to get a sneak peek at the new book  Ancient Modern; Polymer Clay and Wire Jewelry by Ronna Sarvas Weltman, being published by Interweave press. The book can be pre-ordered here.

Featuring artistic, bold, and organic jewelry, the book is a joy for sheer eye-candy value.  Ronna gives an excellent overview of the basic techniques for working with both polymer clay and wire,  and she also gently reminds the reader  that practice is the only true way to build the skills required for working with both materials.  I found the section on designing jewelry while keeping in mind the physics of how it would hang on the body especially useful.

After the technique sections, there follows fifteen projects and a gallery of lovely work.  A couple of instructions are repeated throughout the book, for example several projects require a zebra cane and the instructions are reprinted each time.  This may be useful if you are following the projects exactly,  as you will not need to go back and find the instructions in another section, but not really necessary if like me, you tend to look for techniques to add to your arsenal,  and not projects.   Ronna paid attention to the little details like filing wire ends and tucking them in so that even the very dramatic and bold jewelry would remain comfortable and wearable.

Overall, I found the book to be a delight, there were several texturing and antiquing ideas that I am excited to try in my own projects,  as well as some new (to me) bead shapes with which I am planning to experiment.  It has also reminded me what a great compliment to clay wire makes, and inspired me to pull out my wire once again!

P.S.:  Stay tuned to the blog for the next week for two giveaways!

[tags]interweave press, Ancient Modern, Polymer Clay and Wire Jewelry, Ronna Sarvas Weltman, polymer clay book, book review[/tags]

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Comments

  1. ME! ME! Jules! Moe wants this! 😀 Really, I do! You’re a sweetie for doing this give away. I will try to be magnanimous of I don’t win. 🙂 Really. Thanks for doing a lovely thing for all of us! xoxo, moe

  2. Didn’t this blog post have a bunch of responses (including one from me) a week ago? Where’d they all go?

  3. I was able to see this book online and take a peek inside some of the pages. The artist work is beautiful and looks as though it will be a very inpiring book for anyone with a creative block or just in need of something beautiful to look at while they create. Thank you for entering all of us into your contest and for the work you do on the site, I enjoy it. By the way I design jewelry out of polymer clay and semi-precious stones.

Have you read?

What is Silver Art Clay or Precious Metal Clay (PMC) and How Do You Work With It (and Fire It!)

If you’ve ever dreamed of making real silver jewelry at home—without the need for a silversmith’s workshop—silver art clay or precious metal clay (PMC)  might just be your new best friend. It looks like clay, feels like clay, and shapes like clay, but when you fire it, the binder burns away and what’s left is pure, solid silver. Magical, right?

This material has completely changed the way hobby jewelers and crafters approach metalwork. Instead of melting silver with a torch and hammering it into submission, you can roll, stamp, carve, and mold it just like pottery clay. Let’s walk through exactly what it is, how to use it, and the different ways you can fire it.

What is Silver Art Clay?

Silver art clay (also called precious metal clay or PMC) is a soft, moldable clay made of three parts:

  • Fine particles of pure silver 
  • A non-toxic organic binder 
  • A bit of water 

That mix gives you a squishy clay you can roll, cut, and sculpt into jewelry pieces, charms, pendants, or even small keepsakes. Once it’s dried and fired, you’re left with a piece that’s typically 99.9% pure fine silver—sometimes called “fine silver” or .999 silver.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Working with silver clay is much simpler than traditional silversmithing, but a few basic tools make it easier:

  • Clay roller (or a simple acrylic rolling pin) 
  • Textured stamps or mats for impressions 
  • Craft knife or clay cutters 
  • Sandpaper or files (for cleaning up edges) 
  • Water and small brush (to smooth cracks) 
  • Work surface like a Teflon or silicone mat 
  • Firing method (kiln, torch, or stovetop burner depending on the clay brand) 

How to Work with Silver Art Clay

  1. Condition the clay – Silver clay dries out fast, so keep it wrapped or sealed until you’re ready. If it feels stiff, a touch of water and kneading will soften it. 
  2. Shape and design – Roll it flat for pendants, cut out shapes with cutters, or press stamps into it for texture. You can even sculpt tiny figures or mold it around objects. 
  3. Dry it thoroughly – Before firing, your piece must be bone-dry. Air-dry it for at least 24 hours, or speed things up with a hair dryer or a special dehydrator. 
  4. Refine – Once dry, sand edges smooth, carve details, or patch cracks with a clay slip (a watery mix of clay). 

How to Fire Silver Art Clay

Here’s where the “magic” happens—turning clay into solid silver. There are three main ways to do it:

1. Kiln Firing

  • Best for larger or thicker pieces. 
  • Heats evenly and ensures maximum strength. 
  • Fire at around 1650°F (900°C) for 30–60 minutes depending on clay brand. 

2. Torch Firing

  • Perfect for small pendants, charms, or earrings. 
  • Place your piece on a fireproof brick and use a butane torch. 
  • Heat until it glows a peachy orange for 2–5 minutes. Once the binder burns off, you’re left with silver. 

3. Gas Stove Firing (for certain low-fire clays)

  • Place on a mesh screen over a gas hob. 
  • Heat until the binder burns away, usually 5–10 minutes. 
  • Not as strong as kiln firing but works for hobby pieces. 

After Firing: Polishing and Finishing

Once fired, your piece will look white and matte. That’s the silver particles fused together. From here, you can:

  • Brush with a brass or steel brush for a soft shine. 
  • Tumble-polish for a mirror finish. 
  • Patina with liver of sulfur for depth and contrast. 
  • Drill holes, attach jump rings, or add beads and stones. 

Tips for Beginners

  • Work in small sessions—silver clay dries quickly! 
  • Keep a little water pot handy to rehydrate edges. 
  • Practice on small charms before tackling a big statement pendant. 
  • Save scraps! You can rehydrate dried clay with a drop of water. 

Why Crafters Love It

Silver art clay lets you create heirloom-quality jewelry right at your kitchen table. It’s forgiving enough for beginners but versatile enough for serious jewelry makers. From textured pendants to dainty rings, the possibilities are endless—and every piece you fire feels like uncovering treasure.