Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

October Polymer Cafe Magazine Giveaway!

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polymer_cafe_32_t Want to win the October issue of Polymer Cafe?  It includes an elegant image transfer pendant by Kathy Shield Dummer, a unique way of making a signature cane by Jill Palumbo , and a cute as can be pumpkin cottage from Trish Hodgens.  Miniaturists will enjoy the bread and cheese project by Pamela J., and the apple core beads by Lynette Fisk.

Since Polymer Cafe is a magazine by clayers, for clayers, to be entered in the giveaway, leave a comment and let us know if you’ve considered submitting a project to the magazine (or if you have!)

The winner will be selected from the commentators via random.org on September 30.  Remember to leave a way for us to contact you!

[tags]polymer cafe magazine, giveaway[/tags]

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Comments

  2. Wow! I don’t have this issue yet, and I would love to win it! Although, being a first commentator, I will probably not be a winner, I never saw first commentators win :)))
    I still consider myself a beginner in clay, but I think at some point I would love to submit some project to the magazine :))

  3. Actually, I haven’t tried this yet but I’ve been so fascinated with the postings on Graft Gossip that I’ve started investigating and wound up here. I’d love a free issue to see what I’m getting myself into!! : ) Thank you!

  5. This magazine looks interesting. I want to know more about polymer clay techniques, so I think itwould be good start

  6. Still just a beginner so I have no projects to submit, but I dream of doing so in the near future.

    Thank you for producing such a quality site! It never fails to inspire.

  7. I haven’t submitted to Polymer Cafe, mainly because I’m at the point of hoping to actually learn how to use polymer first! I know there are lots of avenues to explore.

  8. I’ve only begun working with polymer clay, so I wouldn’t think I about submitting to a magazine at this point. Maybe in the future 🙂

  11. I have thought of many projects to submit, but none of them ever end up seeming good enough. I should just bite the polymer clay bullett and do it.

    Elizabeth Freeman
    915 588 1208

  12. I have a pile of polymer clay, but have not used it to make beads or pendants yet. I used to make dollhouse miniatures (mainly using polymer clay), now I make jewelry (mainly wirework and beads), so I would definitely like to play with my polymer clay again making beads or pendants. If I did, then I would consider submitting to this magazine. I am very interested in this issue since it combines jewelry AND miniatures! Thanks for the giveaway!!

  15. I would love submit a project to the magazine some day! 🙂 I consider myself a beginner in clay for now, but if I come up with a good idea, I sur will try to submit it :)))
    Please enter me in your giveaway! :))

  17. If I had anything worthy, I’d submit it. Maybe I should stop reading and go make something!

    lindaanne at yahoo.com

  19. Hi,
    I am still new to polymer clay. Maybe someday I will submit something. I love this magazine. Now im buying all the back issues I can find.

  20. I am waiting to feel enough confidence in my work to submit to the magazine. But I decided I will definitely submit something within the next six to nine months.

  21. Thank you for the chance to win a copy. I would love to submit a project to the magazine, if I knew how. Like a previous entrant, I am from Oz and we don’t get the magazine here.
    Kind regards to all.

  23. Hi Feree!

    The issue you are looking for is PolymerCafe’s February 2009 one. You can find PolymerCafe.com and see if they have back issues or search online (ebay for example) to see if anyone is selling copies.

  24. I would love to win this magazine. I am just learning about polymer clay, but might someday have something to submit!

  26. I am looking into clay as a medium. I have seen some REALLY nice jewelry and would not have guessed it was clay. Like I said I am in the looking stage now. Thank you

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.