Quail Creek Lapidary Club gets creative with clay

 

Cathy Hasson

Metal clay is a crafting medium consisting of very small particles of metal such as silver, gold, bronze or copper mixed with an organic binder and water for use in making jewelry, beads and small sculptures. Originating in Japan in 1990, metal clay can be shaped just like any soft clay, by hand or using molds. After drying, the clay can be fired in a kiln. The binder burns away, leaving the pure sintered metal.

Lapidary Club member, Carolyn Milbrath, has been sharing her knowledge of precious metal clay with others in the club. Some amazing pieces have been produced by Debbie Felker, Debbie Huber, Ernie Lopez, Pat Bencic, Sue Ann Obremski and Marsha Royer.