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Lasting Impressions: Silicone Molds & Precious Metal Clay
Organic casting can be cost-prohibitive, time-consuming, and messy. In this virtual class, instructor Taylor Saleem will lead you through her techniques for using silicone putty to make reusable molds of flowers, leaves, and even flatware. You'll learn Taylor's easy tips and tricks for using your molds to create a raised texture on metal clay. We'll also explore different types of metal clay, from sterling to bronze. Depending on the type of clay, you'll fire the clay (burn off the organic matter that makes clay soft) using either a torch or kiln, which can then be combined with traditional metal working techniques (like filing and soldering) to create stunning, uniquely botanical-inspired jewelry.
For more information about virtual courses, visit our Virtual Course FAQ page.
Meet the instructor
Taylor is a full-time metalsmith in St. Louis, Missouri. She began creating jewelry in 2003 as "The Rare Bird", transitioning from beadwork to wire work. Entirely self-taught, she now builds her jewelry by hand from precious metals and gemstones, and preserves organic flora in sterling silver using lost wax casting techniques. She has been featured in Step by Step Wire Jewelry Magazine, Easy Wire Magazine, and ArtJewlery Magazine and frequently teaches virtual jewelry-making workshops.
As a woman of mixed ancestry (54% European and 48% African), Taylor often struggles to articulate where she fits in society. Working through silver, stone, and beads, she is discovering who she is in a tangible way. Whether casting organic botanicals to reflect Victorian floriography or weaving and stringing African trade beads, her pieces bridge the divide across her cultural identity. She believes metalsmithing is a type of modern folklore; a means to refine her voice and narrative through the stories conveyed in each piece of jewelry.
Follow her processes on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/taylorsaleem.
Materials & Tools
The following supplies will be used for course demonstrations and objectives. A suggested item and/or vendor has been provided below for reference. Click the vendor name (in red) to be redirected to a page where you can find the item. The quantities needed for each item are listed first. If ordering, please be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. We recommend not opening an item's packaging until the day of the workshop. Student participation during or in-between class sessions is strongly encouraged but not required - observers are welcome.
Taylor will discuss her pros and cons for different types of metal clay (EZ Sterling, Fine silver, torch-fireable, and bronze). If you are unfamiliar with metal clay and unsure which type to choose for class, she recommends waiting to purchase until you've had a chance to ask questions to learn which type would work best for your needs and skill level.
Raw Materials/Consumables:
- 1 x 25g package of EZ 960, Sterling Silver clay (CoolTools)
- 1 x 15g package of Phoenix Torch Fireable Clay, Fine Silver (CoolTools)
- 1 x 50g package of Aureus Bright Bronze Clay (CoolTools)
- 1 x Mold Putty Silicone Mold Making Kit, 7/8Lb (amazon)
Other Tools & Equipment:
- 1 x Kiln - beehive or mini or full size (RioGrande or RioGrande)
- 1 x Fireproof area - steel sheet, tiles, etc. (Amazon or Home Depot)
- 1 x Tongs or tweezers - for moving hot objects (RioGrande)
- 1 x Clay Hydrator (CoolTools)
- kiln brick (FIreMtGems)
- ceramic kiln shelf (CoolTools)
- ceramic kiln posts (CoolTools)
- clay roller (CoolTools)
- Emery nail file
- old sandpaper pieces
- non-stick surface
- Clay cutter or X-acto knife
- Olive oil
- paper towels
Optional Tools:
Basic Hand Tools:
- 1 x rotary tool - flex shaft, micro motor, etc. (RioGrande)
- 1 x set of needle files - #2 cut (RioGrande)
- 1 x half round forming pliers (RioGrande)
- 1 x rawhide / plastic mallet (RioGrande)
- 1 x steel block / steel surface (RioGrande)
- 1 x small steel ruler (RioGrande)
- 1 x sheet of sand paper - 220 to 600 grits (Amazon)
- 1 x parallel pliers - optional / nice to have (RioGrande)
Basic Soldering/Torch Set-up:
- 1 x fireproof area - steel sheet, tiles, etc. (Amazon or Home Depot)
- 1 x Solderite™ pad / pan with pumice (RioGrande or RioGrande)
- 1 x torch - Smith mini, Silversmith, or butane (RioGrande or RioGrande)
- 1 x #0 or #1 torch tip - if getting Silversmith (RioGrande)
- 1 x striker or lighter - Silversmith system has one (RioGrande)
- 1 x soldering tweezers (RioGrande)
- 1 x soldering pick (RioGrande)
- 1 x 3rd arm (RioGrande)
- 1 x cross lock tweezers (RioGrande)
- 1 x paste flux (RioGrande)
- 1 x copper tongs - for pickle (RioGrande)
- 1 x 6” silver solder - hard (RioGrande)
- 1 x 6” silver solder - medium (RioGrande)
- 1 x pickle - sodium bisulfate or citric acid (RioGrande or Amazon)
- 1 x brass bristle brush (RioGrande)
- 1 x crock pot or lidded glass container (RioGrande or Amazon)
- 1 x tempered glass container or sink - for quenching and rinsing
- 1 x small brush - for flux
- 1 x liquid hand soap - for cleaning metal
Other/Miscellaneous Items:
- fan / open window or ventilation