How to Use PMC >> Prev | Basic Techniques | Next
Basic Techniques
- A few drops of olive oil on your palms before starting helps keep the clay moist.
- To make sheets, use a roller as you would for pie crusts and use stir sticks or two equal stacks of playing cards on each side of the lump to make a uniform thickness (thicknesses of 3-6 cards is typical for jewellery items).
- A knife, X-Acto™ blade or playing card edge can be used to both cut pieces and lift them off the sheet.
- To join parts, set them close together and apply a drop of water with a pointed brush. Let the water penetrate for a few seconds, then press the parts together.
- To achieve rich textures, press PMC against a rough surface or roll the surface over a sheet of PMC. Even simple objects like bottle caps leave interesting trails, and leaves, bark and wood offer many possibilities.
- One way to make a bail for a pendant is to roll out a slender rod and form it into a loop. Cut off the ends to make a solid attachment, moisten with water and press it into position. Another way is to cut a crescent in the edge of the piece and press a ball of clay into that space. Poke a hole with a needle tool or a straw and, after firing, feed a loop through that hole.
- To make rings, wrap tape around a dowel to create a form of the correct size (remember to allow for shrinkage; i.e., 12% or 28% larger than the finished size). Cover the form with plastic wrap and create your ring. When it is finished (preferably before the PMC dries), slide it off.
Moist or Dry Clay
Most work is done with moist clay, but it is also possible to work with PMC after it has dried. Create the general idea of the form you want, then refine it with carving tools or files when the PMC is leather-hard. Use either slip or a household glue to join parts at this stage.
If the PMC becomes dry as you work, spray or brush on a little water (not too much!) and cover it with plastic wrap for a few minutes to allow it to rehydrate. If you add too much water, just set the PMC aside loosely wrapped and allow it to dry out.
Air Drying
Allow the work to air-dry or speed up the process with a hair dryer, heater or slow oven. Set the work on a screen, a wad of paper towel or a piece of foam rubber to allow air to reach all sides.