Copper Clay Success!!!

So.... I had success with firing the Art Clay Copper!  I did a lot of online research before firing and decided to follow the directions I found HERE.  I fired it in the coconut shell-based carbon (even though it wasn't necessary), mainly to avoid the thick, black layer of fire scale that was supposed to happen if you fired without it.  I pretty much followed the directions for firing the COPPRclay, but the results with the Art Clay Copper were much better!  I fired at 1778°F for 3 hours.  I did not put a lid on my firing pan.  This firing schedule is also recommended on the Art Clay Copper online info sheet  (which I discovered later).

Here are my results:

The top ornament was made with the COPPRclay (it was under-fired), and bottom was made with Art Clay Copper.  You can see the pitting that occurred when I tried to polish the COPPRclay with a wire brush (both ornaments were polished using only a wire brush).  The COPPRclay did shrink more than the Art Clay Copper too:

Here is another photo of the wire-brushed ornament made with Art Clay Copper: 

 And now for fun with adding a patina (part of the reason I wanted to work with copper clay so badly)!!!  This patina was created using only vinegar and salt.  I put some salt on the ornament and placed a vinegar soaked cotton pad on it.  The patina will wash off, so you might want to add a sealer to protect your desired finish.

 Another picture of the finished ornament:

Well, I was excited to share my finished results with you!  Hope to have more copper pieces to share soon!  Thanks for stopping by:)

P.S.  While doing some of my research, I found there are lots of different copper clays out there....you can even make your own!  Also, check out the work of this amazing metal clay artist!

Hello! It's Been a Looong Time!

Oops...it's been quite a long time since I blogged!  Sorry!

Hope you all have been well!  I did add a few new items to my Etsy shop.

Also, I'm working on making a house ornament out of copper clay.  I didn't have great success firing the COPPRclay I posted about earlier.  I don't think I fired it at a high enough temperature.  I just bought a new brand to try out that doesn't need to be fired in the coconut shell–based carbon. I'll let you know how that goes.  Fingers crossed!

Oh...and I've had the idea for a beading loom made from a yogurt container for a while, and I hope to be posting a tutorial soon.  I'm also trying to design pieces combining my seed bead work and metal clay creations....so stay tuned!

Here are my newest listings:

Close to My Heart with Awareness Ribbon Fine Silver Pendant

POW Pop Art Comic Book Roy Lichtenstein Inspired Fine Silver Pendant 

Finding Balance Tiny Yin Yang Fine Silver Post Stud Earrings

Hello Sunshine Sun Fine Silver Pendant 

Btw...two of these new designs were inspired by custom orders, so feel free to request one!  I love hearing your great ideas!