tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22215220.post2394053831729049907..comments2024-02-21T11:52:30.081-05:00Comments on The Beadful Life @ BeadFX: Let's Talk Metal Clayjenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14783446456485814624noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22215220.post-8614238534529266942010-06-25T00:42:31.216-04:002010-06-25T00:42:31.216-04:00Nathalie,
I am very sorry that you were upset by ...Nathalie,<br /><br />I am very sorry that you were upset by my post.<br /><br />I think you really misunderstood me. It is too bad.<br /><br />If you knew me I am very committed to teaching proper technique and skills to work with metal clay.<br /><br />This post was meant to be a light introduction hitting on the highlights of metal clay.<br /><br />ABOUT TORCH FIRING:<br />Yes not all pieces can be torch fired and kiln firing for long temperatures is preferable. I believe that for myself and will touch on this at a later post in detail. <br />BUT, the joy of metal clay for many people is that is a less intimidating and more accessible way to get into working with metals. <br />It is possible to torch fire many pieces and when I teach I explain the downside and the issues with torch firng. <br /><br />This post is not a class.<br /><br />And this specific POST was to give a brief introduction!!!!! <br /><br />No belittling intended of any arts. <br /><br />Again it was a brief intro, a taste of what metal clay is. <br /><br />If you read the post it said many times that I plan on covering topics and details at a later date!Fine Silver Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475392679640952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22215220.post-17441118651319988552010-05-16T15:21:17.612-04:002010-05-16T15:21:17.612-04:00Welcome, Heather. Your first post looks great!Welcome, Heather. Your first post looks great!The BeadFX Buyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09378750782843632880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22215220.post-62762938621923522012010-05-16T12:30:09.728-04:002010-05-16T12:30:09.728-04:00Hi Heather,
I'm looking forward to reading yo...Hi Heather,<br /><br />I'm looking forward to reading your weekly column...<br /><br />The only thing that bothers me a bit is that it's not often mentioned that it is BETTER to fire metal clay in a kiln for the maximum time possible depending on the components used in creating the piece, for more durability.<br /><br />Firing metal clay with a creme brulee torch is only good for small pieces, and the sintering is not as good as with using a kiln.<br /><br />My issue with this type of information is that yes, it may persuade people that want to start making metal clay pieces jump on the bandwagon (with just a small investment, since a kiln is expensive to purchase), but on the other hand, it does not help to convey to potential buyers that this is a very sound material/sturdy that will last a lifetime if treated with care.<br /><br />Also, saying that it's quick to do a piece - it can be quick if you just roll the clay on a textured surface, but the work does not end there - you have to smooth down and really work on the greenware (unfired clay) for awhile to make sure that the end piece will be of the highest quality of finish possible (no cracks, no sharp edges, etc).<br /><br />As a fairly new metal clay use myself, but someone who has lots of experience in metalsmithing and making jewelry, I find it a bit upsetting to see an instructor with your kind of background to sort of 'belittle' the amount of work and time that needs to go into making any sturdy piece of metal clay jewelry.<br /><br />Yes, we can start with quick basic pieces, but for the rest of us who aim to do more elaborate pieces and sell them, instructors such as yourself need to inform the public at large (which includes potential buyers) that it takes time to make beautiful pieces, it takes practice, it takes tools, expensive tools such as a kiln, etc. to create pieces with metal clay.<br /><br />With the posts about people underpricing their jewelry that was written on this blog here just a week or so ago, your fast and easy description does not help the perception of potential buyers. If it's fast and easy to make, then it can't be expensive.<br /><br />But metal clay, per ounce of end-metal, is a very expensive product to work with (compared to using sterling silver sheets or wire to create a design).<br /><br />I hope that you will clarify and demonstrate the 'value' of the work that we artisans put into our creations in your subsequent posts.<br /><br />Respectfully,<br />NathalieNathaliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03716201147061945204noreply@blogger.com