Working with bronze clay is trickier/different than working with silver clay. A good way to get off on the right track is to spend a moment to condition the clay right after you take it out of the package. It's not as labor intensive as conditioning polymer clay, but will make a big difference if you do it right.
I like to put a big thumbprint in the middle of the lump and drip in a few drops of glycerin water. Then fold the glycerin in, mixing it thoroughly throughout the lump. I do this within plastic wrap to avoid the mess factor, but you don't have to. You can make glycerin water yourself by combining equal parts glycerin from the drugstore with distilled water or you can buy PMC Extender Liquid from Chris Darway of PMC Tool and Supply. He adds a little red food coloring for fun.
Leave the mixture to soak in for a minute or so and you'll have lovely clay that doesn't crack as you work. At least that's my experience.
Mardel Rein of Cool Tools has a different and equally successful method of conditioning BronzClay. Take a look at her You Tube video for an alternate point of view.
3 comments:
Thanks for the tip - I haven't tried glycerin in the bronzclay yet but will give it go next time. I tried a very simple piece without any conditioning (just rolled out thick and textured) and it came out totally pitted and awful. The bronzclay is not as nice to work with as silver, that's for sure!
I think it's actually lovely to work with, but it *is* trickier. You really have to be careful and attentive while working with it and when firing it.
I think the glycerin will really help. Try it again. Do many pieces and consider them experiments. if you have no pre conceived ideas, you'll be pleasantly (or interested-ly) surprised by your discoveries.
It's a good youtube demo. I'm not a big fan of the bronze ..... yet ....but I haven't spent that much time with it. Would like to set aside some time to experiment a bit more. one these days - or maybe one of those days.....
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