Ever
since I saw these natural stones I had a vision of using them in bronze clay.
Once I finished and published this ring I had
many artists asked me how I made it. To be honest, I usually never plan...... I
just go with the flow...... but this exceptional time I did plan and envision how
I want the ring to be. So here it is.
1.
Using a 5mm Bezel builder prepare in advanced 9 round bezels
http://www.metalclays.com/p/680/bezel-builder-round-5mm
2. Roll out strip of clay 2 cards thick, to create the base for the ring.
3. Wrap the clay strip around a Ring Size Plug.
4.
Placing and attaching the bezels on the strip using slip. Make sure to attach
the bezels to each other and not just to the strip.
5.
After attaching all the bezels place on the hot plate to dry. Once dry, remove
it from the hot plate and clean the extra clay in between and the part that was used as the strip. We want to achieve hollow bezels with no backing.
6.
To control the bezels shrinkage make 9 plugs,
using 5mm Round bezel shrinkage mold http://www.metalclays.com/p/899/bezel-shrinkage-stopper-mold-round
The
material of which to make the plugs called investment. It’s an easy silica free, nontoxic
material to work with.
Follow
the instruction of drying time. When the plugs are fully dry they are ready to be
used.
7. Fill the bezels with
the plugs and place in the kiln for your desired clay. You can glue them in
place with common white glue to prevent them from falling out.
8.
After firing, clean and polish the piece.
9.
Set in the stones using Epoxy 330.
http://www.metalclays.com/p/613/epoxy-330-adhesive
