Flower Garden Ring & Charm

[Bumpy Beads]

This ring is based on a project in "Beads & Beyond". I decided to make a little matching charm, which is currently hanging from my Byzantine maille bracelet.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3032/2617588707_52d856017e.jpg

Thank you for looking!

[manda]

oh I like that is it silver? sorry not clued up on metal and bead work

[beadsbydesign]

Looks like PMC (precious metal clay) a clay that once it's fired turns to silver.

They are beautiful.

[Bumpy Beads]

Yes, its Silver Art Clay. It's brilliant stuff! I fired mine in a kiln but you can use a torch or even a gas ring. Firing it burns off the binders and you're left with 99% fine silver. Magic!

[handcrafted]

Scuse my ignorance but how does that work? Is it real silver?

Very pretty! :D

[Pagan]

that is so pretty :D

[sherrielinda]

that's lovely.

[Bumpy Beads]

Scuse my ignorance but how does that work? Is it real silver?

:D

Yes, its 99% pure silver, which is purer than sterling silver. Basically tiny silver particles are mixed with an organic binder and water to form a clay-like substance. This is maleable, so you can roll it out just like clay. The clay dries, and the water evaporates. Then, in the firing process the binder burns off. This just leaves the pure silver behind, which melts and fuses. After firing the piece is white in appearance. That's the natural colour of silver. It's brushed with a stiff brush, and then polished up to a shine.

[glasskanvas]

They're fab!- I tried pmc a while back but i'm all fingers and thumbs. Very nice stuff!

[Makateria]

Just beautiful :)

[meridian]

thats beautiful! love the bracelet. :)

[23BeechHill]

I think they are really beautiful !

[Babushka]

They are gorgeous Heather :) I've just started playing around with Chain Maile but only using cheapy jump rings to practise with. Will take me a while to get enough confidence to use Sterling Silver. :)

The charms are beautiful too.