Snowflake Jewelry - Frosty Fun Fashion Must Haves

All designed by the Metal Clay Heads Team on Etsy, this snowflake gallery offers a variety of styles to fit any budget. Take a look and find your favorite and grab them before they are gone!



The Metal Clay Heads Team is an amazing group of artists that design and create jewelry with top quality materials, extraordinary skill and take care of their customers like family and friends.

You are sure to find your next treasure in one of their shops on Etsy.

10 Days and 10 Grams - Playing in Leaves with Silver Metal Clay

Summer Leaf Collection by York Avenue Studio

When the price of Silver shot up, it seemed like my chances to work with Silver Art Clay were shot, too.  I’d just begun building techniques and skills working with precious metal clay and enjoyed making jewelry with fine silver to the point that it was my focus for future designs.  The price hike certainly busted my big plans, but I have been fortunate enough to still have the chance to work with fine silver, just on a much smaller scale.

First thin layer on leaves

With only 10 grams of fresh clay, I decided to try a technique of painting leaves and for 10 days I have had the pleasure to work with metal clay, enjoy the process of creating fine silver pieces, stretch my design skills to include a pendant with a hinge and just truly enjoy the entire time.  I have some amazing new pieces of jewelry and I am writing this post to reveal the photos of the projects and the stories behind the scenes.

10 grams of silver metal clay is not much, about the same amount as one stick of gum.  I used half the package as slip by adding water and thinning the clay until I could paint with it.  I scouted around my yard for tiny leaves that had nice shape and texture, picturing what they would look like as silver.  I selected a Violet leaf, three tiny Maple leaves and an Elm leaf.  They were small and I figured each leaf would require about 1 gram of silver, give or take.

Thicker layers with some curling as they dried

The technique for using real leaves with metal clay is basic, just paint thin layers and let them dry.  Fire them and finish, voila!  But, along the way, chatting with other metal clay artists, I discovered so many different methods and variations to the process, each idea or tip added even more possible outcomes and results!  It is amazing how each artist interprets the layering and resolves little issues along the way.  My Etsy team, Metal Clay Heads, had so many helpful suggestions and photos of their own leaf projects!  It was like having them by my side along the way, super great members with tons of experience to share.

I started with thin layers, then progressed to thicker paste-like layers.  As the layers became thicker, the leaves began to curl as they dried.  For my projects, this was a good thing.  But I was given a few tips that would help for keeping the leaves flat, if that is what I was hoping for.  There are also many ways to keep the leaves from sliding around or blowing away, and more tips on how to manage the silver that leaked under to the front of the leaf.  Great ideas that I have tucked away for future use!

The first leaf that was thick enough to fire was the little Violet leaf.  I layered my logo cutout on the back, dry clay to dry clay, using slip.  Once dried, I torch fired it and was thrilled to see the result!
I already had a design in mind for this leaf and make a bail with fresh clay, added a genuine Peridot gemstone and carved some leaf, stick and berry accents.  I fired the second time, did some finishing, used some Liver of Sulphur patina gel and was thrilled with the final piece!

Fine Silver Leaf with Peridot by York Avenue Studio

Fine Silver Leaf with Peridot - Back - York Avenue Studio

The next leaves ready were the tiny Maple leaves.  I had a design in mind for the upcoming Metal Clay Heads Team Challenge, which is to use the technique of a working hinge and the theme is Magical or Mysterious.  I put a lot of thought into this tiny pendant and with big expectations that I would have success, I carefully worked on the details and was thrilled that the planning worked out well!

Here is the big reveal with descriptions:

Tiny Secret Fine Silver Maple Leaf by York Avenue Studio

Tiny Secret Fine Silver Maple Leaf by York Avenue Studio

Tiny Secret Fine Silver Maple Leaf by York Avenue Studio

Tiny Secret Fine Silver Maple Leaf by York Avenue Studio

Tiny Secret Fine Silver Maple Leaf by York Avenue Studio

Tiny Secret Fine Silver Maple Leaf by York Avenue Studio

Along the way, the Elm leaf project went south, and I plopped the leaf back into the slip jar to reuse the clay.  But, I picked some fresh Bella Donna leaves and made them into gorgeous little earrings!

Fine Silver Bella Donna Leaf Earrings by York Avenue Studio

I would highly recommend trying some leaves with metal clay for anyone who is just starting out or for anyone who is stuck without any inspiration for a time.  Making leaves is so rewarding and without fussing over the detail or shape, just letting nature be the “mold”, the result will be beautiful detailed pieces of jewelry for charms, earrings, pendants, etc.  The added bonus is that just a little clay goes a long way!

Magic Wand Kitty and Goddess Face by York Avenue Studio

I'm sharing some photos of my current works in progress.  Pictured below are the two metal clay pieces that I made while testing my Signature Stamp from the Charm Factory. ( See my previous post, in case you missed the test review and video.)

I've been enjoying scupting little tiny kittys in clay, working at getting them smaller, more personality in their ears, tail, plump little rumps, etc.  I designed a Magic Wand with a star and handle and added Tanzanite for purple sparkle, little bumps to make the star glint in the light which also mask the little bumps that are holding the gems in place like little prongs.  I fired the Tanzanite in place and had great results using a torch.  I used Liver of Sulphur patina gel and LOVE the colors!  I haven't touched it yet to finish and polish, but couldn't wait to post photos of the work in the stages of progress.  My mind is swirling with ideas for beaded necklaces to make for these charms.  Still not decided on the finish...

Magic Fairy Wand with Tiny Kitty by York Avenue Studio

Back shows off the logo stamp

Satin finished Magic Wand with Tanzanite

Back of Magic Wand

Patina on Magic Wand

Back of both Magic Wand and Goddess Face

Goddess Face with patina by York Avenue Studio

The goddess face is so tiny and the details from the mold are just what I was going for.  The patina turned out great and I am afraid to change it, but I haven't even polished yet and might just leave it.  I'm still amazed with the tiny detail of the logo stamp.  The letters are smaller than the letters on the penny.

Hope you enjoyed these photos!  Special THANKS to the Metal Clay Heads Team on Etsy!! I am so proud to be a member and each of you have inspired me to push harder at designing metal clay pieces that are better than I could have done without you!!
Kathy

Tiny Kitty Cat on Brick Wall Fine Silver Charm Pendant

Tiny Kitty Sitting on a Brick Wall (and PB cookies!) by York Avenue Studio

Can you tell I was in a baking mood?  I made Peanut Butter Cookies using the classic recipe from Better Homes and Gardens.  My poor cookbook is all in pieces and taped at the binding!

Using Silver Art Clay, I hand sculpted this little kitten to sit on a brick wall, looking up into the night sky at the stars and moon. There is a crescent moon on top and a hidden heart in the stars!

I like the uneven edges of this piece, which are smooth, but not cookie-cutter because I like the impression that the scene continues beyond the pendant. I pictured this design in a nighttime setting with the moon glowing blue and the pendant shining in the moon‘s reflection, catching the highlights. The hidden heart is just under the kitten’s left ear, upside down in the starry sky background!

Moonlight Glow of Blue on Tiny Kitty Highlighting the Details

About silver metal clay:
Metal clay is made up of recycled silver grains mixed with binder ingredients which forms the consistency of clay. The wet clay can be molded and shaped, then dried, fired in a kiln or torched, and the end result is 99.9 pure silver in the exact shape of the design! Because this is pure silver, without any alloy metal , the jewelry may lack the full strength of sterling silver but is a wonderful alternative for those with metal allergies. With care, pure silver jewelry will be treasured for a lifetime. People collect silver dollars, and this pure silver jewelry also makes a wonderful investment or heirloom piece.

I'd love to hear your comments!

Tiny Kitty Sitting on a Brick Wall Gazing at the Crescent Moon by York Avenue Studio

Part 2 Charm Factory Metal Clay Stamp Product Test and Review by York Avenue Studio

Update for Feb 3rd:

I've been selected as a tester for a new product by The Charm Factory.  After I was contacted, we exchanged ideas on my logo design for the stamp.  The stamp is about the size of a thumbnail, 1/2 inch circle.  My logo is a little too complex to be that tiny, so I suggested a simple street sign with "York Ave".  Here is my logo and a preview of this idea:

I was pleased, but not completely thrilled that the stamp for my jewelry would be so simple and plain.  It was a wonderful stamp and I would use it, but I wished there was more detail.  Well, I am thrilled with what happened next! 

Here is what the stamp would look like in metal clay:

Charm Factory Signature Stamp

I drew a smaller version of my logo and played with the words and the picture and came up with an idea with more detail, but not so much that it wouldn't be recognizable as a stamp.  I sent the sketch to the Charm Factory for their input.

The Charm Factory responded very quickly with the following version of my logo sketch, which is the final design for my new stamp!  I am so thrilled with how professional the design looks and how wonderful the Charm Factory is to work with.  They truly put such effort into making my stamp look like MY stamp!

My sketch for logo














Charm Factory Design from my sketch



Charm Factory Signature Stamp - York Avenue Studio

I will be posting the testing adventure on my blog as soon as the stamp arrives!  Stay tuned, and here is some detail on these amazing stamp tools.  Visit the Charm Factory website at http://www.charmfactory.com/signature-stamps.aspx

Signature Stamps feature your logo or name and make it very easy to cleanly and precisely brand your jewelry and art. Simply gently press your Signature Stamp into the clay to cut a deep and lasting mark.

These custom made stamps are small (1/2" wide) and laser engraved to give you the precision impression you are looking for. You get a long lasting and clear product (unlike rubber stamps) and a great value over more expensive brass stamps. The handle is cast from lead free pewter, and your custom clay stamp is made to order from Delrin, a high temperature plastic also used for notary stamps and other demanding applications.

Order quickly online. There are no quotes, set up fees or additional costs. No matter what the content – text, your signature, or a logo – your Signature Stamps price is only $44.99. (Plus, free shipping is offered in the US.)

 http://www.charmfactory.com/signature-stamps.aspx

Winners Announced! January Challenge "My Favorite Place" Etsy Team Metal Clay Heads

Congratulations to the winners of the Metal Clay Heads Team Challenge! 

First Place Winner is "Mother and Child Pendant" by Ghislane of GS Creations!  Along with the privilege of issuing the next Monthly Challenge Theme, Ghislane now has "bragging" rights, as well as a photo of her design included in the Team Blog's banner!

To see the complete list of Challenge entries, photos and stories of inspiration, visit the Metal Clay Heads Blog:

http://metalclayheads.blogspot.com/

Metal Clay Heads Team Featured in Feb Issue of Beads And Beyond Magazine!

Selected as the January Blog of the Month with Two Featured Artists!!

Congratulations, My Brown Wren (Tammi) for your featured pendant New Beginnings Cross

Congratulations, FacciaFelice (Betty) for your featured pendant I Heart My Country

 Beads and Beyond Magazine has chosen Metal Clay Heads team blog  for the Blog of the Month and has published an article about the Metal Clay Heads in their latest issue (p68).   Two gorgeous jewelry pieces are included in the feature with spectacular photos to give you an idea of just how talented the clay metal artists are on this team, which has members in the USA, Europe and Austrailia.

Each member is also a shop owner on Etsy.com and their shops are filled with beautiful, unique, creative  jewelry designs.

Visit the Etsy shops, which are listed/linked on the Metal Clay Heads blog’s right column.
http://.metalclayheads.blogspot.com

York Avenue Studio is a proud member of the Metal Clay Heads Team on Etsy!

Metal Clay Heads Team Challenge “My Favorite Place”

Laissez les bon temps rouler! Let the good times roll! When is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras 2011 Dates : Jan 6th thru March 8th!

Silver Art Clay Mardi Gras Mask by York Avenue Studio

The Etsy team Metal Clay Heads has a Team Challenge every other month to create and submit an original piece of jewelry made from precious metal clay.  The January challenge was titled “My Favorite Place”.  This pendant was inspired by that challenge:

This is a fine silver pendant, handcrafted and designed by me to represent the Big Easy, the Crescent City, my Favorite Place, NEW ORLEANS!

This Mardi Gras Mask has a harlequin design, with a genuine Garnet gemstone and black and blue polymer inlay accents for color!  The 1 inch mask is .999 pure silver and has a matte white finish, like theater makeup, which is the natural oxidization from torch firing.  Hidden beneath the finish is the most shiny silver , the most gleaming metal of all precious metals.  I kept this “hidden” to keep with the theme of the Masquerade! While you are wearing this mask you can hold it up for a mini instant disguise!

My favorite place is New Orleans!  There isn’t anywhere in the world that I would rather be than visiting the French Quarter.  There are festivals almost daily for music, art, food, fun, history, etc.  Steering clear of Bourbon Street, I spend most of my visits there browsing unique shops that sell candles, art, perfume, jewelry and treats!  There are so many amazing people that work and live there and I will never get bored of the jazzy sounds, the spicy smells of Cajun food, the Pecan Prailines, the Coffee Shops, the lush green foliage, even the muggy heat!

If you go there, take the Jazz Steamboat Dinner Cruise or visit the Aquarium and the Zoo.  The St. Charles Streetcar is back now!  Visit the Garden District and the glorious Historic Homes!  Try a Muffalata sandwich with chopped olive salad on top and have a Bloody Mary for breakfast!  Got an hour, I’ll give you the short version of why I love New Orleans!

Silver Art Clay Mardi Gras Mask by York Avenue Studio