Have You Heard? WHITE COPPRclay is Here!
Have you heard?! WHITE COPPRclay™ is here! I am beyond excited with excitement! I mean WHITE copper? Are you kidding me? Wait, copper ain’t white, so just what is White COPPRclay? The latest metal clay developed by Bill Struve at Metal Adventures, this clay is made mostly of copper particles, but has a dash of nickel mixed in to give it its gorgeous silvery-gray color. Like the other clays from Metal Adventures, the metal particles are held together with binder and water, giving it a silky workability.
Out of the package, the new WHITE COPPRclay looks and feels very similar to original COPPRclay. It rolls, stamps, carves, and sculpts the same way the other clays do. The raw, unfired clay has a brownish-coppery color to it, so the white doesn’t appear until after firing. But when it does, whoa! It’s awesome! The soft, gray color is absolutely stunning. And just like the other metal clays, after firing it’s solid METAL— not a pure metal, though, this clay becomes a metal alloy of copper and nickel. And the fired piece can be finished, hammered, soldered, and oxidized just like any other metal.
Two-tone applique earrings by Yvonne M. Padilla
For me, the most exciting feature of the new WHITE COPPRclay is that I can combine it with the original COPPRclay. This allows me—and you—to create some really cool two-toned effects in jewelry designs. There are several different ways to combine the clays. For crisp lines, layer the various clays on top of a base to create an appliqué effect, like I did with the earrings above. To create a mokume gane look, layer the clays first, roll the layers up and extrude them from a clay extruder. The extruded cane can then be sliced and arranged into gorgeous, one-of-a-kind patterns. For a subtler look, take the two types of copper and knead them together to create a marble-like effect. This produces a marbled patterning that gives the fired clay a light copper tone.
WHITE COPPRclay designs showing a variety of finishing options.
Firing the clay is done with a kiln and is completed in two stages. The first stage is a low fire of 600°F to burn out the binder. The second stage is much like the process for firing BRONZclay, requiring the pieces to be fired in a covered stainless steel pan surrounded by activated carbon at 1850°F for two hours. This clay is flexible in its firing temp and time, so if you have a kiln with lower or higher temperature ratings, you can still fire the clay. Bill did lots of firing tests and came up with a handy firing guide which shows a variety of kiln schedules that can be used.
WHITE COPPRclay™ is available in 30, 100 or 200-gram packages.
I am completely jazzed over this latest addition to our metal clay line, and I know you will to be, too! Stay tuned for more in the coming weeks. We have all sorts of goodies planned–design contests, a Google hangout with Bill Struve, more blog posts, more projects, and more fun! Also, pick up a copy of the next issue of Metal Clay Artist Magazine which features WHITE COPPRclay. It will be jam-packed with information and inspiration.
Year in Review: Best New Items of 2013
As jewelers, we love our tools and supplies. We cherish our trusty old pliers, torches, gemstones (and a slew of other items), and here at Rio, we are always on the lookout for the newest, latest, and greatest items that we hope that will become a staple at your bench, giving you years of productivity and creative inspiration. Today, on The Studio, check out our list of a few of the coolest new products introduced in 2013.
...Read the Rest“Man, That’s a Hydraulic Hammer!” Bonny Doon’s Urethane Forming Hammers
When Phil Poirier, of Bonny Doon Engineering, showed his new urethane hammer to Eddie Bell, vice president of manufacturing at Rio Grande, Eddie was immediately excited by its possibilities for jewelry-making and said, “Man, that’s a hydraulic hammer!” Although the Bonny Doon urethane forming hammer does rather look like a colorful plastic hammer, it is actually so much more than that! Take a look at today’s post on The Studio, and see what this dynamo can do for your metal forming!
...Read the RestJCK Las Vegas 2013: The Recap
This weekend, I attended my first JCK show—and wow, was there a lot to take in. Rio Grande’s booth was chock-full of tools and equipment—and the “Rio Superstars” who demonstrated them to scores of interested individuals asking, “So, how does this work?” The air was filled with the great energy of questions, sharing, and “ah-ha!” moments.
...Read the RestMake Luxurious (and Light!) Jewelry with Aluminum
Aluminum has proven to be extremely valuable for its durability and corrosion resistance. This light-weight metal’s bright finish won’t tarnish or oxidize, and it’s hypoallergenic. Oh, and it’s also light on the pocketbook. Find out why you should add aluminum to your jewelry-making repertoire. . .
...Read the RestSignature Cameos: You’re Gonna Re-Think Cameos (and Maybe You’ll WIN ONE!)
It seems to me that the line between “art” (what I see in my mind’s eye when I hear the word, anyway) and “jewelry” is the most fuzzy when it comes to cameos. Today, on The Studio, we’re featuring a few very special Signature cameos inspired by the work of artists, Alphonse Mucha and Erwin Pauly. Take a look at these stunning Signature cameos and leave us a comment for a chance to win one for your own collection!
...Read the RestCovered with Color: Introducing Kliar E-Coating
Have you been looking for a unique way to bring color to your jewelry pieces? On The Studio today, Ashli Brooke Taylor, of Rio’s Tech Support Team, demonstrates one simple way to use the Kliar E-Coating system to add a great punch of color to your jewelry. Kliar E-Coating is a type of nano-ceramic electro coating that is abrasive-resistant and hypoallergenic. Check it out!
...Read the RestBonny Doon Small Forming Tools: The Latest Innovation in Metal Forming
At the 2011 SNAG Conference, Phil Poirier introduced his new hammer, vise, and stakes, to rave reviews. I’m happy to tell you that barely one year later…he’s done it again! At this year’s SNAG Conference Phil brought his brand new Bonny Doon Small Forming Tools, which take the innovations of his hammer and stakes to a whole new level. Check out today’s post to learn more!
...Read the RestHot New Item: Bronze Magnetic Rio Dexterity Clasp
For today’s post on The Studio, we asked Monica Foster, a Rio findings buyer, to pick something really special that we could feature. Monica’s task was not an easy one! It’s tricky to choose just ONE exciting new item from her line of gold and base-metal findings, because there are so many! Her selection? The Bronze Magnetic Dexterity Clasp. Easy-to-use, secure, and great looking –check it out!
...Read the RestNew Item Spotlight: Tranquili-Tree Metal Combination Display
Looking for a unique display item to show off your wares and set you apart? Allow us to present our brand new Tranquili-Tree Metal Combination Display! Today, The Studio is featuring this heavy-duty metal display made by a metal artist here in Albuquerque. Take a look!
...Read the RestHi, there!
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Guest Contributors
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Eddie Bell
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