Create connections with wire

When adding wire to a PMC/Art clay piece fine silver wire is preferred, especially if you plan to incorporate the wire inside of the clay because fine silver will not get firescale on it during the firing process unlike sterling silver wire.

If you want to use Sterling silver you should ideally do this after the piece is fired using soldering techniques

 

You can get the wire inside your clay a number of different ways:

Where the clay is relatively thick enough you can simply insert the wire inside of the clay.

Be careful if working with thin or small clay pieces this is not recommended

 

Another way to get wire into the clay is to use a ‘sandwich’ approach, layering the wire between the pieces of clay.

 

Mini project (good for earrings or bracelet connections)

1.       Using fine silver wire, create a small eye pin (loop top)

2.       Create two pieces of shaped clay of your choice

3.       Add slip to 1 clay piece (where yuo want the pin)

4.       Gently lay your wire pin on top of this (ensuring the ‘eye’ of the pin is extruding from the piece)

5.       Add a little more slip, either to the pin, or the second clay piece

6.       Place your second clay piece on top.

The slip will work as an adhesive and help the layers ‘stick’ together.

 

Extra hint! After letting your piece dry place a little extra slip around the edges to conceal the joins (and a much neater finish!)