What to do with all that scrap metal clay?

Take all those scraps and put them in a food processor (these can be purchased very inexpensively if you search for them) This chopper will become part of your studio equipment, so no taking it to the kitchen for food!!! Chop all the scraps up to a fine powder. Mix in some water, a little lavender oil and maybe a drop or two of glycerin to make a smooth paste, or just water if you do not have these items to hand.

Some people have successfully managed to reconstitute the powder back into lump clay - but it’s very hard work to do and would sooner make the paste!


Now, grab that imagination of yours....and head out to nature!!

Go outside and find some really cool leaves with deep veins, maybe some seed pods perhaps – if you fancy it... a dead bug or two and bring these back to your table.

Cover your discovered objects with layers of paste. Let each layer dry completely before adding the next. If a dried layer starts lifting when you add fresh paste, use a dabbing motion rather  than brushing it on.
                              NB_If you’re looking for detailed texture, the first couple of paste layers should be thin. Then, thicken your paste and just blob it on.


Get a sense of the weight after every few layers. When you think the coating of paste is thick enough, add one or two more layers thinly to be sure and fire!

(if you are risky enough and decide to venture into the ‘bugrealms’ you’ll want to maintain their shape, and they will be very delicate.  Add just 3 or 4 layers of paste before the initial firing. After your piece is fired, add some more silver inside, then dry and fire again.
 

Open pods can look great with glass or resin added to the opening after the silver is fired.

Another thing you can do with your scraps is to place some smaller scrap pieces on a firing board and torch them until they melt. It’s a ball (‘scuse the pun) to watch a flat piece of silver turn into a ball. You can make them large balls, medium or even tiny balls. You can then use these to add texture and embellishments to any project that needs something a little ’extra’ or for using to embed gemstones (see previous tutorials for this)

Most importantly though keep all your scraps in a sealed container!