For this project you will need the following:A fresh leaf – it should really be one with distinctive veins on the back.
Stainless Steel Mesh
Stainless Steel Brush
Stainless Steel Burnisher
Art Clay 650 Silver Paste 10g
Sanding Pads
Jump Ring & Necklace or Earring fittings
Paintbrush
I find that the best leaves to use are normally geranium, rose or sage, but I am sure there are plenty of other varieties out there that can be used. Just ensure that you find a leaf with an interesting shape and it must be firm. Also make sure that the back of the leaf is not too hairy as it will be difficult to coat with the paste.
1. Lay the leaf with the underside facing up and start painting it with a watered down mixture of Art Clay Paste. For the first layer, I mix 1 part water to 2 parts of Paste. Make sure that you cover the entire leaf.
2. Put the leaf on a Stainless Steel Mesh with the painted bit facing up and dry with a hairdryer. Remember to hold the hairdryer directly over the leaf to prevent the leaf from blowing away!!
3. Paint a second layer of the leaf exactly as above and again dry with a hairdryer.
4. For the third and subsequent layer the paste can be thicker than the first two. Instead of painting the paste on you should rather dab it on. This will prevent the first two layers from being pulled off. 5. Keep dabbing and drying each layer, until your leaf is about 1mm thick. Normally between six to eight layers.
6. Once you are confident that the layers are thick enough, ensure that the paste is left to dry completely.
7. At this stage you can try and gently sand away any rough areas or remove any surplus paste that is on the front of the leaf. Be very careful as the pasted leaf is extremely fragile. You may want to file the rough edges away after the leaf has been fired.
8. You can now fire the leaf on a Gas Hob, with a Gas torch or in a Kiln. Firing instructions for the different methods are included with the Paste.
9. Once fired the leaf can then be brushed with a Stainless Steel Brush and burnished. Burnishing the edges of the leaf as well as the veins helps strengthens it as well as giving it a lovely shine.
10. Drill a hole with a pin-vice for attaching to a chain, ribbon, leather thong or ear wires and enjoy.!
A kit is available with everything you need to make your own Leaf Pendants or Earrings for only £26.95 which is a 15% saving on the normal Retail Price!!
The kit includes:
Stainless Steel Mesh
Stainless Steel Brush
Burnisher
Art Clay 650 Paste 10g
Sanding Pads – 3 grits
A Jump Ring
Sterling Silver 18" or 16" Necklace
Paint Brush
For more information about Art Clay and making your wn jewellery Visit Art Clay Supplies
