My work fuses metal clay sculpting with traditional metal smith techniques. I use sterling silver and bronze metal clay as well as silver sheet, wire and chain, pearls and assorted cut stones in my hand crafted jewelry. I research and choose chemicals and processes that are non-toxic for use and disposal in the environment.
Why work in metal clay? I design all of my pieces in metal clay, because it offers me maximum flexibility to translate my vision into metal.
What is metal clay?
Metal clay is a revolutionary new material that has only been available here in the U.S. since the mid-90’s. Metal clay consists of microscopic particles of metal in an organic binder. It starts out soft and pliable, like a clay. In this soft clay state, it can be textured, molded and sculpted. When it dries to a firm but fragile state called green ware, it can be carved, refined or joined with other pieces for complex constructions. Finally, the green ware goes into the kiln where the binder burns away, the metal particles fuse together, and the piece is transformed to solid metal. Once the metal piece comes out of the kiln, it can be finished using traditional metalsmithing and finishing techniques.
Do you make each piece one at a time?
Most of my pieces are made out of metal clay one at a time in my studio. A few of the more complex pieces are designed in in multiple pieces that are fired separately and soldered together.
What metals do you use in the jewelry?
I work in a mix of metals, mostly sterling silver and bronze metal clay, with fine silver and 22K gold used as accents. All of the findings and chain used in my silver collections are 92.5% sterling silver. I use nickel-free brass and bronze for chains and findings for my bronze jewelry.
How should I care for my LKSilverworks Jewelry?
Certifications
Certified artisan and teacher in Precious Metal Clay since 2008
Publications
Contemporary Metal Clay Rings
Hattie Sanderson, Brynmorgen Press 2012
Why work in metal clay? I design all of my pieces in metal clay, because it offers me maximum flexibility to translate my vision into metal.
What is metal clay?
Metal clay is a revolutionary new material that has only been available here in the U.S. since the mid-90’s. Metal clay consists of microscopic particles of metal in an organic binder. It starts out soft and pliable, like a clay. In this soft clay state, it can be textured, molded and sculpted. When it dries to a firm but fragile state called green ware, it can be carved, refined or joined with other pieces for complex constructions. Finally, the green ware goes into the kiln where the binder burns away, the metal particles fuse together, and the piece is transformed to solid metal. Once the metal piece comes out of the kiln, it can be finished using traditional metalsmithing and finishing techniques.
Do you make each piece one at a time?
Most of my pieces are made out of metal clay one at a time in my studio. A few of the more complex pieces are designed in in multiple pieces that are fired separately and soldered together.
What metals do you use in the jewelry?
I work in a mix of metals, mostly sterling silver and bronze metal clay, with fine silver and 22K gold used as accents. All of the findings and chain used in my silver collections are 92.5% sterling silver. I use nickel-free brass and bronze for chains and findings for my bronze jewelry.
How should I care for my LKSilverworks Jewelry?
- Don’t wear your jewelry while showering, working gardening, etc.
- Don’t use any chemical cleaning agents, or an ultrasonic cleaner, which may remove the patina
- For the silver pieces, clean them with a soft, damp cloth, dry thoroughly, then use a silver polishing cloth to bring up a shine on the raised areas of the design
- Both silver and bronze will darken with exposure to air over time. I recommend storing both kinds of jewelry in a closed drawer or plastic bag when not being worn.
Certifications
Certified artisan and teacher in Precious Metal Clay since 2008
Publications
Contemporary Metal Clay Rings
Hattie Sanderson, Brynmorgen Press 2012