Flexible Clay
The photo above is a 4-stranded braid made out of flexible copper clay, by Hope Weiner.
Bronze and copper clay powder make wonderful flexible clay. In fact, they are even nicer to work with than flexible silver clay. They feel like soft leather, and stay this way for a long time. The directions for making flexible clay are the same as in ny book: The Handbook of Metal Clay: Textures and Forms.
However, glycerin does not burn well in carbon. When you fire flexible clay, make sure to cover the pieces with a very thin layer of carbon for the first phase of firing. Don’t use a lid. To be on the safe side, you can either extend the length of the first phase, or repeat the second phase twice.
These photos show some more flexible clay pieces that I made out of bronze clay powder.
March 22nd, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Fabulous results Hadar! Can’t wait for my clay powders to get to me, will definitely try these type of flexible ones.
Also thanks for converting firing temps to metric for us!
March 25th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
So, if firing twice “to be safe” works, wouldn’t merely extending the length of time at temperature work as well? Or are there other issues involved?
Thanks!
March 25th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Hi Mary Ellin,
From my experience, extending the length of time does not improve the sintering results as firing twice. The cooling in between firings plays a role. In this case, though, I can’t be sure that the braid did not sinter the first time (meaning after the 2 phases of firing.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:08 pm
I am having a difficult time finding glycerin. Where can I buy it? By the way, I love your first book. I’ve now ordered the second and I’m anxious to receive it. THANKS.
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Glycerin is available from drug stores. I also found it at a local ceramic store.