Tools and suppliers
Tools I use in silver clay classes
Below is a list of the main tools and materials I use in class, along with a few links to where you can buy them. At the time of writing, all of these suppliers still deliver to Northern Ireland. It’s always worth shopping around as prices and offers can vary!
You can find clay, kits, fireable stones and metal clay accessories at:
For jewellery making tools, findings and silver bullion:
I also like the following website for findings, gem stones and general supplies:
If you’re based elsewhere in the UK, you can also check out Metalclay.
Many of these bits and pieces are also available on Amazon, and I’ve added links where that’s the case. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Silver Clay
In class, I use Art Clay Silver - the fine silver version that can be torch fired. It’s a lovely material to work with and perfect for beginners.
Moulds
I make moulds using either Oyumaru reusable moulding sticks or Siligum two-part moulding compound.
Stones
If you’d like to embed stones into your pieces, make sure they’re suitable for torch or kiln firing - not all are!
Clay Tools and Sanding
Pergamano Needle Tools are handy for tidying up details and trimming away any excess clay. Foam sanding pads work well for smoothing dried clay before firing.
Firing Equipment
We fire the clay on ceramic fibre bricks using a handheld butane torch. You can pick up a torch for anywhere between £20 and £60 depending on what you’d like to start with.
You’ll need aerosol butane gas to fill it - most large supermarkets that have a tobacconist stock it.
Important: Butane gas is not the same as lighter fluid, so make sure you get the right one!
Cleaning and Polishing
Once your piece has been fired, a brass jewellery brush is great for cleaning it up.
Liver of sulphur is what we use to darken or antique pieces before polishing.
I use a handheld rotary tool (a Dremel) for polishing, but there are plenty of other good options too.
For a final shine, I like 3M Polishing Papers, a Pro Polishing Pad, and a Town Talk Silver Polishing Cloth.
A Few Extra Bits
You can find cutters, pre-made moulds, texture mats and sheets on all the websites above, as well as from sellers on Etsy. It’s also worth having a look in the baking or craft aisles at places like The Range or Hobbycraft — sugarcraft cutters and polymer clay tools often work beautifully with silver clay.