I have had not one, not two, but three dates with my new bronze clay. Now I know three dates may not be enough to declare love but....I really, really do think I love this new material. Not as much as I love Peter or my children, but maybe almost as much as I love the dogs. Oh, wait, that can't be, the dogs are the center of my universe. Well, at least they think they are. Anyway, I digress.
I started using BronzClay brand a couple of years ago when it was just fresh out on the market. It was a tough task master. It was sticky. It warped. It went off in a bad way and wouldn't fire properly. But I loved the colour.
Now there are heaps of metal clay suppliers out there. But I like to stick with what and who I know. Loyal, I guess, just like my dogs. So I hung in there. I bought a packet of the new Fast Fire BronzClay. It sat in my fridge for months. Until I had a bit of time. The difference is night and day in terms of handling. It is just lovely.
But the fired colour? Well not really to my liking. Fresh out of the kiln it's got a greyish cast that is kind of icky. See that up there. Those are tumbled pieces and to me they are just not at all nice in terms of colour.
Patina has been a bit of a challenge. I've put together a little two step process that I'm happy with. The dragonfly on the right is fresh out of the tumbler. No dress up. Kind of like having gotten up in the morning. You know, still not quite ready for the day and gotta get the lippy on before you can step out. The piece on the right has got it's makeup on. Two two different patinas and I am pretty happy with this.
What I love most of all is the detail that I can get with this bronze. See that wee little heart right down at the bottom of the key up there. I love that I can add almost secret little detail to a piece.
The best part of all is that when this bronze is fired it rings like a bell. It's got a weight and density to it that, really, you just have to feel to appreciate it. I am in love. Or at least in infatuation. The only thing that could be better is if they could fix up the formula for CopprClay to make it so beautiful as the bronze.
16 comments:
love, love these..gorgeous.
Love these! I have always coveted your owl beads and now these keys. So...I ordered an own, a key and a small heart! Omg so much for the bead diet.
I will have to try this clay someday it is beautiful which brand are you using? Does it have to be fired in a box?
We worked with copper clay in a class I took that you could even torch fire, it was awesome.
Shannon C
These are just beautiful, love he patina.
Definitely much better with the patina so all the lovely little details can be seen. I think this new relationship is worth continuing :)
these are wonderful in so many ways - and it is so nice to hear about your experience over time... thank you for sharing that... i cannot even pick favorites - because i love peacock feathers for their symbolism, the keys as well... i adore lotus flowers and the dragonflies are terrific! this is wonderful leann - it is so nice to have things to be excited about... thank you for bringing your show and tell in today!
These are great!
Super awesome! Off to your site RIGHT NOW to get my custom order taken care of!
Enjoy the day!
Erin
Wow LeAnn, they are all incredible, the detail is wonderful and your designs are stunnung! Really love the lotus!
I can see why you are in love, so am I! The key is amazing as well as the other designs. It is so nice to find a product that works so well for you.
Love, love, love all the pieces but especially your key pieces! The details in each piece is fantastic! Thanks for sharing the pictures.
Great blog! Nice work!
I'll be back to read more! Thanks for sharing your work, findings, and processes.
Cheers,
Tonya
www.wholelottawhimsy.com
www.tonyadavidson.com
Ok, picking up my jaw from the floor - these are so simply beautiful!!! Oohhh - look at the hearts in your Etsy shop mini - aaahhh...
Love the keys! And always love the dragonflies. Yes, much better with the patina. I always think of that rich coffee color you see on statuary when I hear "bronze"-your pieces have that flavor!
LeAnn, your enthusiasm makes me want to step right out and see what this Bronze Clay is all about! Your pieces are beautiful...that key focal is a favorite. Your post on your new love was so fun to read. :-)
I do think you are in love! LOL
Your patina is absolutely gorgeous - it really brings your beautiful designs to their best.
I would love to hear this bronze - I love bells...
Oh my god, they are fantastic!
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