Two Down…

After famously trying hundreds (maybe thousands) of materials for a light bulb filament, Thomas Edison claimed he had not failed.  He had simply found 1000 ways not to invent a light bulb.  Likewise, I really try to treasure the learning process when things are not going quite right.  My favorite saying when I make yet another mistake is, “learning… so much learning!”  So, let me reassure you that yesterday’s post was not my final word on BRONZclay.  My intention is to document my learning process, so the community can help me, and my experience can hopefully help the community.

I’m just thrilled that these base metal clays became available right as I was getting into metal clay.  COPPRclay has provided me the opportunity to create with a sense of freedom that’s not always possible for me with the more expensive silver clay.  And during the 2009 holiday shopping season, about half of my sales were from my copper pieces.

Last night I fired  4 pieces with a variety of handling techniques, making careful notes so I would know what was what.  I slowed down the ramp to 225 per hour and boosted the 3.5 hour hold temp to 1530.  Results were mixed.  Two pieces split like the previous firing.  One piece blistered.  One piece came out perfect.

Bill Struve, the creator of the material, reached out and offered to help me work through the problems.  I’ll touch base with him this week.  Lots of folks from the community have offered suggestions.  I knew going into this experiment that it might be rough at first, but I’m not about to give up. I’m sure I’ll get there soon.