Thursday 4 August 2011

Something for the weekend sir? Steampunk Cufflinks

Hi everyone,
As I mentioned yesterday, I took time out today to create something just for the hell of it and blog about it!
I have been using silver clay for a few years now but never had a go with the copper clay, so I thought I would have a go and make a set of steampunk cufflinks with a box to match. As you can see from the picture there is only one cufflink on show, I will explain what happened to the other one later on…..whoops!

Click on Pictures for a Larger View
copper steampunk cufflinksDSC_0548

I began by taking a mold of a few watch parts into some 2 part silicone moulding compound.
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I then rolled out the copper clay to my desired thickness and embossed the surface using the silicon mold. Two squares of copper clay were then cut using a craft knife.
Once the clay was dry (very important) I placed the cufflink faces onto a firebrick and heated with a creme Brulee torch until they were cherry red for approx 7 minutes.
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I immediately quenched them in water to remove any oxidisation.
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Copper cufflink backings were then soldered on,  you can always get glue on backings if your not happy with the idea of soldering.

To finish off, I gave them a quick buff with a wire brush and a very slight polish.
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Here is the second cufflink,  because of my impatience I started to fire it before the clay had properly dried and unfortunately it blistered and cracked, I have made a few more today and am leaving them overnight to dry before firing.
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You can find lots more information about copper clay here  http://www.artclayworld.com/Tips-TechSheets/ArtClayCopperBooklet.pdf
It's very cheap in comparison to silver and you don't need too many tools to get started,  A fire brick and a creme brulee torch is all I have used!

The box is just an old plain cufflink box I had lying around which I altered and finished of with a copper patina.
copper steampunk cufflink box
Andy

8 comments:

  1. Oh Yes they are fabulous, I didn't know you could get copper clay, love the box too, Gay xxx

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  2. Love the techniques, gotta have the silicone mould and have a play with textures

    so when's the 1st copper clay workshop!!

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  3. Andy, that's just so cooool!!! Love the cufflinks and the box! That's a great texture you've got there. I'm about to start working with the 2-part silicone moulding putty, and from what I've seen, it's amazing the detail it picks up. Sorry you had a mishap with your second cufflink but it's great that you posted about it, to show people what happens when you make a mistake - everyone can learn and hopefully avoid making the same mistake!

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  4. Great stuff, didn't know they did a copper clay until now ! Pity about the split one though !

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  5. quick question andy- what temp does copper clay get fired at if using a jewellery/ enamelling kiln?
    if it takes 30mins in a pottery kiln how long does it take in a small kiln- is it similar timing? is it the bronze that takes 8 hrs in a tub?
    thank you

    I will be getting a small kiln soon, will also order copper clay

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  6. Very nice indeed. but alas yes. the number of items ive ruined because i cant wait the correct amount of time... so hard lol. I have what I call Magnus Magnuson syndrome. Ive started so I'll finish.

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  7. Fabulous cuff link and box! Your art is so amazing! :)

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