Don't file past a crack – fix it first. Here's why you must fix those tiny lines before you file

Silver Nutshell on Substack is still in its first week, so I’m going to be sharing a few extra tips and tutorials with everyone. I’d love you to get to know me, my teaching style and the kind of silver clay content I’ll be sharing here.

One question - I’m trialling portrait v landscape videos - which do you prefer? I am guessing portrait for phone users, and landscape for computer, but please tell me—which format is best for you?

Here’s a tip for when you’re making silver metal clay rings. I use Art Clay Silver which has a shrinkage rate of 8-10%, and torch fire all my pieces.

If you’ve started filing a ring and notice a crack or gap, stop and fix it before you carry on. Small gaps will still be visible after firing, but they’re quick and easy to repair while the clay is dry.

Here’s what I do:

Mix a small amount of silver clay paste. Brush a little water into the gap, then apply the paste, making sure you add slightly more than you think you’ll need. Leave it to dry completely, then continue filing until the surface is smooth and the crack has disappeared.

I make my own silver clay paste. See previous posts on how to do this using leftover clay.

Want to take your silver clay skills to the next level?

The Vault is the home of my growing library of silver metal clay video tutorials, and Q&A sessions. There are already over 22 months of technique videos waiting for you, and every membership includes complimentary access to The Studio. which is my weekly newsletter here on Substack.

That means—more tips, more tutorials and faster learning!

Prefer reading online?
You can read this post, browse previous articles and join the conversation over on Silver Nutshell. I know that many of you have asked for Stockists of certain products. If you’re signed up (it’s FREE), you’ll find them at Silver Nutshell on Substack.

Until next time.

All the best, Anna x