My last metal clay jewelry class was a blast. After the class, I made a new copper weave pendant and it has become one of my favorite pieces.

It was a little tricky getting the weave done without the copper clay drying out, but it was worth the effort. My instructor said that glycerine will help make it easier to create pieces like this because it keeps it from drying out too quickly. I can’t wait to try using it.

To make this piece, I rolled out a bit of copper clay about three cards thick (three cards as in playing cards, which is a great way to measure the thickness of your clay). Then I cut out a one inch square which was then cut into five roughly even strips. After weaving them together while keeping water on the strips (copper clay dries out quickly), I then cut out two more one inch strips. This was mostly because I was improvising. Next time, I’ll cut out a rectangle and be done with it. Those strips were put across the top with a jump ring smooshed between them.

Then the piece was fired. One of the strips lifted up a little when it was fired, but it was easily hammered down. The piece was then put in a pickle solution for a bit before being placed in a tumbler. Then the piece was sealed and another jump ring was added so it could be placed on a cord necklace.

I love this piece because it is so different from other pieces I’ve seen. And it is visually interesting, without being very busy. I’m looking forward to making more pieces like this.