Filigree Pendant Project

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Materials/Tools:
  • PMC+ Syringe #67017
  • Delphi Jewelry Clay Starter Kit #1041
    or individual components:
        - Butane Torch #6722050
        - Fire Brick #64401
        - Tweezers #62601
        - Stainless Steel Brush #10301
        - Rubber Polishing Block #67007
        - Half-Round File #5536
        - Craft Knife #17103
        - #2 Shader Brush #17101
  • Olive Oil or Bag Balm
  • Clear Plastic Surface (page protectors work well)
  • Heat Resistant Work Surface #425705
  • Optional Embellishments:
  • CZ Stones in Assortments: #67054 Fire and Ice, #67059 Sunset, #67060 Orchid, #67061 Ice

  • Directions:
    1. Use one of the Delphi designs provided on the Filigree Pendant Design below or create your own pendant design and draw it on a sheet of paper. The lines of the design should be well-connected lines. Avoid single line "limbs" that would be prone to breaking off or snagging on your clothing when worn.
    2. Tape the paper to your work table and lay plastic over the design. Tape down all of the corners on the plastic sheet to keep the sheet from shifting.
    3. Place the fine point tip on the syringe. Holding the syringe upward, so you can see clearly through the tip, press the plunger lightly to fill the tip with clay.
    4. Holding the syringe over the starting point of your design, touch the tip to the plastic work surface and begin to apply gentle but constant pressure to the plunger so that a "string" trails from the tip. To trace your design hold the syringe a least 1" off the work surface and drape the string of clay to follow the lines. Continue tracing until all the lines are drawn. To add strength you may wish to trace the outline and any major design lines several times to build up thickness. To adjust any lines that are not placed correctly use a moistened shader brush to gently push or pull the lines into place.
    5. Dry the pendant using a warm air blower dryer, letting the pendant set, or placing it on a warming tray.
    6. Turn the pendant over and trace the outline and any structural lines again with the syringe, ensuring strength. Add any extra details and embellishments.
    7. If you wish to set a CZ stone use the syringe to create a small ring of clay where you wish for the stone to be, building it up as needed to catch the wide point of the stone. Using tweezers, place the stone in the center of the opening, making certain to place the stone level and point down. If needed, apply another ring of clay around the CZ using the syringe to ensure that the stone is secure, but not buried. Clean the surface of the stone with a cotton swab and denatured alcohol (rubbing alcohol).
    8. Dry the project again. Once dry, carefully file or sand any uneven, overly built up or rough areas around the pendant and brush off any loose particles. Repair any flaws or cracks with paste, dry and file again. Create a silver paste by adding water to the clay or use pre-made PMC+ Paste.
    9. Fire the completed design once it is dry. If using the butane torch, place the fire brick on the heat resistant work surface and lay the project in the center of the fire brick. Fire evenly until the project glows light orange in color and hold in this state for about 2-3 minutes. For kiln firing place the project on a shelf and heat the kiln to approximately 1650 degrees F and hold for 10 minutes.
    10. Polish the pendant using the wire brush to clean away the white residue left from firing. You may also burnish the high points in the design by rubbing the edge of the stainless steel tweezers firmly against the project. For the easiest and most even finish use a jewelry polisher/tumbler #67010 with stainless steel shot #67501.

    Filigree Pendant Designs


    Artist Marti Swartz

    Project Ideas:
  • Set a CZ stone in the project as an accent.
  • Fill open areas between pattern lines with "filigree" work (such as circles or swirls).
  • Draw in the outline of the design and leave the rest open.
  • Refer to the Delphi designs provided for some syringe ideas to get you started.

  • For More Detailed Instruction And Creative Projects See:

    Introduction to Precious Metal Clay #6289
    This do-it-yourself guide by Mary Ann Devos provides all the information you need to get started and advance to a "master class" level. This easy-to-follow guide explains the clay and tools you will need, as well as showing step-by-step projects with detailed instructions and photos.
    Magic Metal Clay #6887
    Informative guide shows you how to make astounding designs using simple techniques and tools. Over 250 full color photographs and clear instructions take you through more than 20 design possibilities, including braiding, carving, setting stones and more. Also learn how to embellish with gold, incorporate glass cabochons and add color with resin.