I've had a break from selling on Felt due to fulfilling orders for galleries - it's great to be back!

After briefly studying silversmithing part time at the Manukau Institute of Technology I knew that I loved creating unique jewellery. Now living in Napier I’m working in Precious Metal Clay (PMC - also known as Art Clay Silver).

Developed by the Mitsubishi Materials Special Products division in Japan the first patents were awarded in the early 1990s. The principle ingredient of PMC is silver, the other ingredients are water and an organic binder. After firing in a purpose built kiln at 800 degrees, the water and binder burn away. What remains can be hallmarked as .999 silver, also referred to as “pure silver”.

After firing I finish my work as the vision and fired design dictates. The silver can be polished to a high shine, left matt or colour can be added by using liver of sulphur or other techniques. If I’m adding colour, I mostly use French glass paint which is heat fused to create a durable finish much like enamel.

I am inspired by texture and look to all sorts of elements for ideas, as well as natural textures, I also use household items such as lace, crepe bandages and have found all sorts of textures in the second drawer in my kitchen! The unique qualities of PMC allow me to be inventive with shape.
Colour has always been important to me and I have been thrilled to see how well colour works on this material and how I can influence colour by altering the finish of the silver underneath.

My work is now sold in galleries in NZ under Karen McLean.

Care
Non-abrasive silver polishing cloths are the best choice for cleaning light tarnish and maintaining your silver jewellery. While the glass paint is hardened, I suggest you avoid using the cleaning cloth on the “painted” portion of the item. You should also avoid wearing painted items in a chlorine pool. For rings, they are fine for everyday wear but I suggest you take them off once you get home.

Thanks for viewing my shop.