Silver PMC Ginkgo Leaf and Branch Brooch

[kayzen76]

I mean PMC ;)

[kayzen76]

Your are great! Please make more vids on PMS tutorial :)

[jessiesp123]

Hi! Awesome project. I've been experimenting with various leaves and get a lot of air bubbles on the back. Do you have a method of dealing with this problem?

[jfirebaugh]

@jessiesp123

sounds like your PMC is too watery. It should be the consistency of thick cream. Also, be patient between layers. let the layer below completely dry before applying the next layer. It also helps to work with dry or nearly dry leaves. Fresh green leaves start to dry out and shrink too much while doing the layers.

[pixxxellle]

Is it possible to proceed to firing with a torch when using a leaf? Will it still work or do you need to do it only with an oven?

Thanks for this great tutorial :)

[jfirebaugh]

@pixxxellle

torch firing is OK if you are careful. It is easy to overheat the piece, especially the leaf, with the torch. Just take is slow and watch the color. Keep it at a dull orange. If the heat gets up to bright orange you might start to see the silver melt. I've done a lot of firing with a micro torch, but I've ruined a couple of pieces. I used the ruined pieces in other projects (forged silver) so even ruined pieces aren't really failures.

[kcapozza]

Great detailed video!

[Janetofalltrades]

So, you only paint one side of the leaf? 

[jfirebaugh]

@Janetofalltrades

that's correct, the leaf is destroyed in the process.  What you are left with is a one-sided impression of the leaf.

[Hannabella76]

Love it, thank you for posting. Now I know what to do with my Ginkgo leaves...

[ASimpleNest]

This is so helpful.  Good tutorial. Thanks

[jfirebaugh]

@ASimpleNest

I'm glad you found it useful. If you have any question about any part of the process, don't hesitate to ask.