MrsLauder99

I'm not expecting too much of a reply to this as it's probably quite specialist and maybe not many folks into it. However, does anyone use/buy PMC (silver) in Canada. I have some and have made one thing!! I'm really into it and if I'd only had more time, I'd have made loads more.

Is it best to buy it online or in the shop. It works out here about £1/g. I've seen one place in Calgary selling it, but other than that is is an online purchase.

Many thanks.

Elaine B.

Hi there

this is a bit of a long shot but there is a Jewellery supply store in the building where I work here in Toronto they may be able to help or know someone who can.

http://www.lacytools.ca/catalog/

ladymoose

Hi - I have some - but not used it yet - on the ever lengthening list of hobbies. I've done a fairly comprehensive search of Edmonton craft stores - and no one stocks it here that I could find - so if Ed is typical - then online would probably be your best option - ie US online.

Try here:

http://secure.cartsvr.net/catalogs/c...asp?catid=5766

Or here:

http://www.pmcer.com/

MrsLauder99

Many thanks for that. They have loads of fun stuff. I could so easily get into the serious silversmithing too. I'll just need to work a few extra shifts when we get to Calgary to cover my expenses!!!!!

I'll definitely be keeping them in my favourites and I would order from them. The appear to be good value for money as well, albeit PMC market price is world controlled so it's basically working out the same here as in the US

I know what you mean about ever increasing hobbies. I just need more time (oh yeah and cash!!).

Sssshhh - don't tell the other half that I'm already planning where to find the dealers for my addiction!! I could probably fill a huge space on the crate with all my craft items/gadgets - Oh it will kill me to have to have a bit of a cull and only bring necessities. Then again it means I'll have to go shopping at some point for replacement goods

LadyM - I hope your getting plenty of time to get cardmaking and found some good sites and inspiration

Thanks for your help guys.

Novocastrian

What is it exactly? It'd better be dead clever at a pound sterling a gram because pure silver is only about 11p/gm.

MrsLauder99

Novocastrian:-

PMC is 99.9% silver. It comes in a pack like a (very small) piece of putty (you can also get it in sheet version - like a sheet of paper). You can mould it into pretty much anything, make rings, absolutely anything you can imagine and then you heat it (I have just been furnished by hubby with a mini kiln for it, which I can bring with to Canada so all good cause it cost a fortune). When you heat it say with a blow torch the binder burns away and your left with around 7% shrinkage and a pure silver item.

You are essentially paying for the convenience of it. But you do need a lot more skill and training to work sheet silver or the like and lots of tools also.

This is the hobby way of getting into it I'd guess. I would absolutely love to go to classes and learn how to work sheet silver, etc. and that will come some day, but this is a great way in and gives you instant gratifcation as you can have a piece of jewellry that looks fantastic in a day.

Hope this helps a bit!

Novocastrian

It helps a great deal. As a chemist I'd be really interested in what the other 0.1% is though. I'm guessing that the silver itself consists of very small grains and the "binder" is something that prevents the grains from coalescing?

On edit: You're actually saying that the product is 99.9% silver, after firing though aren't you?

MrsLauder99

Yup your right after burning. You can send your stuff to be hallmarked to the assay office and it will be stamped .999.

There's a good website explaing how they make it. It was first made by Mitsubishi, Japan and you can also get gold 22k (£125 for 3g ) and plantinum (and even I don't want to know how much that would cost me!).

http://www.silversmithing.com/1clay.htm

There's also a wiki.

I'd be interested to know what the "organic" binder is too (together with water) but think they don't advertise that or all and sundry would be making it!! But I'm sure you might be the man to find out. You could make yourself some big business making it yourself if you do find out and undercutting the only two competetors (Artclay and PMC range)!!!

Novocastrian

I'll dig into when I have the time, but the place to find out will likely be the patent office, so I doubt there's a fortune to be made!

MrsLauder99

Just found out the Platinum is for industrial use - I wouldn't be able to fire it let alone buy it! I'd only buy the gold if I was very good at making things and was in a position to sell them to fund my ever increasing addiction.

Yeah I'd have thought they will have a firm grip on their design which is how they manage to keep the prices the same worldwide I guess.

You should give it a go - you might get addicted. Post a pic of your first jewellery item! I've been going to try a pair of cuff links for the man in my life.

Novocastrian

No, not me. But the OH is a highly skilled ceramicist, she might well be interested.

MrsLauder99

She would probably be very interested (I love ceramics too - not skilled though) but pleeeease don't blame me when the bills come in!!!!

Novocastrian

Oh, I will, I will.

The is some of her stuff... she's actually managed to sell some of these!

Edit: let me try that again....

Novocastrian

...has this worked?

MrsLauder99

Works for me!!! They are fabulous. I would love to be able to make something half as good.

Thanks! I have to go to work in the NHS tomorrow night and will now be dreaming about creating something worthwhile wishing even more that I wasn't there!!! There doesn't seem to be the same options here to do classes (or time for me). However, was reading an activity list for the area where we will be staying and they have loads to choose from so I'll be signing up asap.

You must be so proud of your wife, creating such beautiful things.