Handprint - Imprint on Pendant

[mstr8296]

I hope that someone will be able to help me or point me in the right direction!

I have an imprint of my child's hand and would like to have the same imprint scaled to fit on a pendant using Art Clay Silver.

I've seen this done - but not sure:
1) if it is possible with Art Clay
2) how to scale-down the handprint

Any information would be appreciated!
Thanks!

[Metalman]

Okay - this gets somewhat complicated. I have 2 ideas for this. Fortunately both are based on techniques discussed in the Nov./2006 ArtJewelry magazine. There is a highlight on a 'tear away' technique on pg 34 & an article on etching on page 38.
Both techniques are based on photocopier techniques so you would want to start with a Black and White print of the hand - hopefully that is possible. From there you would shink/reduce the image on the copier to the size you want. The 2 articles mentioned both involve a tranfer method using a photocopy. One involves a material called print and press which makes a sort of photo transfer. Working with either or both of these, you ought to be able to get an impression sized to your pendant.

Now if you have a 3-d imprint say in clay, this can be more difficult. If you press regular ceramic clay into the imprint, let it dry, fire it and press that into some clay; and go through the process several times, the shrinkage of the natural clay will progressively 'shrink' your imprint. The problem with this, is that each round you lose some of the details of your original. I am unaware of how to shrink the 3-d imprint otherwise.
There may be some sort of plastic castable material that could be used that will shrink to a higher degree once molded then the clay does.

[mstr8296]

Thanks Metalman!

I'll look for the article!!

[Luann Udell]

You could also use the reduced photo copy of your child's handprint made into a rubber stamp.  Then use the stamp to mark the silver clay.
Luann