Christmas in April

SpeedFire Electric Mini

After having miserable few weeks, I decided that a new toy would cheer me up. I've been pining for a kiln for years and finally found one that suits my needs. This kiln is perfect for me because it is small, operates on a very low wattage, and is surprisingly affordable. The cost (without accessories) is $189, but I also purchased the pyrometer and temperature controller. This added about an extra $92 to the cost but the ability to control and monitor the temperature will be well worth it.

PMC Sterling - .925

 This kiln will fire all major types of metal clay, but you can also work with glass and enameling. I am most excited to work with PMC Sterling. To use this type of clay, you must have a kiln - it's not suitable for torch firing. It is a two step process: first, you fire the metal for 30 minutes @ 1000 degrees F on an open kiln shelf to burn away the binder, then you fire the piece in carbon @ 1500 F to sinter the piece. I haven't tried it yet, but I have a brand new pack of clay that is screaming to be used!

Art Clay Copper - Very affordable!

This is another type of clay that can be used with the SpeedFire Electric Mini. I do have a pack of this, but haven't tried it out yet. This type of copper clay is great because it doesn't need to be fired in carbon!




In short, my new SpeedFire is the best thing that's happened to me. Prior to this, I torch fired all of my pieces and now I can fire multiple pieces, large pieces, and gemstones that cannot withhold torch firing. This kiln is great if you are working on a small scale and are sick of butane torches. It is so easy to use and produces great results! I feel like this has opened up a whole new world of PMC production for me!

I Love Custom Orders!

Mother's Day Present

My new kiln has allowed me to ramp up my PMC production just in time for Mother's Day! The week prior, I received several request for custom pieces and this is one of my favorites. This piece consists of three charms, hand-stamped, with the names of one mother's three children. What a perfect Mother's Day gift! This project was not very difficult to complete, thanks to the AlphaDisc lettering system from Cool Tools, as well as my wonderful SpeedFire Electric Mini! I wholeheartedly endorse both products...I could rave about them for days! Personalized pieces have never been so easy to create!

Alicia's Puzzle Piece

 Pictured left is another fun custom order I had the pleasure to complete. I thought this was a super-awesome idea and had so much fun making it! A little-known fact about me is that I love putting puzzles together, so I have a ton on my game shelf. To shape this charm, I grabbed a puzzle piece from one that I had already put together, coated it with a thin layer of olive oil, and cut it out using the Cool Tools ultrafine pick. I used a template to cut out the heart in the middle and then sanded, fired, and polished like normal. I am so happy with the way it turned out!


Custom orders are great because they challenge me to create something that I probably wouldn't have attempted on my own. I am always surprised when they turn out well! It seems like with a few basic tools and some imagination, you can create anything you want! Orders like this are also a perfect way to figure out the kinds of things that people like to wear, which enables you to make things that appeal to a wider audience.