Ask almost any mom if she would like a silver fingerprint of her child, and almost without fail the answer will be “Yes!” In fact, it’s probably going to be “YES” even before you finish asking the question.
Several years ago, we brought into the studio a system for making silver pendants out of a substance that is called, for simplicity’s sake, “silver clay”. What that means is that powdered silver is combined with a smooth clay-like substance, allowing us to mold the clay in molds. The molds give the silver the size, shape and back-side texture, allowing us to impress a fingerprint on the other side. The result – something to treasure!
We have different style molds – hearts, circles, squares, rectangles, teardrops and ovals – with different backside textures available. These include a smooth back, a leaf pattern, a swirl pattern, a square pattern, a hammered metal look, and stars.
All are available in small, medium and large sizes. The sizes are kind of like quarter, nickel and dime – not exactly, but the large molds are all 7 gram molds, the mediums are 3.5 grams and the smalls are 1.75. This works with the clay, which is sold in 7 gram packs. You can do however many charms you can do and have them add up to seven! There are also molds available with an initial on the back – these are medium sized and we can do two from one pack of clay. We can also put a small initial next to each fingerprint, so you can tell who is who.
Because we have a limited number of people working at the shop who know how to make silver fingerprint charms, we do require an appointment. You can buy your clay HERE so that you know you have a pack waiting for you. When you request your time, you will get a confirmation that the time you have requested works, or we will figure out a time that works for everyone.
At the time of your appointment, you will select your molds. After the clay is rolled out, we’ll get the impressions, and that’s it!
It doesn’t take long. The clay has to dry and then be fired in the kiln, and after it is fired there is an oxidation left on the silver that has to be polished off. It is usually ready in 3-5 days.
