Art Clay silver clay paper is a composite material, made of real silver powder and a harmless water-based organic binder. It looks and feels like thick soft aluminium foil, and can be cut easily with a modelling knife or a shaped cutter.

It has two main uses: to create flat, folded, curved, or hollow shapes; or to build up, or add shape to, an existing clay piece.

If you want to learn more about using Art Clay, look at The Art Clay Club. It's a free resource, 24 7 52: you don't have to register, log on, or remember a password.

This water-based clay comes in a wrapper inside a foil packet. Cut off as much as you need, and rewrap the remainder. Whilst working, don't do anything that will make the paper wet.

When your piece is shaped, it doesn't need drying, so don't use a kiln, hair drier, hot air gun, central heating radiator, or kitchen oven, as the piece may crack or distort.

Fire Art Clay 650 Silver Paper in a kiln programmed from cool to 800°C, then held for 30 minutes: although, with care, you can fire small silver pieces on a kitchen gas hob, on a camping gaz ring, or with a butane torch.

As it's heated, the organic binder vaporises, leaving solid metal which can be hallmarked as 999 silver. During firing, small amounts of non-toxic carbon dioxide and water vapour are released: so it's safe to use at home.

After firing, the clay still looks dull, but brushing off the powdery coating reveals bright metal. Your piece is now ready to reshape, drill, stain, polish, or burnish: or wear, sell, or give. Remember, it is metal: it doesn't just look like metal.