How do you cure thin sheets of silver so they become solid?

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Question: How do you cure thin sheets of silver so they become solid?

I want to fold mini origami cranes out of thin sheets of silver so I can turn them into homemade pendants for my bridesmaids (they've helped me fold 1000 paper cranes for my upcoming wedding). How do I cure the silver after they're folded so it doesn't bend any further and becomes solid? They will look something like this: http://www.origamijewellery.com/Sautoir-bird-en-argent-massif.html?id_document=93 Thanks!

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How do you cure thin sheets of silver so they become solid?

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Asked by on 2012-06-02
Category: Hobbies & Crafts. Num Answers: 1

How do you cure thin sheets of silver so they become solid?
I want to fold mini origami cranes out of thin sheets of silver so I can turn them into homemade pendants for my bridesmaids (they've helped me fold 1000 paper cranes for my upcoming wedding). How do I cure the silver after they're folded so it doesn't bend any further and becomes solid? They will look something like this:
http://www.origamijewellery.com/Sautoir-bird-en-argent-massif.html?id_document=93 Thanks!

Answer by Diane B.
I don't know what your "thin sheets of silver" are, and I think you mean so they become "hard" not "solid" (which is the opposite of hollow), but you might want to check out these which are made from polymer clay (you can make polymer clay silver on the surface in several ways** instead of making colors or patterns...and you could make them smaller, of course):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyHFCYHJa0w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckf4uNJsVQc
http://glassattic.com/polymer/sheets.htm (...click on Origami, but links aren't clickable from that page) Or you could use "metal clay," then fire it in a kiln (not an oven) but much more expensive "clay." You can also use a heavy layer of cornstarch (or metallic powder--see below) or little pieces of plain blank paper between any parts of the clay you don't want to stick together while baking. **
http://glassattic.com/polymer/Faux--many.htm (click on METALS)
http://glassattic.com/polymer/powders_metallicwaxes.htm
http://glassattic.com/polymer/leaf.htm > Leaf perhaps the easiest way would be a real-metal or mica powder brushed onto the clay before hardening/baking, or mixing those into a clear permanent polyurethane or other clear finish to paint onto the hardened clay, or using a silvery paint (be aware though that you can't use non-water-based paints or finishes "directly* on polymer clay... you could coat with a clear water-based finish first though, then use any paint you want)

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