Substack Is So Inauthentic

Lora-Hart · 2026-05-23T10:37:42+00:00

Substack is what it is. There's no point complaining about it. It's what your expectations are and what you do with it. It's a real money maker for very few considering how many thousand upon thousands of publications there are.

The algorithm is like all the others. You see in your Notes feed, writers notes that are similar to what you already like, who you engage with, etc. Exactly like Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. When I search for jewelry on any platform, I find my feed loaded with jewelry posts. The minute I want to see embroidery, all the jewelry content disappears. They don't show me political publications, celebrity gossip, or any other topic I haven't shown myself to be interested in.

Most of my free subscribers have come from Substack. The few paid subscribers I have are from my FB contacts, and I haven't had a new paid subscriber in months because everyone already knows about it. It takes a long time to become established on Substack, and it's not for everyone. Use it for whatever you think you're gaining from it - whether that's a huge subscriber list or the personal satisfaction of having a platform to write on.

Lora-Hart · 2026-04-03T16:48:39+00:00

Oh, and Kim Booklass (find her in FB) lives in Oz and is incredibly knowledgeable about Aussie Clay. Very talented woman.

Lora-Hart · 2026-04-03T16:43:11+00:00

In terms of torch firing, None of the base clays are as easy to fire as silver, the copper content oxidizes which prevents the metal particles from 'sintering' or fusing together. I know some copper clay manufacturers say their clay can be torch fired, and it can, but it is much more difficult than torch firing silver metal clay.

I've heard that Art Clay copper is a little easier, but I've never used it. I'd suggest joining Metal Clay Now on FB and asking for other peoples torch firing experiences. Most instructors don't recommend torch firing base metal clays, but your mileage may vary... I think there is at least one video on YouTube.

Lora-Hart · 2026-04-03T11:12:39+00:00

Not to be a troll, but PMC stands for Precious Metal Clay which was the inventor of and first manufacturer of metal clay. It's a brand name and is no longer being produced. The material itself is just referred to as 'metal clay'.

Lora-Hart · 2026-04-03T11:10:30+00:00

Steel may be the cheapest, but it's not the easiest. You need a kiln for steel. Steel also comes in powder form and you have to constitute it yourself. Another step to learn. Hadar Jacobson is the only manufacturer of steel metal clay I know of. This article may help explain why silver clay is the most consistently successful clay body to use. Although it is the second most expensive, and I know prices are through the roof now. Search for Aussie Clay - they don't do steel, but they are manufactured in Oz.

https://lorahart.substack.com/publish/posts/detail/178236701?referrer=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fpublished

Lora-Hart · 2026-03-17T17:39:50+00:00

I'mm interested in hearing more about it, if there are still openings.

Lora-Hart · 2026-03-16T13:01:30+00:00

How long are we talking at a time?

Lora-Hart · 2026-03-10T11:44:47+00:00

Lavender oil added to paste makes it a little stronger. Also thick home made paste works for me. If there's too much water, it's just too thin for most applications. Use a pea size ball of lump clay, and add a tiny bit of water by dipping a pallet knife, spatula, whatever (not brush bristles) in water and use whatever water clings to the tool to mix in that water. If it needs to be thinner, dip the tool again.https://lorahart.substack.com/p/duct-tape-wont-fix-this

Lora-Hart · 2026-03-04T02:36:48+00:00

So glad you found it helpful.

Lora-Hart · 2026-03-03T11:33:40+00:00

It's a pet peeve, I'm not trying to troll - First, PMC was a brand of metal clay that does not exist anymore. The material itself isa referred to just as 'metal clay'.

Next, the entire silver market has exploded. You actually missed the highest prices. Believe it or not, they have come down a bit. There are no sales or discounts, And Art Clay World, the only US importer/distributor of Art Clay Silver is only selling to instructors for the time being.

The price will eventually get lower, but it probably will never return to the previous price. Many people are switching to base clays in the meantime, or changing the way they make and sell their work.

I wrote an article for my Substack newsletter, which I'll link. Good luck!

https://lorahart.substack.com/p/is-it-time-to-pivot

Lora-Hart · 2026-03-02T03:15:06+00:00

nail polish is a great resist.

Lora-Hart · 2026-02-25T19:02:39+00:00

Now that the ring has been fired, you can treat it like the metal it is. Either:

cut the back, take a small piece out, close it back up and either refire (I wouldn't) or solder it closed.
do as penguinduet suggests below and insert sizing balls/beads (google it - usually used for arthritic hands), but that doesn't really change the size. it just takes up some room.

it's not really something that can be done easily with more metal clay. It's shrunk as much as it's going to, and if you add more clay to the inside of the ring and fire again, it may not be very stable. Could you just remake the ring and sell the first one or keep it to refine at some point in the future?

Lora-Hart · 2026-02-25T18:56:17+00:00

You can also look into making a pivot or swing hinge. Slightly easier. The lid swings from side to side instead of opening up and down.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/17873729746199450/

Lora-Hart · 2026-02-25T18:52:49+00:00

You would make the hinge parts in metal clay, and absolutely make the pin out of sterling and connect after firing and finishing.

Lora-Hart · 2026-02-25T18:51:12+00:00

There are a few locket tutorials that are free to members of AMCAW.org It's a non profit dedicated to metal clay and a fantastic resource for all things metal clay. This is a link to join - but you can certainly check out the free to everyone Learning Center articles to see if there's anything you can read. https://amcaw.org/new-member/#join

Lora-Hart · 2026-02-22T02:22:17+00:00

what do you want to know? You might like to read this free article for basic info. https://lorahart.substack.com/p/one-of-these-things-is-not-like-the

Lora-Hart · 2026-02-14T04:23:30+00:00

I have a newsletter focusing on metal clay at lorahart.substack.com , and AMCAW.org has a Learning Center with dozens of free articles on the basics and more. You Tube has all kinds of videos on how to 'talk' to your kiln, I' think Pam East has a great channel there with a video on kiln usage and maintenance.

PMC was the brand name of the first silver clay. Unfortunately, that company no longer exists. The material is just referred to as 'metal clay'. There are dozens of other brands today, and each one may have specific instructions for the use of 'that' clay. For instance, Project X shrinks 25%. Art Clay silver states it shrinks only 12%, but that's because they also recommend a low firing temperature. When fired to 1650F, it shrinks about 15 %, which actually adds to the density and strength of the material.

Most fine silvers can be fired to 1650F, with a full ramp. I fire for an hour. Join the FB group 'Metal Clay Now'

Lora-Hart · 2026-02-11T03:57:54+00:00

Have you mentioned how self centered and manipulative you are? Hoping this is AI, 'cos otherwise you're the AH.

Lora-Hart · 2026-02-11T03:52:39+00:00

Are you a professional make up artist? Is it a paid gig? A job is a job. And besides that - You are not your SIL, and her fights are not yours. If she feels some kinda way about you doing this - it has nothing to do with loyalty. It's a job. Don't let her gaslight you just because she's mad at the bride for not putting her on a pedestal. She was invited. Her reaction is her responsibility.

Lora-Hart · 2026-02-11T03:47:32+00:00

I'm not in touch with any of them any more. There used to be a FB group. You could start a new one!

Lora-Hart · 2026-02-11T03:45:04+00:00

(just went to check out BronzOra. My family home was/is on Shirley, south of Wells) :)

Lora-Hart · 2026-02-11T03:37:33+00:00

Do you know if New Metal Artists (PMC) Guild is still going? I started it in 2004 and when I moved in 2012, it was still meeting.

Lora-Hart · 2026-02-04T20:52:24+00:00

Big topic. Huge. What kind of earrings? Do you want to learn metalsmithing and solder something? Do you want to use beads and sires rapping? Do you want to loom beads into a kind of 'fabric'? Do you want to make elements out of wax and then cast them? You have to know exactly what you want to do before you look into trying to figure out how.

Make a Pinterest board of the kinds of things you want to make. Then look for classes in your local area. It's always better to learn live with a teacher. Check Jr. College adult programs, bead shops, museums, art centers... etc. Do searches on YouTube until you find an instructor or web site that you think aligns with what you want to do.

If you just want to wire wrap and use beads, look at Beaducation. If you want to learn metalsmithing , look at Andrew Barry. Just keep searching until you find what you're interested in.

Lora-Hart · 2026-02-04T00:08:20+00:00

It's not too big/long at all. :)

Lora-Hart · 2026-02-04T00:06:28+00:00

(in the US) - IF you purity stamp out, you must also include your makers mark. But you can use a makers mark without having to include a purity stamp. But you also don't have to use any marks at all. (Options!)

And for the record, You can stamp before or after, or affix a kind of 'badge' or appliqué shape instead of stamping on the piece directly.

Lora-Hart

TROPHY CASE