How to Make Brass Rivets

Divide the package of clay into three equal pieces. Return two of them to the package and seal the latter to keep the clay fresh for later. Soften the remaining piece of clay; moisten your fingers very slightly if the clay seems dry or cracks easily.

Send the piece of clay through the extruder to form it into a cylindrical shape. Trim the ends with the straight razor to make them clean and flat.

Wet the bamboo skewer and insert it into one end of the brass clay. Twist it gently as you press it into the clay to create a hollow inside, forming a tube.

Let the clay tube dry until stiff, but not fully dry.

Pull one of the other two pieces of clay from the package and soften it in your fingertips. Roll it into a ball. Press the ball against a smooth, hard work surface to form it into a disc about three-quarters of an inch wide.

Wet the tip of the cylinder to re-soften it. Press the tip of the cylinder into the center of the disc. Smear the soft clay of the disc around the end of the cylinder to blend the two pieces.

Carve the top of the cylinder with any designs you like using the tip of the pin. Use some of the remaining clay, if you like, to build any custom shapes that stick out on the surface of the disc.

Let the clay piece dry for at least 6 hours. Sand with fine jewelry sand paper and jewelry files to smooth out any rough spots on the sides of the shaft and bottom of the disc.

Kiln fire the brass clay according to the manufacturer's instructions. Let cool for one hour.

Brush the finished piece with a stiff wire brush or wire brush attachment on a power drill or rotary power tool to remove burnt ash and shine up the metal.