Friday, October 23, 2009

More Polymer Clay!






I've even drawn cartoons, scanned them into my computer, colored the cartoons and then transferred the art to a special transfer paper that makes a decal. The image is transferred to the clay and then you bake it on.

I've even had custom stamps made to use on the clay with special words or places visited. You can carve your own stamps or use modeling compound and make your own molds!

Many of my beads are entirely sculpted by hand and are one of a kind! All the floral and desert theme beads were all individually sculpted.

Polymer Clay Beads!






I was recently talking with someone about polymer clay and what I've made with it. I thought the easiest way to show some photos of the beads would be to post them here.

Polymer clay is an amazing material to work with. It does not dry out, so you can work with it on and off for a long period of time. Some days I would mix color blends, make bead blanks, make simulated stone colored canes and so on.

The tools you use with it are simple and easily found. I bake the items in a toaster oven on my patio. The best thing is, that it is a very inexpensive material to work with. Many times, you can create a faux stone for much less than you would pay for an actual stone.

The clay items are very lightweight after baking. You could wear the largest earrings and they weigh practically nothing! You can also make buttons for clothing or tote bags.

I have made beads that look like turquoise, ivory, wood, bakelite, jade and coral.

Thanks for looking!

Fine Silver/PMC and Fresh Water Pearl earrings



I made the floral stamped centers of the earrings with PMC/Precious Metal Clay. I oxidized the sterling wire, fine silver and lever backs at one time. I then wire wrapped the fresh water pearls and attached those to the bottom. I did not buff these out very much because I wanted that darker metal color. These earrings are fun!

Kili Pendants in Progress...




I have made some pendants to donate to the Foundation for Blind Children. The pendants will be part of the Silent Auction held during the "Night for Sight." The pendants are made of PMC which is precious metal clay. It is shaped, dried, then fired in a kiln at 1650 degrees. After the pieces are finished firing, they are brushed with a brass brush, tumbled, oxidized and polished some more. I have used an organic oxidation process that was fun to do.

For more information on the "Night for Sight," please visit www.seeitourway.org

Thanks for looking!

About Me

My photo
I enjoy silversmithing, making jewelry, beads and working with paracord. I sculpt in polymer clay and desert themes are my favorite. I'm always looking for ways to incorporate the beauty of nature into my work. My work has been published in a large book called "1000 Beads," Lark Jewelry and Beading, 2014. I have sold beads through the Glendale Bead Museum Shop, a gallery in Tucson and www.wearartbyjulie.etsy.com. I'm an artist currently showing my jewelry at the Shemer Art Center in Phoenix, AZ.