Using up Scraps of Clay

Today was using up scraps of clay day. I made lapis lazuli earrings to go with the necklace I made last week.

Next was some leftover black and white clay mix that I used in my Blushing Zebra Necklace. I made a pendant, added a charm and strung it on Two strands of Greek Leather. Had enough to make matching earrings.

My final lesson today was learning to make rings. Perfect project for leftover small pieces of clay. I formed the ring tops of clay and baked them on a lightbulb in the oven. This gives it a nice dome shape. The ring on the left has a silver shank and the one on the right I made a clay shank. That one is not done yet because I have to let the liquid clay set for 24 hours before baking. More on that tomorrow.

Here's the Necklace

This didn't get attached to my last post. Here is the finished "Lapis Lazuli" necklace.

Anyone for Faux Lapis Lazuli

My clay projects continue, and this time I learned to make "Faux Lapis Lazuli. A fun project to work on because you get to chop up pieces of clay in varying colors of blue, mixed in with a little translucent. Then you clump it altogether in a block, carefully pressing out all the air bubbles, but leaving a bit of a craggy look. No need to run this through your Pasta machine, just slice off a piece and cover your base bead.

Here is my finished project and a picture of the beads after baking. My necklace is about 24" in length and I added gold spacers and findings to complete it. Looks almost real.

Using Studio Sculpey Polymer Clay

For those of you who are into making polymer clay beads, you all know that there are different clays that give different effects to your artistic creation. The red beads in my "Blushing Zebra" necklace are made with Studio Sculpey. It's a very soft clay and easy to condition. It is best for beads that you want a matte or natural finish.

The "Zebra" beads were made with Premo Sculpey, and are made by stacking layers of black and white clay, cutting the stack in half and layering again. Then you squish the clay to get various wavy effects such as in a Zebra coat. Thin slices are cut off of the stack and then wrapped around a base clay bead.

Another view of my Millefiore Polymer Clay Beads

Millefiore Polymer Clay Beads

For those of you out there that are working with polymer clay beads I encourage you to try making the Millefiore beads. You can design beautiful beads with a series of clay canes made with two or more colors rolled into a log and then sliced thinly and placed on a base clay bead. This is my first attempt at Millefiore and I'm really pleased with the outcome.

Runako Designs Girls Night Out: Slumber Party in Paris - Girls Night Out

Runako Designs Girls Night Out: Slumber Party in Paris - Girls Night Out

Runako Designs Slumber Party in Paris

Click or copy and paste this link http://rdgirlsnightout.blogspot.com/2009/07/slumber-party-in-paris-girls-night-out.html and join Runako Designs at a Slumber Party in Paris. Ooo La La..... Bring your Imagination for fun and a chance to win some beautiful earrings.

While you are there click on the link to visit Runako Designs website to view the beautiful jewelry that is available for purchase.

Enjoy your trip!

Learning to Make Polymer Clay Beads

I feel like I did as a child when I had my little baking oven and made mud cookies. Polymer Clay really gets under your skin. (not to speak of the fingernails). I am really enjoying the creative freedom of working with this product. I am learning step by step, mistakes and all, how to mold and use clay to make my beads.

I am enjoying the teaching of Cindy Lietz online, and have the Ronna Sarvas Weltman Clay book.

Here are some pictures of the "Nightfall in Mozambique" necklace that I copied from the directions in Ronna's book.

I also felt validated as a Jewelry Artist today when I went into a Large Women's Chain Dress shop today and was asked by a Lady if I had purchased my necklace in that store. When I told her that I made the necklace she dragged me over to her friend to show her. They were really blown away when I told them that I had actually made the clay beads myself. Nice validaton for an artist.

Here is my try at Ronna's "Nightfall in Mozambique" necklace.