Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Polymer Clay Mica Shift Bracelet

Mica Shift cabochon bracelet features a design motif of various plaids, squares & dots. The handmade cabochons are paired with russet colored freshwater pearls & assembled with copper findings.
For these cabochons I used a Mica Shift technique  that involves using a deep cut rubber stamp. Some stamps are made specifically for use with clay & are therefore deeply cut & leave a nice impression. Lisa Pavelka makes a fabulous line of rubber stamps , for polymer clay & PMC. By pressing a stamp into the prepared sheet of metallic clay, the particles are forced out of alignment. Now the raised areas of clay are gently sliced off using a tissue blade, leaving a holographic 3-D effect. These scraps that are sliced off are also useful (I save everything) for creating a pendant or matching beads. When I am working with the Mica Shift technique I always have a prepared square of clay ready to lay these shaved off scraps onto. My favorite brand of clay for this technique is Premo, it seems to have the largest particles of mica per ounce. I also use Fimo Soft white pearl in many of my beads & pendants. It adds a lustrous pearly glow to the piece & is a different shade of white than the Premo pearl. Below is the matching Mica Shift Necklace & Earring Set
I hope you will try this technique, it is really lots of fun & surprisingly easy! You’ll be amazed when you see the ghost effect appear! The real magic happens after you’ve baked your pendant & sanded it smooth:)

2 comments:

  1. Well, these are wonderful. You are such an inspiration! I love everything you do. I have been working on some things this week. Hope to post some pictures. That Etsy set up is hard. I may need some support!

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  2. Hey Marty! Glad to see you here! I'm happy to hear you are creating again...can't wait to see what you've come up with:)
    You know you can count on me for help, just yell!

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