Under the Sea: Starfish, Shell & Freshwater Pearl Bracelets

Peach & Melon Starfish Bracelet

Silver & Turquiose Starfish Bracelet

Back to my favorite private beach last week-end, where I find all my lovely shells. You can only get there by boat, it's very secluded. We always take our dog Teddy along with us, he's very good at sniffing out the best shells!! I hope you like my new Starfish bracelets, they are loaded with a nice mix of Scallop shells, Orange & white Jingles, Pointed Augers, Freshwater Pearls, and my new Mini 10mm Pillow Beads.

Click this link & come visit my Etsy Shop to see my Starfish Bracelet & and many more unique jewelry designs.

Seafoam Starfish Bracelet

Teddy is hunting for shells

Flower Power in Polymer Clay

 

Summer is the perfect time to flaunt some fabulous Flower Earrings. 

Here are a few of my latest creations, featuring Swarovski flat-backed crystals!

 Bright Coral/Peach with a hint of Periwinkle, Aqua Breeze with a 

touch of Silver Leaf & some soft pinky/lavenders, 

 with a dash of Dichroic sparkle. 

A crisp white sundress & some strappy silver sandals, now 

your ready for some summer fun in Florida!

  

Tutorial - How to Make a Polymer Clay Hollow Pod Pendant

You can make these Pods on any size light-bulb, I used a small appliance (refrigerator) bulb for this project. Use a good quality
clay for the pod, such as: Premo, Fimo or Kato clay & follow the manufacturers directions for oven temps. This is important to insure a strong, yet flexible pod.
My Hollow Pods are super light-weight & can be made in many sizes, from large, to small, for use in pendants, earrings or charms:)

On the Bright Side - Polymer Clay Sculptures

A Walk in the Park

Stop & Smell the Flowers

 I love to recycle stuff & then use them 
in my latest craft projects. 

So, for the past 2 years I've been saving 
burned out light-bulbs to cover with Polymer Clay. 

Any kind of light-bulb will do, tiny night-light bulbs,

ceiling fan bulbs, small round refrigerator bulbs, 
or even the candelabra type. 

I'm always on the look-out for discarded treasures! 
It's a great way to use up 

old polymer clay cane slices & ends.

I also have a large collection of empty perfume bottles, 
I haven't decided what I'm going to make
them into, but they smell good & the shapes 

are quite unique!

Don't forget to Kiss a Frog!

Making the Sculptures:

To prepare the light-bulb before covering it with clay, 

I always wipe them down with some

isopropol alchohol on a microfiber cloth. 

Then, simply apply your canes, smooth them

as you go with your acrylic rod.  My light-bulb 
sculptures have a different look
at every angle.  That is especially
true for "By the Sea".  One side has a star-fish 
clinging to it & 
the opposite side has an Octopus! 
I love to add extra embellishments too!
like glass beads, wire, 

wooden shapes (stars, hearts) etc.

Misty Moon Pendants

New Misty Moon pendants made with Premo Clay in a soft Heather shade.  I used a Mica Shift striae technique to give the Moon dimension.  The back of the pendant is a Mica Shift flower pattern done in a Grape/Purple color. I made my own Bezel setting out of silver clay with a carved Mica Shift design.

What's New for 2011- Black & White Bangle

I love making Bracelets! Black & White with a hint of Limey-Olive is one of my favorite color schemes! This  bangle was made using Kato clay because it's so strong & it polishes up so nicely too! I used a large cookie cutter for the center of the bracelet & a flexible tissue blade to cut the outside curves. Lots of sanding & a couple coats of poly-varnish to finish.

My Bracelet won Second Place in Voila!
March 9, 2011

Polymer Clay Discoveries in Mokume Gane & Mica Shift Techniques

I'm currently working on a series of cabochon pendants using the mokume gane and mica shift techniques. These are 2 of my favorite techniques to explore, the combination's and color palettes are limitless. Of course, I love working with Premo Metallic clay, I really think it performs the best, especially with mica shift applications. I'm also experimenting with Pardo Translucent Art Clay, it has a crystal-like clarity that I haven't found in other brands. Using extremely thin layers of the Pardo Translucent, silver leaf, and some of my unique Mica Shift canes to create a cabochon with more depth & sheen. I must admit I have this terrible habit of not writing down the different techniques I create and then wondering how in the world I did it!

 Below are a few pics of the process, making up my metallic color blends, the impressed mokume gane sheet.

                                                              

Polymer Clay Faux Geode Bracelet

The Faux Geode bracelet is made with a cane similar to the one I used in the Faux Geode necklace (shown in an earlier post). I used Fimo translucent clay with a tint of Premo purple & violet. The bracelet is strung on purple jewelry wire, I also added charcoal colored glass accent beads. I love making these unusual pieces, I never sell them, I just keep adding to my collection that I display in my craft studio.

My Polymer Jewelry is Published in Polymer Artists Showcase

I was so excited to have four of my Polymer Jewelry pieces published in Tejae Floyde's  latest full-color book Polymer Artists Showcase. Tejae has been featured on www.polymerclaydaily.com, and is affectionately known as the "Queen of Hearts". Her work has been published in Somerset Studio, PolymerCafe, Exploring Connections, Progress and Possibilities and "400 Polymer Clay Designs" by Lark books. She is also a member of Craft Edu. faculty.

 Below is the explanation that accompanies her book:
Polymer Artists Showcase includes popular well known polymer artists as well as never before published artists. Polymer art photos were collected from contributing artists from all over the globe. This photo book is an eclectic mix of jewelry, sculpture and various polymer art. An inspiring resource. Full color photos include artists name, flickr name and website (if available). A great gift for any polymer enthusiast.

Polymer Clay Reversible Pendant as seen in the book

My Signature Watercolor Rainbow Pillow Beads appear in the book