Polymer Clay Tutorial: Mica Shift Mystery Pendants

This is my third in a series of Mica Shift technique tutorials.  I'm fascinated by the Mica Shift effect, and as this tutorial uses an extruder as a primary tool, it's got to be one of favorite methods.  The Mica Shift technique can replicate a 3D-like illusion, some people call it Ghost Image, which seems appropriate this month for Halloween. I hope you will try my new tutorial, it's lots of fun, and makes a great weekend project, just click on the link below!

Mica Shift Mystery Tutorial

Polymer Clay Free Tutorial: Making a mold using Weeds, Flowers, & Pods

  

                                               How to Make a Polymer Clay Mold

Spring has sprung here on the sunny West-Coast of Florida. Flowers are blooming, trees are lush and green, and the weeds are abundant!  It inspired me to go for a walk in the woods, and as polymer clay is always on my mind, I decided to search for something new to use in my mold-making. I found so many interesting shapes and textures that I thought would lend themselves perfectly to polymer clay. A few of the plant specimens are shown below. I found it best to use them right away, as they seem to dry out quickly, and become brittle.

 

Use a conditioned piece of Premo clay that has been rolled out on the #1 setting of the pasta machine. Cut 2 small squares and lay them one on top of the other, so you have a double thickness of clay. Place the clay block on a baking tile. Dust the top of the clay with some cornstarch to act as a release. Trim the plant specimen and arrange it in a pleasing pattern on the clay block. 

Next, cover your work with a piece of parchment paper. Using an acrylic square, press down to embed plants and stems.

Grasp the stems by the ends, and carefully pull them out, so as not to distort the raw clay mold. For the stubborn ones left behind, use a beading pin to gently pry up the pieces. If you are going to use the mold to make earrings you can stop at this step.

 

I like to add a raised frame around the edge when I make a mold for a pendant, it really sets off the design. If you decide to put resin on your pendant, the frame has the added advantage of holding the resin on top of your pendant.

Now, place the mold in your clay oven, and bake for approximately 30 minutes at 275 degrees. 

I hope you enjoy this tutorial, Happy crafting!

Tip:  When using your new mold to make a pendant, dust it thoroughly with cornstarch, so the clay doesn't stick to the mold.

Pendant made using the mold with the raised edge frame

*Note how nicely the thin edge holds the resin

Please stop by and visit my Etsy Shop for Polymer Clay Jewelry, and Tutorials: Beadazzle Me

Tutorial: How-to Create Faux Glass Beads

I just released my first Tutorial! How-to Create Polymer Clay 

Faux Glass Beads. It's available in my Etsy Shop Beadazzle Me.
I sold my first copy just an hour after listing it on Etsy! 
I love sharing my techniques & ideas. This tutorial
is a complete step-by-step guide, with 20 full-color photos,
of  how to achieve your own, unique, hand-crafted beads!
You'll be amazed by how Glass-like they appear! They are made
using the new Pardo Professional Polymer clay.
It's so much Fun, you won't be able to stop at just

one, it's addicting! Make your own shimmery bracelet, Earrings,

or maybe a simple drop pendant. Happy Crafting:)                         

 3/23/11 Happy Birthday Mom!  This Tutorial is dedicated in my Mom's memory. She taught me every craft skill imaginable...she is my Heart:)