I remember doing silkscreening in art class waaaaay back in secondary school.  It really didn't interest me that much. Large projects rarely do which is why jewelry making appeals to me. But it didn't occur to me one could do silkscreening (or stenciling) on a smaller scale!  Check out this super easy silkscreen polymer clay jewelry tutorial by Johnnie over on Saved by Love Creations.



She used Premo polymer clay and silkscreen kit. The gold metallic paint from the kit gave great results on her light blue design! A gold paint marker completed the edges.

I loved her tip about getting some cheap tiles from the hardware store to act as baking trays.  If you prefer not to get any clay distortion when making the holes, hold off on this step until after the clay has been baked.  You can then use a manual drill (or Dremel if you are good with it) such as a spiral rachet drill as shown in this tool review.

Also check out Helen Breil's silk screening demo using acrylic paints which lend themselves very well to polymer clay.  Helen includes ideas like adding more mica powder, pastels for interest. Alcohol inks can also be added after curing.


Taking it up a notch is this splendid video tutorial by Iris Mishly of Polypedia Online. Her silkscreened earrings are beautifully created with different colored polymer clays (mixed with embossing powder for a grainy effect) and screened with chalk. This one is more of a stenciling technique because she dabs on the powder.  I love how she used different shapes and stacked them all.


There is a bit of liquid polymer clay placed inbetween the layers prior to baking.  The use of eyelet rivets adds extra security and interest as well.

Hat tip to reader Aims for the last tutorial find.

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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips