Polymer clay jewelry is very light. So large pieces are easy to wear because there is no weight to it. But for some people, the very lightness does not appeal because they prefer some heft to their jewelry. So the solution is to add weight to polymer clay. Rhonda Chase Design has a clever tutorial over in Instructables on how to laminate with polymer clay using low grade gemstones as the base.
There might be some truly ugly and uninspiring gemstone pieces in your collection. Or if you have some that are chipped and no longer suitable. I know I do. If you're not ever going to use them, then why not makeover these unloved pieces into something beautiful?
Rhonda shows two ways to laminate or cover the gemstone unlovelies. I prefer the second way using cut outs, which is faster and neater.
Before You Go:
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
There might be some truly ugly and uninspiring gemstone pieces in your collection. Or if you have some that are chipped and no longer suitable. I know I do. If you're not ever going to use them, then why not makeover these unloved pieces into something beautiful?
Rhonda shows two ways to laminate or cover the gemstone unlovelies. I prefer the second way using cut outs, which is faster and neater.
Before You Go:
- How to Use Hardware Hinges for Polymer Clay Bracelets
- How to Make Polymer Clay Jewelry Dish Tutorials
- Wire and Polymer Clay Leaf Tutorial
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
I'm really enjoying playing with polymer clay. One of the main reasons I got into it was the ability to make any kind of bead you want in any colour.
ReplyDeleteThis is a brilliant idea. I have a number of old beads that I can't bring myself to use because I really don't like the look of them (the downside of buying online at times).
Instead of using my finger to smooth the edges I'd personally use an acrylic roller. Fingers tend to blur designs and I'm always leery of leaving fingerprints on anything polymer clay. They are so hard to get rid of!!
Love her ideas and her colourways are right up my alley.
Thanks! Love that tip with the acrylic roller! It probably will work too for resin clay.
DeleteLove the posts on Polymer Clay! I have been working with it for over a year now and love any new tips that I haven't heard before! Thanks Pearl! Karen
ReplyDeleteHi Karen, I will endeavor to share more unique polymer clay tutorials I come across. There are so many great ones and it is sometimes hard to choose!
DeleteWhat a clever idea! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI use semi-precious gemstones as the focal point for pendants and earrings. I press them into the clay, and then use a sharp knife blade to press a bit of clay over their edges. They are very solid, without being very heavy. After they have been baked and allowed to cool the whole piece gets coated with lacquer. Edge designs on the clay are pressed,rolled, or scratched in prior to baking if desired. I'll try to photograph them someday.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea! I would love to see your final designs some day!
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