I've always made coiled wire end caps such as these shown in this past tutorial. But fellow Canadian, Patricia Roberts-Thompson shows how you can make polymer clay end caps which results in colorful findings which can easily match jewelry designs. The design possibilities are endless as you can apply different textures and coloring techniques to them.
She demonstrates how to make not just the cylindrical variety but also the conical style end caps.
I particular love the way she added more decorative clay rounds at the top of each end cap.
The tricky part would be with making the seams disappear. I wonder if it could be easier to add the texture to polymer clay end cap while it was still on the mandrel rather than when the clay was first rolled out flat? This surely would work with the rough sponge/filter she used for dabbing on speckled texture.
Drilling the holes after baking is probably better than making those with uncured clay. That way, you won't risk distorting the clay during the process.
H/T to Aims for this find.
Before You Go:
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Wire JewelryTips -Jewelry Business Tips
She demonstrates how to make not just the cylindrical variety but also the conical style end caps.
I particular love the way she added more decorative clay rounds at the top of each end cap.
The tricky part would be with making the seams disappear. I wonder if it could be easier to add the texture to polymer clay end cap while it was still on the mandrel rather than when the clay was first rolled out flat? This surely would work with the rough sponge/filter she used for dabbing on speckled texture.
Drilling the holes after baking is probably better than making those with uncured clay. That way, you won't risk distorting the clay during the process.
H/T to Aims for this find.
Before You Go:
- Make Your Own End Caps from Metal Discs
- How to Make Coiled Wire End Caps
- How to Make Coiled Wire Ends for Thick Leather Cord
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Wire JewelryTips -Jewelry Business Tips
The possibilities here are absolutely endless!!
ReplyDeleteI can understand making the design while the clay is laying flat and cutting out what you want from it. Not only do you get exactly the design you want but there is no overlapping design if you try to roll onto the stamp. Getting rid of seams just takes a bit of patience.
It's amazing how forgiving polymer clay can be while being so versatile.
You are so right about the seams being tricky.
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