The Beading Gem

I've made faux metal beads using 2 part epoxy resin clay with decorative metal elements before - see the tutorial here.  Once combined, the resulting resin clay is sticky which then lets you stick things to it.  The beads I made were made up of resin clay which does make them on the heavy side.  The advantage of resin clay is the no bake part!

Nunn Design has some upcoming free tutorials based on their wonderful boho style findings. Becky Nunn and her team have a great way with resin and resin clay - their jewelry designs are always very distinctive.  So if you want to learn they supply everything you need in one package for all 4 classes!

Three of the classes deal with organics . Customizing resin clay (Crystal Clay) and resin with different types of pigments. Class #2 also teaches you how to make impressions and to use silicone molds. 

I once demonstrated how to turn two hole crystal embellished connector beads into stud earrings.  The designs featured long dangles. But you can also use simpler connectors and rondelles with resin clay to convert them into stud earrings.  And add some color at the same time.

When I first spotted Shades of Clay's cabezel clay molds, I could instantly see their potential.  The molds allow you to create both the pendant bezel as well as the insert cabochon. You can have a lot of fun with creating unique art pieces.  Bonus point - if you also make the bails out of clay and use, say simple leather cords with no metal findings, the jewelry pieces will be ideal for those who are metal allergic!

Remember my easy peasy wire wrapped tutorial with Nunn Design's open frame rings? Well, wire wrapping is not the only technique you can use to dress up these dainty rings.  This tutorial uses resin clay which requires no baking at all because it hardens at ambient temperatures.  The resulting hardened clay is very durable. Plus, it is an adhesive clay to boot!

I've said from time to time that there are some things you can do to resin clay which is commonly applied to polymer clay. The advantage is resin clay does not need any baking as it cures by being left alone over 24 hours or so. The other thing about resin clay is its adhesive properties. There are also a couple of differences in the handling of resin clay compared to polymer clay which I will mention later in this tutorial on how to make candy swirl beads.

I like to read but I can't read historical tomes all the time even though I enjoy them. I also read lighter and entertaining novels. And so it is with jewelry making. Sometimes you just need some quick projects to get that "I made something" fix. Therefore enjoy this easy peasy contemporary cuffs tutorial! I first featured them in this post which showcased Nunn Design's Winter 2017 Collection.

Salt dough aornaments are fun to make but they are unfortunately not that durable. So this rustic Christmas tree resin clay pendant tutorial of mine is reminiscent of those types of ornaments, only much, much stronger. They are hard to break!  These crystal embellished trees can also be used as ornaments. Best of all, unlike polymer clay, you do not have to bake them!

I wrote about this easy marbled polymer clay pendant tutorial before.  At the end, I said that the same thing can be done with epoxy resin clay.  I haven't actually tried it yet but someone else has! Peter Brown, a wood worker, showed how he created his. The resin clay brand he used is Milliput which is popular for miniature sculpturing and modelling. You can certainly use other brands.

Epoxy clay or resin clay is a cousin of the popular epoxy resin.  Although it has been around for decades, it's only been in recent years that the material has been used for jewelry making.  There are two major benefits to using this type of clay.  Firstly, it cures without heat.  Secondly, its inherent adhesive qualities make it a fabulous cold connection material besides wiring and riveting.

I was planning to do a resin clay wire framed pendant tutorial but Becky Nunn of Nunn Design beat me to it!  She demonstrated how to do this design in this Beadaholique tutorial  using one of her open pendant frames. I liked how she hammered round wire flat and cut the length into little pieces for the stalks.  The flowers were just crystals from cup chain, again cut apart.  Easy peasy!

I've covered how to press real flowers using a microwave as well as how to embed them in resin.  The process is not as easy as it looks!  But I am game to continue learning and experimenting. This time, I wanted to make real pressed flower resin clay earrings. There were some challenges including the difficulty in finding flowers small enough for earrings.  Some people use petals but I wanted whole flowers!

I don't know about you.  But I personally do not like to wear jewelry with a personal message like "I Love You" emblazoned in script.  Using morse code is thus a discrete way of conveying sentiments.  I've designed a morse cord or name necklace before using wire coils and beads (see link below).  This easy tutorial is a different take using resin clay and channel bangles.

Many of my favorite components are from Nunn Design.  I especially like the antiqued finishes.  The overall handmade look to designs is simply lovely.  Their collection is constantly being updated. Their Summer 2016 collection is now out and one lucky winner will win a sample pack of this new offering.

Laura Gummerman over on A Beautiful Mess came up with this easy marbled polymer clay pendant tutorial. Beginners can certainly tackle this one. I also like the contemporary style of bail used.  Did I mention before that gold is making a comeback after years of being  in the shadow of silver designs?

If you've not considered using resin clay before, maybe this lovely tutorial by Mylene Hillam of Mill Lane Studio will convince you!  She designed this resin clay stud earrings tutorial which is reminiscent of Princess Diana's blue and diamond sapphire ring!