This little blurb is for Augie, and also for those of you who do not know about the fascinating possibilities of polymer clay. It seems that most beaders have come across this versatile medium, but for those who have never worked with polymer, I will give it my pitch.

Polymer clay originated in Germany. It is a plastic, but a very special plastic, polyvinyl chloride. Polyvinyl chloride is used in many everyday items. It can imitate wood, glass, ceramic, earthen clay, metal and porcelain. Wow. Think of its versatility. Mostly, people make this clay into beads; however, I’ve seen sculptures, bowls, vases, dolls, candle holders, collages, and buttons made of polymer. The sky is the limit, really.

Polymer clay is easy to use. It is soft when you work with it, and it hardens with heat. It comes in many colors. You can harden it in a conventional oven or toaster oven. Many people buy a toaster oven specifically for polymer clay. Polymer clay can be carved, stamped, and painted. But that is the least you can do with it. Many discoveries have been made by experimenting with this medium. You can transfer images onto it. You can mould it to wood, metal or glass before you bake it. You can press objects into it and then bake it. You can rub metallic powders into it prior to baking or after. You can apply glazes to it.

Many people are challenged to make millefiori beads of polymer. This is a process that takes some practice, but can be creatively rewarding. It is done by combining tubes of clay to make a pattern of your choice, or not of your choice, depending on your skill.

The most common polymer clays are sold in small blocks called Fimo or Sculpy. The malleability varies with colors and brand, so one must take some time to become familiar with polymer clay. Often people have mixed different brands together with great success

Even if you think that clay is not your thing, you should give polymer clay a try. It is such a unique medium and it is full of surprises.

Go for it.

Stella

Let’s hear it for the face bead.  What could be more fascinating than looking at a multi-colored bead and discovering a little face staring right back at you?  What a surprise.

There have been various methods of depicting facial images on jewelry throughout history, but the one that stirs my passion is the caning method.  Imagine little glass rods bundled together to produce the image of a face, this cane is then sliced and fused on to a base bead.  These types of beads were produced just prior to the founding of the Roman Empire, dating as far back as 100 BC.
(more…)

One of my favorite sources of inspiration for bead color combinations and trends is catalogs.  Clothing and furniture catalogs always have the most current seasonal color palates–this translates very easily into beaded earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.  In addition, every piece of jewelry that you make will coordinate beautifully with your newest outfit!

Have you ever really thought about why anyone beads? What is so attractive about those little round things that we put on string or wire?

Think about the first time you were introduced to beads. Most of us did some beading as a kid, but that was one of many wonders we discovered back then. We focused on one thing or another through the stages of growing up. Often in adulthood we became practical and forgot about our creative side. Perhaps we dismissed beads all together: those things little old ladies wear or that hippy jewelry? (more…)