Unique Polymer Clay Jewelry – A How To

The artistry of polymer clay jewelry

I discovered the art form of polymer clay jewelry a little over a year ago. It captured my interest because it combines sculpting and painting into almost unlimited shapes and designs. It is very colorful, durable, and light weight.

Some of the most eye catching themes that I have personally seen include a musical instruments design of earrings and pendants adorned by images of banjo, saxophone, guitar, fiddle, or mandolin. Another favorite set is based on Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”.

It’s called clay only because it is malleable and pliable. It is actually a material based on the polymer polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This is the same type of plastic used in plumbing pipes. It usually contains no clay minerals, and its texture and working properties resemble those of mineral clay. People should definitely be checking out polymer clay jewelry as it is stylish, attention grabbing, and inexpensive.

Jewelry making can range from the simple to the extravagant. While some artists create a wide variety of different types of jewelry, there are others that hone their skills and focus on a specialty. Some polymer clay artists are so talented that their finished work, so intricately and finely detailed, can look like it was done by a machine. Developing a personal style is what gives this jewelry its attraction and differentiates it from all other polymer clay pieces. So when people are looking for particular theme they will begin to associate it with the artist who has developed a niche for that theme.

Many of the tools and supplies you will need can be found in your kitchen such as a cutting board, knife, and rolling pin. Remember that if you use a utensil for polymer clay you can no longer use it for food; so, make sure you keep your clay equipment separate from your food equipment. Pick an area to work in so you can roll out your clay. Once you really get into polymer clay you will probably want to invest in a pasta machine. However, in the beginning you can put the clay between two pieces of wax paper and roll it flat with a rolling pin. If a polymer clay artist has not set up a studio the kitchen counter works best when rolling out the clay.

Once you roll out your clay, you need a surface to cut, shape, and form your clay. You can use a cutting board. After you have assembled your polymer clay creation, you will need to bake it in an oven. Cover an old cookie sheet with foil and use your regular oven. Some polymer clay artists use a toaster oven for baking the clay.

Finally, if you want to put some sort of protective coating on your clay to protect it, such as lacquer, you will want to have some ventilation in the room. Make sure you have a place the pieces can safely dry without being disturbed. Then sit back and smile because you will have created your own eye catching ready to wear polymer clay jewelry.