Polymer Clay Inspirations

I’m an instant gratification kind of gal and after trying so many different media and exploring clay in so many ways, I was delighted to discover polymer clay. A few years ago I began working with it, but it wasn’t until I began taking classes and tutorials and became inspired by other polymer clay artists, that I dove in with both feet.

My initial problem was bright colors. I love bright colors but somehow, because my jewelry is more natural or organic, I didn’t think that I could work with polymer clay and stay true to my inspirations. I found a tutorial by Cindy Lietz, on Faux Carved Beads that really helped me to see that it could really take on an organic look. The tutorial shows excellent carving techniques and also how to use paint to highlight the recesses and age the piece. I also discovered the more muted, suede-like Studio by Sculpey polymer clay that incorporated well into my designs.

I put this together with some of my copper, wire wrapping and also began forging my own clasps, a technique also inspired by one of Cindy’s tutorials on Hammered Copper Wire findings–which was honestly the beginning of my love of metal (I have now taken several metalsmithing classes and love it). That really gives my necklaces and neck collars that finishing touch and makes my pieces truly entirely handmade.

Below are some photos of some of my polymer clay neck collars and necklaces:

Mountain Fossil Necklace

Mountain Mud Necklace

Blue Mud Necklace

These necklaces were some of my larger pieces that were perhaps less functional and more “artsy.” I’m working on adapting these into some smaller versions and also offer earrings as well.

test Filed under Inspirations & Musings | Tags: antiqued polymer clay, faux carved beads, organic look for polymer clay, polymer clay, polymer clay necklace, polymer clay tutorials, studio by sculpey | Comments (4)