Seed Bead Pin

Figure A

Steps:

1. The thickness of the backing sheet of clay will be dictated by the size of the seed beads. I've used number 11 seed beads and rolled a sheet of clay through the number 5 setting of my Atlas machine. The goal is for the clay sheet to be a bit more than half the height of the seed bead when it is placed flat.

2. Apply a thin coat of Kato Clear Medium to the backing sheet. The liquid will hold and secure the beads in the clay, making it less likely they will fall out of the cured clay.

3. Lightly scribe the pattern onto the clay sheet.

Figure B

4. Beginning at the center of the clay sheet, pick up the seed beads, one at a time; position them and then press them into the clay sheet.

5. When the pattern is complete, cut the edges of the clay away; if necessary, add more beads to fill blank spaces. Bake this piece in the oven at 275 degrees for 20 minutes. Leave it on the ceramic tile to cool.

Figure D

6. Roll a medium thick sheet of black clay. Lift the clay with the seed beads off the ceramic tile. Apply a small amount of clear medium to the back of the piece, then press it down into the clay sheet.

7. Roll a sheet of clay through the thickest setting of the pasta machine and, from it, cut as many 1/2-inch strips as there are sides of the focal piece.

8. Turn a strip over and wrap it along one side of the beaded piece.

Figure E

9. Cut and remove any of the clay strip that extends beyond the beaded piece. Do not cut straight down through the strip; move the blade slightly beyond and cut back to create a clay undercut. Pick up another strip and turn it over. Press this strip to the next side of the beaded piece. Repeat this process until the sides are wrapped with the strips. Using your fingers, smooth the seams at the corners.

Figure G

10. Spray the blade with water and free-cut the shape of the pin. With the piece still on the tile, smooth the sides of the piece with your fingers or a smooth, flat sculpting tool. Bake this piece in the oven at 275 degrees for an additional 40 minutes.

Figure I

Finishing:

1. Lift the cured and cool piece from the ceramic tile.
2. Sand the front of the piece with a fine grit sanding block. Sand the sides and bottom with a medium grit sanding block and then the fine grit block.
3. Using Polybonder glue, glue the pin finding to the back of the piece. Roll a thin sheet of black and cut a strip the same width as the flat part of the pin finding. Cut a piece from the strip and cover the flat part of the pin back. Bake again, face down on polyester quilt batting, for 20 minutes.
4. When the piece is cool, buff on the soft cotton cloth.