Polymer Clay Bracelet

Polymer clay bracelet

Materials and Tools:

black Sculpey Premo polymer clay
transparent Liquid Sculpey
PearlEx powders - green, blue, purple
rubber chisel
Bic pen or any inexpensive pen that can be taken apart
empty soda can
Flecto Varathane or Sculpey clay lacquer
pasta machine or roller
Sculpey clay blade

Steps:

1. Condition the black clay and roll it out. Cut the thickness of the bracelet you would like and wrap loosely around the can for the length. Trim this piece of clay to the diameter of the can. Trim the edges at 45 degrees to allow for overlap.Wrap the clay around the can and butt the two ends up with the overlaps. Rub lightly with your finger to smooth out and firm the joint.

2.Texture the edges of the piece of clay with a subtle texture. Cut another smaller-width piece of clay for the top textured portion. Attach this piece of clay to the center of the textured piece, using transparent Liquid Sculpey clay as a gluing agent. Make sure the two joints are not on top of each other.

3. Designate areas for different patterns with the back of a clay blade. Now take the pen apart and begin using the various parts of the pen to fill in the areas with patterns. The ink tip makes small holes, the opposite end of the ink barrel makes small circles and the outside barrel portion makes large circles. Use the back of the blade to add straight lines and checkerboard patterns.

4. Once the entire length has patterns, apply the PearlEx . Dip the clay shaper into the PearlEx and tap the rubber mallet on the top of the jar to remove as much excess possible.

5. Bake the bracelet at the temperature/time recommended on the clay wrapper. Let the piece cool in the oven. To remove the bracelet from the can, simply twist and crumple the can and the bracelet will pop off.

6. Lightly coat the PearlEx with either a very small amount Varathane or Sculpey lacquer to seal it. Using too much of either product will cause the bracelet to turn cloudy.

Tips:

• Use small rubber stamps to emboss patterns onto the clay. Use PearlEx on the stamp to add color and to act as a mold-release.

• Experiment with a variety of patterns and textures you find around the house.