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Polymer Clay Jewelry
the chameleon of jewelry art
© 2005 by Christine Haynes; all rights reserved
Polymer clay is, as the name implies, a pliable, blendable polymer compound for artists and crafters. It's not a true clay - it's a manmade material that remains pliable for long periods, but bakes or "cures" in a conventional oven at fairly low temperatures. You can sculpt it, carve it, stamp it, texture it, sand it, buff it, paint it, and build with it to create almost anything, including jewelry. A veneer of polymer clay can cover anything (as long as it won't melt or burn at the low firing temperatures): wooden boxes, picture frames, mirrors, tableware. In jewelry, polymer clay can be used to make beads, pendants, bracelets, and neckpieces. Small sculptures and buttons are other possibilities. What makes this material special is its versatility. It comes in dozens of colors, and you can blend clays together like paints to make your own colors. Because of this, artists have developed techniques to give polymer clay the appearance of granite, jade, amber, coral, turquoise, and ivory - and its flexibility means you can make pieces in shapes and sizes that wouldn't be possible using actual stone. Polymer clay is easy to care for, and items created with it are quite sturdy - especially in a bulky state such as large sculpture. However, it should be noted that thin, small items can be fragile and prone to breakage. Also, if exposed to direct sunlight, it will fade somewhat over time. Polymer clay jewelry and beads do not require special precautions. They can be sanded and polished or sealed with an acrylic glaze to make them more durable. Cleaning is easy - simply wipe with a clean, dry cloth. Polymer clay is not new to the mainstream jewelry designing world. Many jewelry artists have simply kept this versatile material as their little secret - but the cat had to come out of the bag at some point. I first heard whispers of polymer clay about 10 years ago when I first started designing beaded jewelry. However, I have only recently begun using it in my jewelry craft. What was I waiting for?! Now that I have gotten hold of it - or should I say now that it has gotten hold of me - I am hooked! And I have many exciting designs to share as a result of my new addiction. No, I will not be clearing all the beads and crystals out of my studio - no way - I'm not called the bead girl for nothing! But I'm happy to welcome the joy, versatility and design options that polymer clay brings to my work. A nice marriage and I look forward to many, many happy years together. I am pleased with a new line of pendants, earrings and fun funky pins that have been born out of my new-found relationship with polymer clay.
Author Christine Haynes is the owner and designer of Christine's Creations jewelry. She started designing jewelry as a hobby ten years ago, giving it all away as gifts to friends and family - and then one day a co-worker offered to buy a necklace she was wearing right off her neck! Christine sold her co-worker the piece (a strand of about 15 large faux pearls floating on wire) and in time her work blossomed into her jewelry design company. She is known for her colorful necklace, bracelet, and earring designs, as well as the occasional ring, pendant, bookmark etc.,incorporating multi-colored gems, sterling silver and the unusual (ribbon, lace, leather, wire) in extraordinary, wearable art.Return to top of Polymer Clay Jewelry. Return to Bead and Jewelry Supplies and Tools. Return to Home Jewelry Business Success Tips home page.
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