Holiday Ornaments in Polymer Clay

Every year I like to make a little something for friends and family.  Last year I made wine toppers!  

This year I was on a mission to make some ornaments.  Not only for gifts, but I wanted to put some in the galleries I am in.  

I am so thrilled with how they turned out.  Honestly, these are ornaments I'd hang in my window to keep all year long (and yes, I did keep a couple for myself!!)

I used polymer clay, wire, wooly wire for color pop accents, and gemstones, art beads and such to create them.  It was REALLY fun!  

Here is a peek at some of them, but for a full gallery, visit my Facebook page (message me if you are interested in any)
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.915737905163117.1073741878.214196618650586&type=3

I am going to list them on Facebook in an event this afternoon for anyone who is interested.  They are decorated on both sides, measure about 2" x 6.5" (each is a little different).

Here is a close up of a few with their backs shown.  They all have crackle on them and a matte finish which I love!!

If you want to learn to paint polymer like these are, with the crackle finish, you can purchase my tutorial here
http://www.stacilouiseoriginals.com/product/not-part-sale-painting-polymer-crackle-technique-tutorial

Happy HOlidays!  I hope everyone is having a chance to create some handmade happy to spread with loved ones this year!!!

Rounding the Corner

When you make beads and components, no matter what medium they are, there is a lot of steps from start to finish.

I have been making beads for weeks, but have none ready to sell at my upcoming show.

As for my polymer, first I make, mold, shape, finish edges, and add dots and divets to all my pieces one by one, and then they get cured in the toaster oven.  But they are naked- and unpainted.

These all need to get painted yet.

I feel like a rounded a corner though, because the last of the polymer and metal clay have been made, and now I can start finishing things.

Yesterday I made the last two loads of metal clay and fired them, and then I got to start on the base of my doodle and scrimshaw beads.

Each of my polymer beads get at least 3 layers of paints, plus 2-4 coats of sealer.  that's a lot of drying time in between!!!!  so it feels good to know I may start on painting today with only 2 weeks to showtime.

I am also almost done carving my black beads, and I never get tired of this look.  they are some of my favorites

Then I have all this metal.  These need a copper backing cut out and textured and then get riveted to it.

All the metal is fired, tumbled and then I still need to antique it, and hand polish each piece, and then seal them with 1-2 coats of sealer.

This is the huge pile of bronze earrings I have to do

Another pile of bronze

Bronze waiting to be cleaned and tumbled

copper clay that is done (I still have a batch tumbling now too)

So today I may begin painting, which will ease some anxieties.  

 So I feel I have rounded that corner, and am on the road to completed beads.  

Now lets all pray for NO SNOW the weekend of the Berks Bead Bazaar March 1st & 2nd!  

Process

With my first bead show of the year around the corner, litterally, I am surrounded by beads in all stages of completion.  (It is the Berks Bead Bazzar in Reading pa if you are local, come on out, its a wonderful show- not too big, but has the best selection of what you need)

 

I have been posting a lot of process pics on facebook, and thought I'd catch you all up here.

 

Here are some beads getting their first layer of paint.  I use many layers to create depth and warmth in my beads.  Some are still "naked" to show you the before.

 

 

Here they are finished.  These are some of the little guys that were sent off to the Bead Cruise by Heather Powers. (you will find me under the sponsors for the cruise- something new for me this year)

 

 

And here they are all packed up for the Bead Cruise

 

 

 

Here are some first layer shots of my color polymer

 

 

 

And here is that last pic after the second layer of paint

 

 

And here are some samples of finished beads

 

 

I also made these bead sets that have my earthy mix of polymer beads along with sea glass and gemstones. 

 

Here is the earthy mix before they were made into sets

 

 

And here are the sets

 

 

 

And then there is the metal work, which is what I am currently working on finishing and sealing

 

 

There is so much more to do to be ready.  I really hope I can't get it all done without wearing myself out.  With all the colds and such this time of year, wearing myself down is a guarenteed illness.  So I will keep plugging away, and going to bed on time ;)  Hopefully I will see you at Berks!!!

 

AND- after the show, I will be having a giveaway that Friday, March 8th- so stay tuned!!!