The project for today is a spring themed pendant made with polymer clay that has been “painted” using Smooch Accent Ink…
Don’t worry if you’ve never worked with polymer clay before, this project is quick and easy to make and I used stamping tools instead of specialized clay tools to create it. I’ve also included photos of each of the steps in the directions to make it even easier.
I wanted the pendant to have a vintage look, so I “stained” the clay with black Crafter’s Ink after I’d “smooched” it.
Here is a closeup of the pendant itself…
A bail and a piece of leather cording was all I needed to complete the project. You could also make a set of matching earrings to go with your pendant if you like. Just roll 12pter, thinner balls of clay and make sure that you emboss with one of the 12pter butterflies that are on the molding mat.
You could use these same techniques to create embellishments for other types of projects too. Like making a larger piece to adhere to an altered journal or composition book, or roll the clay thinner to create something to use on a scrapbook page.
Here are the supplies and instructions to create your own unique piece of jewelry…
“Vintage Spring ” pendant necklace
Skill Level: easy to moderate
SUPPLIES:
Clearsnap: Stylus Molding Mat: Flutter By, Smooch Accent Ink: Silver Fox, Carrot, Kiwi and Sundance, Crafter’s High Top Ink Pad: Black and ColorBox Stylus Handle with white blender tip
Indus Trading Company: Deerskin Lace – 1/8” black
Other: Plaid: Forged: metal findings – multi bales and Polymer Clay: beige
Tools: 2 large acrylic blocks {at least 3 X 3}, Static Away or Cornstarch, Paper Towels and wood skewer {or something to punch hole in pendant with}
DIRECTIONS:
1) Condition clay according to package directions. Then pinch off 2 rows of clay and roll into a ball about 1 ¼” in diameter.
2) Dust the tops of 2 acrylic blocks LIGHTLY with Static Away or cornstarch; then place ball on one block and place the other, dusted side down on top of ball. Then press on top block using light even pressure until ball is flattened to about 1/8”. {Don’t worry if there is some slight cracking at the edges, you can fix that. And don’t worry if your pendant isn’t exactly round either}
3) Smooch the edges of the circle and gently push together any cracks using your fingers.
4) Place pendant back on the dusted surface of one of the blocks. Lightly dust your molding mat, then place the mat face down on top of the pendant. Place other acrylic block on top of mat to sandwich the clay and molding mat between the two blocks.
Then, using light even pressure, press down on the top block to impress the design into the clay. {Don’t press TOO hard!} Remove top block and peel away edge of molding mat to check design. If the design isn’t deep enough, replace mat and block and press again.
5) Carefully remove pendant from block and punch hole at top for bail. Then bake as directed on package. {I placed mine on a foil lined cookie sheet}
6) Once pendant has backed and cooled, you are ready to “smooch” it. Paint in embossed designs as you like…
Until all of the recessed designs have been painted in…
then set aside for about 15 minutes or until Smooch has dried completely before going on to next step.
7) Use black Crafter’s Ink applied using Stylus Handle and blender top to “stain” the pendant, front, back and sides. To do dip foam tip in ink pad, then gently rub onto pendant in a circular pattern…
Once you have covered the entire pendant, gently wipe excess ink off using a clean, white paper towel and set aside for about 15 - 20 minutes to dry.
8) Insert bail in hole and thread your lacing though. Finish ends as you like; I just left mine to tie so I could adjust the length.
wear and enjoy!
---tami
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