New Bead Designs

I've been inspired by my Beady Muse and she's ready to make beads. Here's what she's come up with lately. Round, flat and in between there's clay and paint flying around everywhere. I've converted my mixed media studio into my bead studio. Packed away my canvas and paint brushes (well not all the paint brushes...saved some to use for painting beads of course). Mixed media art is so me. I have a hard time focusing on one medium for extended lengths of time. So, combining several hobbies into one is perfect. With polymer clay you can sculpt, paint and bead all at one time. What could be better.
Here are a few of my latest creations with clay. Simple pendants with a faux finish resembling tile pendants (oh to work with ceramics, if only I could afford a kiln...sigh). Versatile focal beads as a point of interest for a chic necklace design on chain, string or ribbon. Elegant yet simple is my motto.

Beads of Clay Slideshow...Beautiful Bead Creation

New Polymer Clay Bead Designs

This past week I've been concentrating on working with my clay trying to churn out some unique pieces to add to my jewelry designs. Here's a couple of pieces that I've come up with so far. The owl bead was hand formed and sculpted. I used a pc tool and an old pen that no longer writes to add the intricate carvings for the face and body. The pendant was formed by cutting a circle shape with my clay cutter. Then I stamped it with one of my fav rubber stamps. After baking I used acrylic paint to add highlighs and lowlights. The bird pendant was varnished with Sculpey Glaze. I don't think I'm going to varnish the owl. I like the earthiness of the matte finish on him.

Varnishing Your Polymer Clay Beads and Pendants

After taking a year off I've once again picked up my clay and am back at the drawing board. This pendant was created with white Sculpey clay. I then stamped it with a rubber stamp, baked it and added paint to enhance the stamped surface. My past experience with varnishing my clay pendants did not turn out so well. I have tried many different types of varnishes from store bought clay varnishes to clear finger nail polish (which does NOT work). My varnishes always left my pieces sticky. I found an excellent link on how to varnish your polymer clay beads and pendants JaedWorks. For this pendant I want a natural matte organic finish with no gloss. I am going to try some of the suggestions by Jaedworks and see what happens.

Grand Opening New Bead Shop

Grand opening of Mermaid Beach Bead Studio on etsy. Stop by and take a look I am selling handmade polymer clay beads, pendants and jewelry designs. Check it out at Mermaid Beach Bead Studio