Here are some photos of my latest 'test' beads in coral hues. I just received my crackle glaze this week and am so excited to start using it in my designs. It adds a totally different look to the beads. Kind of looks like a faux raku fired bead. I like to stain the crackle with a bit of distress ink to add a vintage effect. I'm still playing with my crackle varnish but I'll post more pics as I get them.
New faux ceramic clay design...."My Heart Shall Beat Because of You". This is a new pendant design finished in a copper glaze. I love using my glazes to create that beautiful faux ceramic effect. One day I hope to get my own kiln and work in ceramics but for now I'm content just copying the look in the clay:)
I ran across this website awhile back on Polymerclay Web (Chatty Charms) which inspired me to make my own word beads/pendants. I used the basic idea presented in that tutorial using various colors of base clays (mostley browns and blues). Then I stamped my images and text into the clay and baked. Once completed I embellished them with various thin coats of acrylic paints (in layers). The techniques in the link are excellent resources for more information on how to create word pendant. These little pendants are totally addictive to make. 
Here's the results of my glaze experiments for the day. The first pendant (lotus blossom) is the new glaze technique. I used Triple Thick Gloss Glaze by Decoart. I mixed a bit of my ink tint in with it for the color. I'm really happy with the outcome. It's actually just a bit more shiney using this glaze than my usual Studio by Sculpey Glossy Glaze (this glaze has been discontinued by Polyform). The second picture of the square heart is the Studio by Sculpey Glossy Glaze (which will always be my fav). They look fairly similar. I am hoping for the same results in my other designs. I'll post pics as I go.
I was so disturbed to learn that Studio by Sculpey Glossy Glaze is no longer being manufactured. My supply was getting low so I had looked for it at Michael's & Hobby Lobby on my last few trips. To my dismay, I couldn't find it at either location. I figured they were just out of it. After several months of not finding it I searched online and alas, I discovered that they don't make it anymore. GRRRRRR!!! That was an essential part of my design process. It was how I got my faux ceramic effect and it's not available any longer. I read that Polyform is not going to replace it with anything comparible either. Now, it's back to the drawing board. I've got to find a comparible product to achieve the same effects. Here's a great post from Garie International on a comparison between Translucent Liquid Sculpey, Kato Liquid Polyclay and Fimo Deko Gel. I've never heard of Fimo Deko Gel but it seems to be the best of the three for my purposes. I am still hoping that Polyform will change there minds and put it back out there (even if it's in a new package). Until then, I am forced to find a new source.....SIGH!TraceyReneeDesign's photostream on Flickr.
Art beads in polymer clay.
I found a great tip on one of my fav polymer clay sites beadsandbeading.com on the topic of glazing your polymer clay beads. This is a great tutorial beadsdbeading.com, (I positively have to get this tutorial). I have been using Sculpey Studio Glossy Glaze for several years now with no problems. I can add my own color blends with my alcohol inks and it mixes up nicely. However, I do not care for regular Sculpey Glaze...it has a totally different texture to it (to me). I've never tried the Future floor polish or Varathane (simply because I have not been able to find any locally). Still keeping my eyes peeled for some though....always up for new techniques and ideas. Here's a few pics of my latest designs.
