This tutorial illustrates how to apply a 2-part resin coating to the top surface of 3 Different Types of Pendants:

• Flat, smooth pendants, Steps 1-12
• Raised textured pendants, Steps 13-15
• Curved Pendants, Steps 16-19
• Adding a second coat of resin, Steps 20-21

I just released my third Tutorial, I thought I’d never finish this one! It has 35 pages & 61 Photos. The photos are close-ups, so you can easily follow the step by step format. The reason I decided to write this particular tutorial is that I’ve had so many customers & folks on my fan page ask me “How do you get that shine on your pendants”? Now, you can find out the steps I take to get that great domed effect & fabulous shine on the most difficult to cover projects like the Raised Surface Pendants, I make in my Cabochon Pendant Tutorial! This is the way I found that works best for me, and I get perfect results every time.
You can find my newest tutorial in my Etsy Shop Beadazzle Me

My latest creation is a Polymer clay bangle made of 100% Premo clay. Done in the Mokume Gane technique, of impressing & slicing off thin layers. My inspiration was the John Ringling home in Sarasota Florida. Using the rich colors seen throughout the Venetian style mansion.

The Ringlings’ dazzling palatial mansion is a tribute to the American Dream and reflects the splendor and romance of Italy.
The homes name Ca’ d’Zan, meaning House of John, has 56 incredible rooms filled with art and original furnishings. With its Venetian Gothic architecture, the mansion is a combination of the grandeur of Venice’s Doge’s Palace, combined with the gothic grace of Cà d’Oro, with Sarasota Bay serving as its Grand Canal.  We are fortunate enough to live near the mansion, and take frequent boat trips that offer a birds eye view of the Palazzo.  It’s a lovely spot on the Bay, where we also see many Manatees.

The colors used throughout the home reflect
the Ringlings’ love of the circus, and the vibrant blues, greens, oranges & red hues, commonly seen in the circus world.

John Ringling’s’ Bedroom

 I’ve discovered something lately, when I just lose myself in what I’m creating, it seems to come out better.  In other words, don’t plan the design beforehand, just let it happen! Whatever clay scraps or canes are in front of me, that’s what I use, it’s a very relaxed approach. Most of the time I have the TV on, I am a big fan of  I Love Lucy, so I watch a few of those episodes on the DVR, or there’s always something interesting on HGTV. This new, more relaxed attitude does have it’s drawbacks, most of the time I have no idea how I made the piece.

My latest project involves layering, with translucent clay, rainbow foils, and pearl canes.  After I bake the pendant & it’s hot out of the oven, I plunge it in a bowl of ice water.  This seems to help with the clarity in the layering.  After that I start my sanding! I usually use about 3 different grades of wet sandpaper.  I always follow that with a vigorous buffing on a microfiber dish towel. Then a nice thick layer of Enviro-tex lite resin, to bring out the colors and the depth.

Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes.  Art is knowing which ones to keep.  ~Scott Adams

 I am thrilled to be featured on Polymer Clay Daily by Cynthia Tinapple! Thank you, I am honored to be included with so many talented polymer clay artists.

This is what I’m working on in my studio right now. I love anything that goes with Denim! Jeans are my everyday uniform:) This distressed-look pendant is perfect with the latest torn, or holey jean style, that is so popular right now.

 

Now Available in my Etsy Shop

Introducing my 2nd Polymer Clay Tutorial.

This one is called “How to Create Cabochon Pendants”. It is a step-by-step guide, including 42 color photos, 28 pages. Also contains, a Gallery
of completed projects, and a helpful Q& A Tips section!
This is a 2-part tutorial, it’s like getting 2 tutorials in one!

 

The Tutorial is available

in my Etsy Shop

 

This Pendant was made for Breast Cancer Awareness

I thought I would try using my own version of the Mokume Gane technique, which consists of 3 basic ingredients, White Fimo, Alcohol inks & silver leaf. I was surprised & pleased with the results. I think it resembles some type of rock formation, or maybe a landscape?

I made the bracelet with thin shavings from my Mokume Gane block. I also added spacer beads made from translucent cane slices, inked to match.

I was in the mood to make some unique Polymer Clay Canes. I wanted something that would resemble a fine-line pen & ink drawing, but would be tiny enough to use on a 8, 10 or 12mm bead. I came up with this flower & vine idea.  The raw cane was approximately 4.5″ in diameter when I finished it. I forgot just how much clay is used in the process! I need to re-stock my White Fimo!

Polymer Clay 4-strand Sterling Silver Chain  Baubles Bracelet. Made with very tiny 5mm-8mm-10mm handmade beads. I discovered that creating a bracelet with these extremely small beads is painstaking work, especially with the arthritis in my hands.

Light as a feather, Bauble Earrings, done in Sterling silver

Polymer clay pendant with Resin coating

 

Rest in Peace dear friend, companion, confidante.  We enjoyed your sweet face everyday for 13 years. You will be missed, but the memories you left behind will last forever in our hearts.

 

“We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.”

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”

Dogs…do not ruin their sleep worrying about how to keep the objects they have, and to obtain the objects they have not. There is nothing of value they have to bequeath except their love and their faith.

Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

“Not the least hard thing to bear when they go from us, these quiet friends, is that they carry away with them so many years of our own lives.”

“Don’t cry because it’s over, Smile because it happened.”
~Dr. Seuss

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.

Pets are our close companions because they provide love, comfort, safety, warmth, levity, wonder, laughter,happiness and friendship. Pets teach us to have more patience with life and to enjoy the simple things.

Me holding Teenie

RIP August 2011   We love you Teenie     “… what we have enjoyed, we can never lose … all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.for  my Whitney

I’ve had many customer requests to create flat-backed Cabochons for use in jewelry making. Here is my latest batch! I love experimenting with different color combos and shapes. Hope you like my new Cabs:)

Check out my Etsy Shop for the new arrivals!