Tuesday, July 5, 2016

My Polymer Clay Geometric Beads

Tube bead by BayMoonDesign
I am taking an online class "Polymer Clay Cane Design Boot Camp" by artist Heather Powers.  I just finished the first class where we made a flower cane.  When I saw the cane, I considered not even trying to make it.  I was convinced that I couldn't do it. The flower cane was made up of geometric patterns--triangles and circles and it looked very difficult.  I am glad that I gave it a try. I ended up with a tube bead and half dozen round beads.

Round Beads by BayMoonDesign
After we made the flower cane, we used a technique called "millefiori", which means "a thousand flowers". The technique involves taking a single slice of the cane and decorating a bead with the veneer of slices. This looked very scary too, but I was able to accomplish this too.  My beads are certainly not perfect, but I was amazed I even ended up with beads that looked like they were suppose to look. 

One thing I need to work on is reducing the size of my cane.  My beads turned out a little large than I would have liked.  Hopefully the next batch will yield more beads that are smaller.  I would also like to make a lentil which looked too imposing to even try.

I am pretty happy with my results.  What do you think of them?


9 comments:

  1. You did a great job!!! Just jump in and try each project, don't be afraid - it's only clay. I love seeing how you are moving along with the class. Have fun!!!

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  2. I love reading a post about your progress! Your beads look great. I look forward to seeing more work.

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    1. Ann-Thank you! I am very happy that they turned out the way they did on first attempt of that cane.

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  3. Good for you trying something new! You've got to start somewhere... I think they look pretty darn good!

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  4. They're beautiful, so much detail!! Wonderful work!

    Laura xo

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  5. I have watched videos about making polymer clay beads and, frankly, think I can't do it. But your post was very encouraging and seeing the results, I just might decide to try it when the occasion presents itself :)

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  6. You owe it to yourself to give it a try. If I can do it, I am pretty sure you can!

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