Polymer Clay Southwestern Enamel Look Bracelet Tutorial

Join me in my studio as we create this southwestern themed polymer clay bracelet embellished with a silver metal button.  We'll use embossing powders to give an enamel effect and add color and texture.  The embossing powder gives the piece a rustic and well-worn look.  This two part video series gives you step by step instructions on how to make this bracelet.  See end of post for materials/tools list.

I like to add metal to my jewelry but not being a metalsmith, I need to find creative ways to get the luster and weight of metal into my designs.  In this piece, I'm using metal buttons easily sourced from fabric stores and on-line.  There are so many styles and finishes that I'm sure you'll find something to add interest to your pieces. Try this technique but be sure to add wire to create an anchor so the button won't fall out.  If the button is a shank style, you may have to cut the shank down with heavy duty wire cutters.  You'll still want to wrap wire around the remaining part of the shank to secure it.

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Materials

Polymer Clay – ½ pkg each, Premo! Bronze and Burnt Umber

Genesis Thick Medium Extender or Liquid Clay

Embossing powders – your choice of colors

Burnt Umber paint

Metal Button – 3/4” – 1 ea

Wire - 24ga – 1-1/2”

Eyelets – 1/4” – 2 ea

Bracelet finding with clasp to fit – 1 ea

Varathane gloss waterbased polyurethane
Plastic wrap (optional for beveled edge)

Tools

Pasta Machine

Oven

Glass vase or other to make curve in clay

Cutter – teardrop – 3/4”

Cutter - round cutter – 1/4”

Bamboo skewer

Oval cutter or paper template – 2-1/2”

Texture sheet or coarse sandpaper

Paint brushes to apply paint and embossing powder

Pliers – chain nose