#pawgustart - SWD Polymer Clay Tutorial - Birdcage Necklace

Here’s a fun project using an embossing folder that scrapbookers and mixed media artists use.  The design is by Darice and it has 5 different birdcage designs.  I loved the design and since it has birds, it fits the theme for this month’s YouTube Creative Arts Collaboration event.  Go on YouTube and search for #pawgustart to see all the videos by the over 300 artists in the group.

In this project we’ll make a birdcage necklace using polymer clay.  We’ll make bead dangles to enhance the design and basic jewelry making tools and materials.  Right after the video is the tools/materials list.  Hope you enjoy this project.

 

Tools

Pasta machine

Acrylic rod

Embossing folder – Darice Birdcage

Craft knife

Baking tile

Oven

Jewelry pliers

Paint brush

Sanding container

Drill or needle tool – drill bit size to fit jump rings

Materials

Polymer clay – just over half block of Sculpey Premo! silver or clay of your choice, just make sure it’s strong enough for jewelry

Paint – black

Sandpaper – 240 and 400 grit wet/dry

Beads – jet black briolette beads – large 8 ea, small 16 ea

Bead caps to fit briolette – 24 ea

Jump rings – 18 ea - 6mm (approx.); 8 ea – 3mm (approx.)

Head pins – 24 ea

Varathane or other gloss sealer – optional

Chain – 7” (approx.)

Clasp – toggle or other

Polymer Clay Birdhouse with Gnome

My first attempt to cover wood with polymer clay and my first sculpted figure.

A co-worker had made birdhouses from reclaimed wood and offered a couple of them.  He has a love of garden gnomes so in exchange, I created this fanciful piece with a purple roof, grass, flowers, a blue bird and of course, the garden gnome.



Turned out great.  Here's the pictures.