Polymer Clay Tutorial Buttons Buttons Buttons

Learn to make polymer clay buttons with regular button holes and two ways to make shank buttons.  This is such a fun project to make custom buttons to match a fabric, purse, special outfit or use in button jewelry and mixed media projects.  Hope you enjoy.

DIY Marking Template Video:  https://youtu.be/CTfJIOETth4

PRODUCTS
Some of the following are affiliate links to products used in this video.  By using these links I receive a small commission (no extra charge to you) which helps support me in bringing you new videos each week.  Thank you!

20 Kemper Clay Cutters -- Circle, Teardrop, Square, Heart - various sizes
http://amzn.to/1NTNr5R

Makin's USA Clay Cutters, Heart, 3 Per Package
http://amzn.to/1qQTYTw

Darice Embossing Folder, 4.25 by 5.75-Inch, Henna
http://amzn.to/25ofgaF

Jacquard Pearl EX Set (Series 2)
http://amzn.to/1TOmMaR

Button shank 10mm round, silver plate
http://www.firemountaingems.com/itemdetails/h207826fn


Visit Sweet Willow Designs' Amazon Store for the great products I use in my studio - http://astore.amazon.com/sweewilldesi-20

SUBSCRIBE:
Subscribe to my Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/c/SweetWillowDesigns?sub_confirmation=1

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SweetWillowDsgn
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/SweetWillowDsgn
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/search?q=SweetWillowDsgn
Blog:
http://www.sweetwillowdesigns.blogspot.com

Disclosure:  All opinions are my own.  I participate in several affiliate programs. That means I receive a commission when products are purchased through links posted on my videos. (At NO additional cost to you.) This allows me to bring you more videos!  This is how I earn compensation by sharing tips, techniques and projects with you.  The affiliate programs I use include Simon Says Stamp, Amazon and Michaels.  These are stores I shop at for the products I use.

Polymer Clay Tutorial "Go Fish" Bright and Colorful Fish Pendant #LoveSummerArt

Polymer clay fish pendant.  Learn to make a colorful fish with fun movement.  This polymer clay project is a great way to add movement and playfulness to your jewelry wardrobe.  Clay, eye pins, jump rings, basic tools and a bright cord are all the supplies you'll need.  Check out all the great videos in the #LoveSummerArt series by the artists of the Creative Arts Collaboration group.

GREAT STUDIO PRODUCTS:

The links go through my Amazon Affiliate program, and you support my channel when using them. 

Sculpey Clay Slicer:  Includes ripple blade - http://amzn.to/1WLixzH

Kemper Cutters:  5/16" size - http://amzn.to/1NFBBfx

Visit Sweet Willow Designs' Amazon Store for the great products I use in my studio - http://astore.amazon.com/sweewilldesi-20

SUBSCRIBE:

Subscribe to my Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/c/SweetWillowDesigns?sub_confirmation=1

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/SweetWillowDsgn

Pinterest: 

https://www.pinterest.com/SweetWillowDsgn

Twitter:  

https://twitter.com/search?q=SweetWillowDsgn

Blog:  

http://www.sweetwillowdesigns.blogspot.com

Disclosure:  All opinions are my own.  I participate in several affiliate programs. That means I receive a commission when products are purchased through links posted on my videos. (At NO additional cost to you.) This allows me to bring you more videos!  This is how I earn compensation by sharing tips, techniques and projects with you.  The affiliate programs I use include Simon Says Stamp, Amazon and Michaels.  These are stores I shop at for the products I use.

Polymer Clay Interchangeable Bracelet - How to Make a Polymer Clay Interchangeable Bracelet

Hi All, Thanks for joining me in my studio.  Learn now to make a handmade polymer clay interchangeable bracelet in this video tutorial.  We'll use a leather bracelet and make our own unique bracelet components to change out the look of our bracelet.  Learn to make the bracelet component, use jump rings as the connectors, add pearlescent powders or acrylic paint to add unique, colorful patinas.

This is a great project to use with the teenagers/tweens.  You can create all kinds of fun accessories with this tutorial.  Hope you enjoy.

Jacquard Pearl Ex Powder Set 2:  http://amzn.to/249EOYD
Beads Leather Bracelet - Turquoise:  http://goo.gl/Z6TMoq
Ateco Oval Cutters:  http://amzn.to/23P0H2p
Ateco Round Cutters:  http://amzn.to/22UBTAr

The links go through my Amazon Affiliate program with no increased cost to you.  Thank you for supporting my channel when using them.

Tools:
Oven
Pasta Machine
Texture sheet or other
Craft Knife
Cutters - Oval (or paper template)
Paint brush

Materials:
Clay
Pearlescent powders
Acrylic paint
Jump rings - 2 ea 6mm
Leather bracelet with lobster claw clasps


Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SweetWillowDsgn
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/SweetWillow...
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/search?q=SweetWil...
Blog:
http://www.sweetwillowdesigns.blogspo...

Disclosure:  All opinions are my own.  I participate in several affiliate programs. That means I receive a commission when products are purchased through links posted on my videos. (At NO additional cost to you.) This allows me to bring you more videos!  This is how I earn compensation by sharing tips, techniques and projects with you.  The affiliate programs I use include Simon Says Stamp, Amazon and Michaels.  These are stores I shop at for the products I use.

How to Make Elegant Polymer Clay Articulated Dangle Earrings

Hi All, thanks for joining me in my studio as we learn how to make these really elegant articulated dangle earrings from polymer clay.  These earrings measure approximately 3-1/2” and have a lot of movement.  Use your own templates or download mine (link to my blog below) for this simple project that has endless design possibilities.  Hope you enjoy.  Thanks for joining me in my studio.  Take care.

Downloadable template:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2h9AZ7gLoZhS1FRU244TmxURjA/view?usp=sharing

Products I used in the video:

Jewelry looping pliers – Wolf Groovy Looping Plier-3 Grooves - PLR-751.00 - http://amzn.to/1UYOaEj  These are great as they have 3 grooves for consistent loops

Texture Sheet –Judikins Clay Squisher 1960s Design - http://amzn.to/1VYAxVp  These go great through the pasta machine!

Texture Sheet - Clay Yo Texture Sheet - http://prairiecraft.com/kato/OSS/CY-TS.html

Stencil sheet – EZ Quilting 882670027 Quilter's Template Plastic Assortment, 6-Piece http://amzn.to/1M6Ishb  The quilters use these but they are so helpful for making templates for polymer clay.

Visit my Amazon store for other great products I use in my studio.

http://astore.amazon.com/sweewilldesi-20

Tools

Oven

Pasta Machine

Craft Knife

Template – see links above to my blog for the template; make this from paper or stencil sheet

Jewelry pliers – round nose and chain nose

Materials

Clay – Premo Black

Texture sheets – Squishers, Kato

Ear wires – 2 ea

Eye pins – 6 ea

Acrylic paint – your choice of colors

Sandpaper

Stencil sheet (optional)

Disclosure:  All opinions are my own.  I participate in several affiliate programs. That means I receive a commission when products are purchased through links posted on my videos. (At NO additional cost to you.) This allows me to bring you more videos!  This is how I earn compensation by sharing tips, techniques and projects with you.  The affiliate programs I use include Simon Says Stamp, Amazon, and Michaels.  These are all stores I shop at for the products I use.

How to Make Polymer Clay Fairy Door Earrings - #CACFantasyArt

Hi All, thanks for joining me in my studio.  Today' we'll make our own portal into the fairy world with the sweet polymer clay fair door earrings.  These simple earrings can be embellished any way you want by changing up the color and beads.

The legend is that these fairy doors are the portal to the fairy world and true believers can enter through these doors.  I hope you enjoy this project. See the tools and materials list below.

Kemper Klay Cutter - 3/16" 4 basic shapes - flower, teardrop, circle and heart  http://amzn.to/1MuNH4W

Visit my Amazon store as a resource for the products I use in my studio.  http://astore.amazon.com/sweewilldesi-20

Tools
Oven
Pasta Machine
Craft blade
Craft knife
Needle tools
Embossing tool
Jewelry pliers - round nose and cutters
Cutters - 3/16" heart and flower; 1" and 3/4" circle

Materials
Clay - Raw Sienna and various colors for flowers.  I use Sculpey Premo!
Paint - Burnt Sienna or other dark brown (optional)
Earring findings - 2 ea of ear wire, ear nut, eye pin and head pin
Beads - 2 ea

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SweetWillowDsgn
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/SweetWillowDsgn
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/search?q=SweetWillowDsgn
Blog:
http://www.sweetwillowdesigns.blogspot.com

Disclosure:  All opinions are my own.  I participate in several affiliate programs. That means I receive a commission when products are purchased through links posted on my videos. (At NO additional cost to you.) This allows me to bring you more videos!  This is how I earn compensation by sharing tips, techniques and projects with you.  The affiliate programs I use include Simon Says Stamp, Amazon, Dick Blick and Michaels.  These are all stores I shop at for the products I use.

How to Make a Polymer Clay Faux Wood Cuff Bracelet - The Polymer Clay Workbench

Subscribe to my Channel:  http://bit.ly/1Ny4aEY

See the first two videos in this series to learn to make the Basic Polymer Clay Cuff and Wood Grain Stack/Cane.  Here are the links to those videos.

Polymer Clay Faux Wood Grain Stack/Cane:
https://youtu.be/csTdM8K59K0
Polymer Clay Basic Cuff Bracelet:
https://youtu.be/KpGkXdwhpS4

Yay!! Here's the Faux Wood Look with Coral Pebble bracelet that reached #1 in the poll.  Let's get started.  In Part 2 of a 2 Part video tutorial, we'll make a polymer clay faux wood and coral pebble cuff bracelet.  Please refer to the video "How to Make a Basic Polymer Clay Cuff Bracelet."   This is one of my favorite bracelets that can  easily  be customized with color or design.  See some of my recommended products and the tools/materials below.  Hope you enjoy and thanks again for joining me in my studio.  Take care.

Build your studio:

Acrylic Roller:  http://amzn.to/1QKRgIa
Clay Blades:  http://amzn.to/1RchgPW
Bracelet Bender (The exact one I use is no longer available.  Here's an inexpensive one of equal quality):  http://amzn.to/1LYmLdu
Aluminum Bracelet Blanks 25 1/2" Pieces:  http://amzn.to/1L7f8GE
Aluminum Bracelet Blanks 25 3/4" Pieces:  http://amzn.to/1LYnifp
Aluminum Bracelet Blanks 144 Pieces:  http://amzn.to/1L7f3mw
Aluminum Bracelet Blank Preformed 5 1/2" pieces (Note:  this doesn't get a great review on Amazon because the reviewer said they were too lightweight - this is what we want!):  http://amzn.to/1TvVTJY
Brass Channel Bracelet Blank 1 5/16" piece:  http://amzn.to/1TeLHF8
Silver plated Channel Bracelet Blank 1 ea .929" channel space:  http://amzn.to/1TeM4zC
Extruder:  http://amzn.to/1X3Dl1i
Plastic Grid Sheets:  http://amzn.to/21Rfsxh
Stencil Plastic:  http://amzn.to/1X32l8U

What I use to make my videos:

Canon Vixia HF R600 Camcorder:  http://amzn.to/1LYnPOo
Studio Lights:  http://amzn.to/1LYnT0C
External Microphone:  http://amzn.to/1RMHrcN

Tools/Materials:
Oven
Pasta machine
Craft knife
Acrylic roller
Clay Blade
Needle tool
Bracelet template
Bracelet blank - 3/4" aluminum
Burnt Umber Paint
Sandpaper - 400 grit (optional)
Sanding bucket/tub
Clay - Sculpey Premo! in Raw Sienna, Translucent, White and Ecru
Round center focal - I used some glass pebbles from the floral section of my local craft store.

See me on my social media sites:

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SweetWillowDsgn
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/SweetWillow...
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/search?q=SweetWil...
Blog:
http://www.sweetwillowdesigns.blogspo...

Disclosure:  I participate in several affiliate programs. That means I receive a commission when products are purchased through links posted on my blog and videos. (At NO additional cost to you.) This allows me to bring you more videos!  This is how I earn compensation by sharing tips, techniques and projects with you.  The affiliate programs I use include Simon Says Stamp, Amazon, and Michaels.  These are all stores I shop at for the products I use.

How to Make a Basic Polymer Clay Cuff Bracelet - The Polymer Clay Workbench

Subscribe to my Channel:  http://bit.ly/1Ny4aEY

Hi All, thanks for joining me in my studio.  This is the second Polymer Clay Workbench.  In this video tutorial, we'll use the bracelet form we made to make a simple, basic cuff.  The construction techniques used in this cuff can be translated into so many different styles with endless options for embellishments.  Stay tuned for the end of the video where there's a poll for the next bracelet project.  Hope you enjoy and thanks again for joining me in my studio.  Take care.

See some of my favorite products below.

Build your studio:

Bracelet Bender (The exact one I use is no longer available.  Here's an inexpensive one of equal quality):  http://amzn.to/1LYmLdu
Aluminum Bracelet Blanks 25 1/2" Pieces:  http://amzn.to/1L7f8GE
Aluminum Bracelet Blanks 25 3/4" Pieces:  http://amzn.to/1LYnifp
Aluminum Bracelet Blanks 144 Pieces:  http://amzn.to/1L7f3mw
Aluminum Bracelet Blank Preformed 5 1/2" pieces (Note:  this doesn't get a great review on Amazon because the reviewer said they were too lightweight - this is what we want!):  http://amzn.to/1TvVTJY
Brass Channel Bracelet Blank 1 5/16" piece:  http://amzn.to/1TeLHF8
Silver plated Channel Bracelet Blank 1 ea .929" channel space:  http://amzn.to/1TeM4zC
Plastic Grid Sheets:  http://amzn.to/21Rfsxh
Stencil Plastic:  http://amzn.to/1X32l8U

What I use to make my videos:

Canon Vixia HF R600 Camcorder:  http://amzn.to/1LYnPOo
Studio Lights:  http://amzn.to/1LYnT0C
External Microphone:  http://amzn.to/1RMHrcN

Tools/Materials:
Oven
Pasta Machine
Extruder with small rectangle die
Texture sheets/plates
Paint
Sandpaper - 240 & 400 grit
Sanding tub, water & dish detergent
Paper Towel
Clay Blade
Bracelet template

Bracelet bender or 1-1/2" glass jar
Bracelet blanks - aluminum 1/2" or 3/4" inch


Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SweetWillowDsgn
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/SweetWillowDsgn/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/search?q=SweetWillowDsgn
Blog:
http://www.sweetwillowdesigns.blogspot.com/

Disclosure:  I participate in several affiliate programs. That means I receive a commission when products are purchased through links posted on my videos. (At NO additional cost to you.) This allows me to bring you more videos!  This is how I earn compensation by sharing tips, techniques and projects with you.  The affiliate programs I use include Simon Says Stamp, Amazon, and Michaels.  These are all stores I shop at for the products I use.

How to Add Strength and Flexibility to Polymer Clay Cuff Bracelets - The Polymer Clay Workbench

Hi All, Thanks for joining me in my studio.  I'm starting a new series called "Polymer Clay Workbench".  In this series we'll look at polymer clay basics, answer questions and work on techniques that improve the quality and beauty of polymer clay projects.  I'll also share the products I like to help you build your studio and polymer clay art room (see links below).  I hope you enjoy this series.

In the first Polymer Clay Workbench, we'll look at how to add strength and flexibility to polymer clay cuff bracelets.  It's common for new clayers to make their cuffs only from polymer clay.  Many experience softening as the skin warms the clay or breakage.  I'll show you how to use bracelet blanks/forms to add the needed strength and flexibility.  We'll focus on cuffs in this video.  Just the underlying structure.  In a future video we'll make a cuff using this technique.  You'll see how you use basic tools/materials to make your bracelet form.  I hope you enjoy.  Let me know what you think about this series.  Thanks as always for watching, liking and subscribing to my channel.  Following are some affiliate links for products that help you build your studio.

Build your studio:

Bracelet Bender (The exact one I use is no longer available.  Here's an inexpensive one of equal quality):  http://amzn.to/1LYmLdu
Aluminum Bracelet Blanks 25 1/2" Pieces:  http://amzn.to/1L7f8GE
Aluminum Bracelet Blanks 25 3/4" Pieces:  http://amzn.to/1LYnifp
Aluminum Bracelet Blanks 144 Pieces:  http://amzn.to/1L7f3mw
Aluminum Bracelet Blank Preformed 5 1/2" pieces (Note:  this doesn't get a great review on Amazon because the reviewer said they were too lightweight - this is what we want!):  http://amzn.to/1TvVTJY
Brass Channel Bracelet Blank 1 5/16" piece:  http://amzn.to/1TeLHF8
Silver plated Channel Bracelet Blank 1 ea .929" channel space:  http://amzn.to/1TeM4zC

What I use to make my videos:

Canon Vixia HF R600 Camcorder:  http://amzn.to/1LYnPOo
Studio Lights:  http://amzn.to/1LYnT0C
External Microphone:  http://amzn.to/1RMHrcN

Tools/Materials:
Bracelet bender or 1-1/2" glass jar
Bracelet blanks - aluminum 1/2" or 3/4" inch
Aluminum strips - if you want to make your own
Heavy duty metal snips
Chain nose pliers

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SweetWillowDsgn
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/SweetWillowDsgn/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/search?q=SweetWillowDsgn


Disclosure:  I participate in several affiliate programs. That means I receive a commission when products are purchased through links posted on my videos and blog. (At NO additional cost to you.) This allows me to bring you more videos, blog posts and tutorials!  This is how I earn compensation by sharing tips, techniques and projects with you.  The affiliate programs I use include Simon Says Stamp, Amazon, and Michaels.  These are all stores I shop at for the products I use.

How to Make Spring Sprung Polymer Clay Inchies

Hi All, join me in my studio to make these fun Spring Sprung Polymer Clay Inchies.  These inchies have colorful hearts, flowers and a whimsical spring with a bright bead on the end.  I hope you enjoy this project.  The tools and materials list follows the video.

Tools
Oven
Pasta machine or clay roller
Cutters - 1" square, 3/4" heart, 1/2" flower and 1/8" round
Wire cutters
Round nose pliers
Needle tool, bamboo skewer to make the wire spring
Texture plate
Embossing tools
Clay blade
Tile

Materials
Clay - various colors
Wire - 24 ga


See my blog for the tools/materials list:

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SweetWillowDsgn
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/SweetWillowDsgn/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/search?q=SweetWillowDsgn
Blog:
http://www.sweetwillowdesigns.blogspot.com/

How to Make Polymer Clay Mini Mosaics #CoArtCo Collaboration with Shemi Dixon, Ina Solsbery and Pam Tanino

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel:  http://bit.ly/1Ny4aEY

Join me as I collaborate with three other fantastic Colorado YouTube artists.  We found each other through the YouTube Creative Arts Collaboration group and have met and enjoyed each other's company as we share our love of art and YouTube.  We're doing a collaboration where we each made a special, handmade item and a goodie bag of all kinds of materials for us to use in an upcoming project.   This first video shows how each of made the handmade item and the second video will show our final project.  My project is handmade polymer clay mini mosaics using acrylic paint, Pan Pastels and pearlescent powder.I hope you enjoy this collaboration.  See the links below to Shemi Dixon, Ina Solsberry and Pam Tanino videos.  See full tools and materials list for my project below the links.

Pam Tanino
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX-_qssVvFg

Shemi Dixon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6em70yEgCA

Ina Solsberry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmRw1Dg7M7Y..

Tools
Oven
Pasta machine
Clay blade
Baking tile
Paint brush
Cutters - optional various sizes and types

Materials
Polymer clay - Premo! black and white, each tile takes approx. one block of clay
Pearlescent powder
Pan Pastel metallic or chalk pastels
Sealer - only if the piece will get some use/wear, otherwise not needed

#LoveWinterArt How to Make a Polymer Clay Santa's Reindeer Necklace

#LoveWinterArt  How to Make a Polymer Clay Santa's Reindeer Necklace.  Join me in my studio and learn to make a polymer clay holiday necklace with Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid, Donner and Blitzen, Santa's eight reindeer.  This polymer clay necklace is a fun way to wear the holidays.  Hope you enjoy and thanks for joining me in my studio.

Check out all the other great artists participating in the #LoveWinterArt - just search YouTube for the hashtag.

Subscribe to my Channel:  http://bit.ly/1Ny4aEY

Tools
Oven
Pasta machine
Jewelry pliers - chain nose
Cutters - round 1-1/2 and  1-1/4", various mini cutters 3/4" and 3/16" tear drop, 3/16" round, leaf cutter
Craft knife
Needle tool
Ball stylus
Extruder with medium round disk
Hollow bead maker or light bulb
Texture sheet or rough sandpaper

Materials
Clay - Premo! light blue, white, burnt umber, raw sienna, red, green, black
Genesis medium or liquid clay
Jump rings - 10mm and 5mm
Chain - approx 9"
Snowflake buttons - optional
Tiny jingle bells - optional
Toggle clasp




Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.clark.18062
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SweetWillowDsgn/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/search?q=SweetWillowDsgn
Blog:  http://www.sweetwillowdesigns.blogspot.com/

#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

SWD - Oh No! I Burned my Clay. Can this piece be saved?

In the last video series I created a tassel pendant.  The ones you see are not my first attempts.  I originally planned a bright, summery pendant with bright yellow, orange and purple.  Almost a retro look.  Unfortunately, because the clay covering is relatively thin, I burned and scorched the clay.  The result was a sad, dark mess.  The piece was destined for the trash but really, with the time I put into creating it, and the fact that I liked the shape, I decided to see what I could do to save it.  So, I used bronze, heavy body paint, I antiqued it and added a bunch of Swarovski crystals for some bling. Added a gold tassel, and I'm happy with the result.  So, see what you can do to save those not so perfect pieces.  Here's the video on the process. Have you ever burned a piece?  What did you do?  Let me know in the comments.  Hope you enjoy the video.

#lovesummerart SWD Polymer Clay Tassel Pendant Tutorial

There’s something exciting happening in the YouTube art community.  Over 250 YouTube art/craft/how to channels have formed a community!  Thanks to Cinammon Cooney (theartsherpa), Clive Powell (clive5art), Sigrid Soto (secretsoto) and Ginger Cook (gingercooklive) for getting the group started.  This should be a fun collaboration and a supportive group.  I hope you visit the Facebook page to connect with the content creators participating.

My entry is a series of three videos on how to make a polymer clay tassel pendant.  I’ll show you how to create the pendant, make the tassel and do finishing work so you have a wearable work of art.  I hope you enjoy my entry and use the #lovesummerart (same hash tag on Facebook) to see of all of the unique and interesting videos showcased by these talented artists.   See below the videos for the tools and materials list.

Here are the tools and materials for my project.

Tools

Drill or needle tool

Craft knife

Clay blade

Oven

Pasta machine or roller

Texture plate

Scissors

Old credit card, hotel card key or several pieces of card stock

Double sided tape

Jewelry pliers - Round and flat nose

Materials

Polymer clay – navy (cobalt + black)

Thread for tassel – Artiste nylon thread #2, crochet thread or other

Pen barrel (optional), you could make your own from polymer clay

Viva Décor Inka Gold or pearlescent powder

Wire – 20 ga

Jump ring 6mm

Necklace finding – can be rope or chain

Bead cap (optional)

White glue or Fray Check (optional) - the thread will fray or unravel with wear, use one of these to stop the fray unless you like the look, apply a little bit to the end of each cord, separate and let dry

Featured on Totally Tutorials - Custom Jewelry Display Stands

I submitted my tutorial for custom jewelry display stands to the Totally Tutorials site and they published it on April 20!  Check out their site for great tutorials of all sorts.

Build A Line Challenge from B'Sue Boutiques, Maria Clark of Sweet Willow Designs, Part 3 - The Final Reveal!

Welcome to Part 3 of the B’Sue Build a Line Challenge hosted by Brenda Sue Lansdowne of B’Sue Boutiques. The essence of the challenge was to create a jewelry line based on an original concept using B'Sue components.  The challenge was to develop a cohesive line based on a unique theme with a minimum of five pieces. 

I have to tell you that going in five pieces seemed like a piece of cake.  Five isn't so many after all. Like several of the other artists participating in the challenge, I had to overcome creative blocks and being overwhelmed with too many ideas and nowhere to start.  Here are the components I started with.  You can imagine how necessary it was to settle on a few elements.

Thankfully the inspiration of the group, particularly the local Denver group, helped me overcome these roadblocks and I completed my five pieces.  I'm pleased with the results.

My concept was to use polymer clay to create faux soutache combined with brass elements from B'Sue Boutiques.  Soutache is a traditional fiber arts technique that uses colorful braided cords to make intricate and fluid jewelry designs.  I’ve interpreted the soutache in polymer clay which offers endless options for color and design.  My five pieces include two bracelets, a pendant and two pairs of earrings.

In this first set I used an ornate brass frame and flowers with deep merlot, pink and blush polymer clay custom mixed colors accented with glass pearls.  This set includes a pendant with a 27" chain and earrings with the brass flowers which I cut down and used as accents.

Experimenting with a two tone effect on the brass gave an interesting twist to the design.  The raw brass frame was colored with Gilders Paste in silver.  All of these pieces were sealed to preserve the patina and highlight the clay.

I tend to design in a free form manner with little sketching up front which adds an element of surprise but can be difficult to reproduce.  In the future, I'll try sketching in advance.





The second set used the same brass ornate frame and flowers to keep the line cohesive but in this interpretation I used vintage style silver buttons and metallic cuffs that I made myself from faux leather trim.  The set includes two bracelets and a pair of earrings.

I really liked the way these turned out, the use of the buttons adds interest and design and the faux leather gives a nice glow to the brass and enhances the overall look.  To me this has a Southwestern look with the turquoise, gold and purple clay (hard to see the purple, kind of reads black).

There's a lot more to building a line than just designing pieces of jewelry.  Pricing, branding, watching trends, tiers, selling, inventory management, taking pictures and all the business management tasks that go into a jewelry business have to be mastered for ultimate success.  The class was exceptional in that each of these issues were addressed and participants had an opportunity to weigh in with their thoughts, challenges and strategies.  This was a great learning and sharing experience.

I met two of my goals for the year which was to participate in more challenges and to stretch creatively.  Goals I didn't know I had were to find a community of artists with similar goals and to share, share, share and to make more use of social media.  These goals, while not initially identified by me, were brought to light during this challenge.  That's a great side benefit!  Finally, I challenged myself to try something new and learn new skills.  What a great experience!

You will be amazed at how unique each of the participating artists are and how they went about realizing their vision.  Each had struggles and successes which they share in their blog posts.  The energy and effort each put into the challenge will be revealed as they showcase their lines.  Thanks to Brenda Sue who mentored the class.  It's clear how much of a commitment this was for her and how much energy and passion she put into the process.  A big thanks to her and all the artists!

Please take a look at the other fantastic artists participating in the challenge by visiting their blogs below.

Brenda Sue Lansdowne, B'sue Boutiques

Jewelry Making Outside the Box

Marcia Tuzzolino

Aurora Designs

Jann Tague

Clever Designs by Jann

Judy King

Apt to Wander Studio

Linzi Alford

Magpie in the Sky, Spoil Heap Tales

Cynthia Wainscott

Exotic Peru

Carole Carlson

Beadsophisticate

Lynn Stinten

Dragonzwench

Marica Zammit

Bead Lovelies

Catherine Shattuck

VRBrose

Michaele Collie

The Vintage Gem

Mary Craig

Jewelry Alchemy

Lee Koopman

Strega Jewelry

Erin Whitacre

Shattered Time Jewelry

Monica Casady

MJCasady Copper Works

Leila West

Leila Nicole Designs

Cindy Peterson

Howling Dog Jewelry

Leila Belcher

Leila Bee Designs

Gloria Allen

Wings and Beads

Pamela Anger

Novegatti Designs

Tammy Adams

Paisley Lizard

Lynda O'Mara

LOmara Creative

Elizabeth Hildreth

MadScientistsDesigns

Dana Hickey

Wind Dancer Studios

Janet Calardo

Jan Lea Designs

Maria Clark

Sweet Willow Designs

Lori Beekman

B. Accessorized

Jennifer Kroeger

Relic Charm

Amy Jorgensen

Hoarder's Corner

Robin Reed

Artistry: Handcrafted Bead Designs

Ingrid Anderson

Lilis Gems

Louise O'Shields

Desire Divine Jewels

Susan Killam

Killam Creative

Mary Katherine Deis

The Rose Sword: Artisan and Vintage Collectible Jewelry

Nike Bottalico

Nike Bottalico

Susan Bowerman

Woodside Wireworks

Kristy Le

Kristy Le Trendy Jewelry Designs

Jan Peters

Stylized Vintage

Mitzie Crider

Needful Luxuries Occasional Blog

Gina Hockett

Freestyle Elements

Linda Anderson

From the Bead Board

Alexandra Sefton

Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art

Melida Boman

The Journey of Pens and Things

Teresa Shurter

TreeZ's Treasurs

Melissa Latimer

Smithed Up

Renee Hong

Fine and Dandy Jewelry and Art

Nadine Edris

Moondance Jewelry

Lori Meyer

Parisienne Girl

Jennifer Merrill Williams

Artists of All Stripes

Denise Lussier Poirier

Jewelry by Denise

Renee Allen

Small Stuff Design

Autumn Adams

Autumn Dawns

Elizabeth Owens

1996 Shabby Lane

Kat BarronMiller

Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry

Sandra Ballard

Mama San's Mojo

Coral Law

ab:coraldesign

SWD Polymer Clay Tutorial - Get Your Swirl On!! - St. Patrick's Day Pendant

St. Patrick’s Day is March 17, just a few weeks away.  Learn to make a polymer clay swirl pendant or charm with shamrocks to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.  We’ll use the colors of the Irish flag – white, orange and green to make a swirl bead and then embellish it with three shamrocks.  I hope you enjoy this polymer clay tutorial.  It’s the third in my “Get Your Swirl On” series.   See the tools and materials list after the video link.

Thanks for joining me in my studio.  If you enjoyed this tutorial, give me a thumbs up, subscribe to my channel and leave me a comment.  I love hearing from you.  Thanks again for watching.

Tools

Acrylic block and roller

Extruder with 19 hole disk – optional, you can roll thin snakes of clay by hand

Cutter – 3/16” hear shape – optional you can cut the hearts by hand with a craft knife

Hand drill or Dremel with size of drill bit to accommodate jump ring or bail

Materials

Clay – 1” ball of white, small amounts of orange and green

Jump ring for bail or other bail

Necklace finding

GET YOUR SWIRL ON SERIES

See my YouTube playlist for the series