Polymer Clay Tutorial - How to Make a Fluid Acrylic Polymer Clay Pendant/Necklace Parts 1 and 2

Hi All, hope you enjoy trying out new techniques.  This is a 2 part tutorial.  In Part 1, you'll learn to use fluid acrylic paint and ink to create a polymer clay veneer to use in making this summery pendant.  The DecoArt Media fluid acrylic I used is so luscious.  In Part 2 you'll learn to make the beaded knotted necklace for a great look.  Thanks for joining me in my studio to learn polymer clay and jewelry making techniques.  Hope you enjoy.

Get the stringing diagram:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2h9AZ7gLoZhdWM2T0hGendkSmc/view?usp=sharing

Neat tools and materials for this project and your studio:

Cool Tools - Jewelry Shape Template - Cushion
http://amzn.to/2nIAW4a

Cool Tools - Jewelry Shape Template - Fat Rectangles
http://amzn.to/2nrpaZU

Wolf Pliers - these pliers have grooves for consistent loops
http://amzn.to/2o2vZns

Deco Art Media Fluid Acrylic Paint, 1-Ounce, Cadmium Orange Hue
http://amzn.to/2od6dKr

Deco Art Media Fluid Acrylic Paint, 1-Ounce, Cobalt Teal Hue
http://amzn.to/2nrqmwl

Clay Yo Texture Sponge:
https://prairiecraft.com/kato/CY-TS.html

Tools

Pasta Machine
Oven
Clay Blade
Jewelry Pliers - round nose and chain nose
Wire Cutter
Craft Knife
Jewelry Shape Templates - either Cool Tools or make your own with card stock or plastic
Texture Sheet
Straw - cocktail size
Knitting Needle or other needle tool if needed to help with knotting
Hand Drill - size to match bail
Baking Form - 3" glass vase


Materials

Clay - Sculpey Premo! - Bright Green Pearl and Peacock Pearl
Paint - DecoArt Media in Cadmium Orange Hue and Cobalt Teal Hue
Liquitex Ink - Gold
Krylon Pen - 18K Gold or other pen to add striping
Stringing Material - I used cotton cording; 9 ea 24" strands
Pinch Bail - 1 ea
Jump Rings - 2 ea, 6mm and 1ea 9mm, or size to fit
End Cap - 2 ea 4mm, or size to fit cords
Wire - 22 gauge, 2ea 4" pieces
Hypo Cement or other glue for necklace ends
Beads - 28 ea 6mm or size of your choice to match stringing material and clay;  I used 3 colors of acrylic beads; Color A (Blue) 12 ea; Color B (Green) 8 ea; Color C (Orange) 8 ea
Genesis Medium Thick Extender or Liquid Clay
Varnish - Varathane water based varnish


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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 a Polymer Clay Heart & Key Pendant/Ornament #LoveArt

Use the hashtag #LoveArt to see all the great videos by members of the Creative Arts Collaboration group.

This pretty, vintage look polymer clay heart and key pendant is easy to make and customize.  Use a skeleton key as a base to add a heart, stamped clay and patina for an unique pendant or hanging ornament.

DecoArt Metallic Lustre Gold Rush - http://amzn.to/2lBbqdA

Varathane Gloss Polyurethane:  http://amzn.to/2kTskEb

Visit Sweet Willow Designs' Amazon Store for the great products I use in my studio and help me keep videos coming!  Click here to visit:
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.

How to Turn a Target String Light into a Valentine Pendant - #LoveArt

You will love this jewelry making project to use Target string lights to create a sweet Valentine pendant.  These metal heart shapes are sturdy and easy to disassemble from the lights and then reuse the lights!  Wear the pendant with just a chain or cord or add pearls, beads or other parts to embellish the pendant.  Hope you enjoy.

Wolf Looping Pliers with 3 Grooves:  http://amzn.to/2kUSdpv

Visit Sweet Willow Designs' Amazon Store for the great products I use in my studio and help me keep videos coming!  Click here to visit:
http://astore.amazon.com/sweewilldesi-20

Materials
Target String Light Heart Shape
Beads/Pearls - 6 ea
Bead - 2 ea, 8/0
Jump Rings - 6a, 6mm
Head Pins - 7ea  2-3"
Chain or Cord - 30" or desired length
Glue


Tools
Wire Cutter
Needle Nose Pliers
Round Nose Pliers



SUBSCRIBE:

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SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

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Twitter:
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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.

Jewelry Making for Beginners Family Tree Necklace

How to Make Jewelry Family Tree Necklace Jewelry making for beginners, use pre-made components, add jump rings, chain and birthstone or initial charms and a simple clasp and you have  a custom piece of jewelry to commemorate your family.  Great gift or family reunion keepsake.

Subscribe to my Channel:  http://bit.ly/1Ta4tcy

Tools
Jewelry pliers
Ruler

Materials
Blue Moon Tree Pendant
Blue Moon chain
Birthstone or initial charms
Jump rings - 6mm 4ea for basic necklace and one for each charm
Lobster claw or other clasp


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Cool Tools Alpha Disk Lettering System Un-Boxing Product Review

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Cool Tools Alpha Disc Lettering System Un-boxing and product review.  Join me in my studio to see how this new to me lettering system works.  I've been using the traditional metal stamps you can find at the craft store or Harbor Freight and really wanted something else with more variety in font style and size.  So, I came across a recommendation for this lettering system from Cool Tools.  You can order sets that include 5 different fonts and includes capital letters, lower case and numbers/symbols.  Let's see how these work.

I'm not affiliated or sponsored by Cool Tools.  All opinions are my own.  Here's the link if you want to check it out.  http://www.cooltools.us/SearchResults.asp?Search=alpha+disc&Submit=Search

Want to try polymer clay or see what I use in my studio?  Click the link to check out my Amazon store: Sweet Willow Designs Amazon Store

Facebook:
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Blog:
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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 a Polymer Clay Spring Heart Bouquet Necklace - Get Your Swirl On - #LoveSpringArt

Hi All, thanks for joining me in my studio as we make this polymer clay spring heart bouquet necklace.  This sweet project uses small amounts of clay to make a swirl base shaped into a heart, roses and leaves.  You can do this in pastels, or use all one color of clay for a monochromatic look.  Any way you do it, the project is dainty and sweet.  Your Mother, Mother-in-law or Grandma would love this. You can make it into a necklace or add a pin back and you have a beautiful lapel pin.  See the materials and tools list right after the video.

Thanks again for joining me in my studio, I hope you enjoy this project.  Take care.

Tools
Oven
Pasta Machine
Ball stylus
Craft knife
Craft blade
Glass or ceramic tile or acrylic block

Materials
Clay - white base with small amounts of light blue and other pastel colors for roses and leaves
Bail - glue on
Necklace finding
Glue - E6000

#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




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#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

Get Your Swirl On! Polymer Clay Valentine Swirl Pendant

Here's a Valentine's Day swirl pendant with a "Be Mine" sentiment and red hearts.  I'm going to be doing a series of these holiday swirl pendants so stay tuned for more!  Hope you enjoy this video tutorial.  Leave me a comment, subscribe and let me know how you enjoyed this video.  Tools and materials lists follow the video.

Tools

Pasta machine
Oven
Extruder (Optional)
Extruder die - 19 hole
Alpha stamping set
Cutter - 3/16" heart
Paintbrush - stiff
Needle tool or hand drill
Clay blade
Craft knife

Materials

Polymer clay - Premo! - small amounts of white, red and pink blend
Acrylic paint - red
Sandpaper - wet/dry 400 grit
Varnish - recommend Varathane or comparable
Jewelry findings - pinch bail or jump ring, necklace finding

Winter Storm Snowflake Polymer Clay Pendant

This week's winter snow storm in Colorado inspired this polymer clay pendant project. Join me in my studio as we make a swirl bead and add snowflake embellishments. I used extruded clay strands applied to a clay base to make my swirl beads. This simple technique is great alternative to using cane slices for those of us who don’t make many canes. Upcoming projects will use this basic technique for more swirl effects. Hope you enjoy this. If you enjoy the video, subscribe to my YouTube channel, give me a thumbs up or leave a comment. I’d love to hear from you. Below the video are the tools and materials used in the project. 

  Tools 

Extruder 

19 hole die 

Clay blade 

Needle tool 

Acrylic or glass block 

Jewelry pliers

  Materials 

Polymer Clay – white and 2 shades of blue 

Pearlescent powder – silver 

Jump ring 

Sandpaper – wet/dry 400 grit 

Sealer – Varathane or other

P.S. I’m always trying to improve my videos. I use Adobe Premier Pro Creative Cloud software to edit my videos and with this one I wanted to keep close to the 5 minute mark. It’s always a learning process and fun. Stuff I learned while making this video:

• How to speed up a clip

• Overlay comments on a clip

• Record audio outside the main video

Super Easy Polymer Clay Christmas Tree Charm

Hi All and welcome to my studio.  Today I’m doing a super easy project to make sweet Christmas tree charms that can be used for earrings, necklaces, bracelets or even a zipper pull for the holidays.  This is also a fun projects to do with the kids (supervision as needed).   Check out the video below for making the charm and a pair of earrings.  For more videos, subscribe to my YouTube Channel, give me a thumbs up or leave me a comment.  Thanks again for joining me in my studio.  Let’s get started (see materials/tools list at the bottom of the post).

Materials (Earrings)

Polymer clay – bits of green with a touch of black to tone it down if preferred, brown, red and yellow – I use Premo! as it is more durable

Embossing powder – chunky, snow type or you could use bits of white clay for the snow

Head pin – 2”, 2 ea

Jump ring – 6mm, 2 ea

Earwire – 2 ea

Tools

Oven

Jewelry making pliers/wire cutter for top loop

Tutorial with Videos - Polymer Clay Faux Soutache

Join me in my studio for creating two lovely and fun faux soutache jewelry projects, Simple Beaded Earrings and the Victoriana Pendant, using my new tutorial.  This tutorial includes 11 video guides.  See it at my Etsy shop.  Click the Etsy badge to see this tutorial.

Soutache jewelry is one of the hottest trends in jewelry making.  As a polymer clay artist it was a natural step to re-imagine traditional soutache through the versatile medium of polymer clay.  Like traditional soutache jewelry, any color combination, beading and other embellishments can be added to make the ultimate design possibilities limited only by the imagination of the artist.

This original tutorial contains two projects meant to provide the polymer clay artists with tips and techniques for creating their own faux soutache jewelry.  The first project, Simple Beaded Earrings, demonstrate techniques such as adding beads, strengthening the piece, backing and finishing.  Building on the key concepts in the Simple Beaded Earrings, the Victoriana Pendant goes several steps further to provide detailed instructions such as adding dimensional ribbons, leaves, clay beads, pearl beads and adding subtle color.  These techniques lend themselves to being used for many adaptations limited only by the artist’s imagination.

The projects contain 37 pages of instructions, 100 detailed photographs and 11 video guides with over 50 minutes of step by step video instructions.  There’s even one blooper guide demonstrating what happens when clay is not properly conditioned. 

Detailed tool and material lists are provided and I’ve added a cross-reference guide, referencing each photograph or figure to the corresponding video guide.

 

The techniques in this tutorial do not require advanced skills, however, basic knowledge of polymer clay techniques such as conditioning clay and using an extruder are assumed.  Basic jewelry making skills such as opening and closing jump rings are also used in the tutorial.  Don’t be intimidated if you’ve never made jewelry, this tutorial will walk you through the steps. 

The tools and materials used were readily available in my local craft stores in the United States.  To make it more convenient for you, I’ve included web-based resources in the Resource Guide.  With the exception of an extruder with the appropriate dies, you may be able to use the tools you already have in your craft stash.

You will be downloading 2 PDF files with access to my Vimeo Faux Soutache Portfolio.  The access link and passcode are on the first page of each of the PDF documents.  The link to the files to download will be emailed to you by Etsy once your payment is completed.  

Hope you enjoy.

More Silkscreen on Polymer Clay

The Colorado Mile High Polymer Clay Guild's Tina Gugeler gave a class in making your own silk screens from photo emulsion sheets.  How fun to create your own designs and turn them into unique screens.   Here's my screen and the sample shapes that will transform into earrings or pins. 

Organizing your Projects

This last weekend I found this cool storage box that is really for photos but I'm using it to keep my in progress jewelry projects organized.  The plastic box holds 6 individual mini boxes that I can keep my smaller jewelry projects that I'm working on neat and and organized.  The boxes are large enough for some clay, tools, beads and cards for notes.  Got this neat addition to my studio from JoAnn since they were having a 50% of storage sale.  Works great.