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Polymer Clay Techniques
I love experimenting with different clay techniques in my designs. I thought you might be interested to know how they are achieved. I show you below how I do two of my favorites Mica Shift and Mokume Gane. Enjoy
Mica Shift
This process is done with metallic polymer clay which has tiny particle of mica powder mixed into the clay.
The process uses texture sheets to shift these particles into designs.
The Process - Step by Step
Step 1
The picture on the left is how the clay comes out of the package, the mica powders are going in all different directions and the clay has light and dark sections.
The clay must be clear of any dark areas and this is done by running it through a pasta machine until it is a solid color, as in the picture on the right.
Step 2
Step 4
Using a tissue
blade, I carefully
shave away
all raised areas
and then smooth
out the clay with
roller.
Step 3
Now I inprint the clay with a
texture sheet ( step 2) which will
disrupt the mica powders again
into a raised pattern (step 3).
Step 5
The Result:
A beautiful shadow effect of the design which is smooth an flat. Different effects can be achieved using a variety of patterns.
The Mica Shift earrings shown at the top can be found in my shop under the category "Gold".
Mokume Gane
Mokume Gane originated with Japanese jewelry designers who fused and carved different types of precious metal to achieve unique patterns. Polymer clay artists have adapted this process for clay
resulting in amazing design opportunities.
The Process - Step by Step
Step 1
I begin with four different colors of clay, two darker and 2 lighter. I stack them light, dark, light, dark and roll them so they bind. The sheet is cut in half, stack together and rolled to securely bind the clay.
Step 4
I now take all the pieces and strategically place them on a sheet of backing clay.
Step 2
Now, I need to make a pattern. I use various tools to indent the clay through all layers (first image) and then squish it all together and flatten again (second image). I then begin shaving thin layers of clay to expose the design (third image).
Step 3
The first picture shows the clay as I am shaving it and the second shows all the pieces I got from the one block.
Step 5
the sheet is rolled first with a roller and then carefully through my pasta machine.
It is now ready to turn into jewelry.
Step 6
The jewelry process: Use a cutter to cut through the clay, remove the shapes, bake and sand. Voila, a beautiful Mokume Gane dangle!
The Mokume Gane Jewelry in my shop is one-of-a-kind do to the random nature of the designs.
Lucky for you, no one else will be copying your unique style!
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