The pendant to the left demonstrates the use of the iridescent flakes on a colored background. I like the effect of the smooth sparkle and color magnified by the textured black surrounds. However, there is no real control of the color of the opals other than through the use of a colored background. As you can see, the opals appear multi-colored.
Today, I'd like to share with you my latest iterations of faux opal. I wanted to be able to create specific colors when and where I wanted them. The trick, at least for me, turned out to be using alcohol inks, iridescent flakes and translucent liquid polymer to create a slurry. When baked on a metal leaf background, the slurry effect has depth, sparkle, fire and the colors I wanted.
Below on the right, are three pendants. In the one on the left, I concentrated on a purple coloration. I also included a small section of blue and yellow for contrast and interest. In the middle piece, I focused on an overall blue, while in the piece on the right I used green and yellow coloration.
The last photo shows 2 pendants with my version of a "fire opal." On these, the use of reds and oranges in the background as well as in the flakes seems to have added additional depth and inner glow.
I'm really quite pleased with the direction these experiments are taking, and plan to play some more.
I'm also going to have to work on more natural looking settings, but that's a future project.
All of the pendants look very cool!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Alexandra! I've been working on developing a faux opal process that does what I want, and I seem to be getting closer. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks one more great thing to do with the alcohol inks that santa brought me !
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful, all of them!
ReplyDeleteHi again. What is this PMC that you enjoy working with? (Always looking for new mediums and crafts!)
ReplyDeleteHi,
DeleteThanks for the compliment. PMC refers to Precious Metal Clay. The first clay I ever used was PMC silver. It's a really fun medium, but rather expensive.
These are all fantastic. Thanks for sharing your efforts in your journey to perfection.
ReplyDeleteKristie, these are gorgeous! Clearly you've spent the time and experimented and tweeked until you've gotten what you want. And boy, was it worth it! Beautiful....
ReplyDeleteI have to remind (impatient) myself that it takes time and work sometimes (usually!) to get it -right-.
Debbie, Thank you! I've been reading through your recent comments and really appreciate what you've been saying. Thanks for the encouragement and support. It means a lot.
DeleteMetal leaf is a crinkly metallic shiny thin paper like piece correct? How is it applied onto the clay? And do u bake it? Also how are u adding the pigments, glitter to it, how does it stay on? Thanks
ReplyDeleteMetal leaf is a crinkly metallic shiny thin paper like piece correct? How is it applied onto the clay? And do u bake it? Also how are u adding the pigments, glitter to it, how does it stay on? Thanks
ReplyDeleteMetal leaf is a crinkly metallic shiny thin paper like piece correct? How is it applied onto the clay? And do u bake it? Also how are u adding the pigments, glitter to it, how does it stay on? Thanks
ReplyDelete