Layered Translucent Beads

I love working with translucent polymer clay!  The applications for this special clay are endless, and the looks you can achieve are amazing!  The special feature of translucent clay is, of course, that when baked it "disappears" and allows designs and colors in underlying layers to show through.  When translucent is used to make a cane, the resulting slices from the cane show only the design made from opaque clay.  If you haven't had a chance to play with translucent clay, you really should give it a try.

The images I am posting here are of some round and oval beads I made recently.  I used pearl clay for the core to add a bit of sparkle to the depth of these beads.  The colors on these particular beads come from lightly tinted, striped translucent canes.  I hope you can see the multiple layers from several translucent canes.  The shine on these beads adds to the depth.  Although it may be hard to see in the photo, they look almost like glass in person.

There are just too many options to list, but a quick look on Pinterest for polymer clay translucent beads should give you a feel for just some of what this clay can help you accomplish.

"Oriental" Bead Necklace

I've continued to work with the stone-look technique that Laura Blakely showed me at Clay Connections.  One of the things she had done was to make some sweet round beads - so I had to try to make some of my own.  I think the design on these beads, along with the colors, really makes them look a bit like little lantern beads from the Orient.  The black glass druks in between the large polymer beads contribute to that image.

To the right is a view of the whole necklace. This necklace has a magnetic closure.  I've been using this type of clasp more and more.  It's much easier for people to use, especially when they are putting the necklace on themselves, and it reduces the amount of bulk at the back of the neck that larger clasps can make.

Paisleys

I have always liked paisleys.  There is something about the curve of the shape, and all the possibilities for decorating that just really appeals to me.  So when a new set of paisley cutters arrived, I had to give them a try.  I used the same technique I used to create the labradorite effect, but this time the design was in purples and aquas, with a white contrast rather than the deep bronze.  

I couldn't resist making the paisley "puzzle" pin above. It has quite a happy look.  

The other pieces I made from the same sheet are a pair of earrings and a pendant.  Even the background they're sitting on has swirls that reflect the curves in the paisley shape.

More Labradorite & Earrings

I couldn't stay away from the fun of the labradorite-like technique.  So here are a few more pieces using various color-ways based on this technique.  In this mixture are some new earring shapes, too.




The necklace/earring set to the left, and the earring set below on the right, really look like real stone.














I also love the technique in these shades of turquoise, teal, and purple.

 

This last photo has nothing to do with the labradorite technique, but does show some interesting pieces with unusual textures and shapes.