Feathering in Clay

I've always loved the look of the feathering technique in lampwork beads, and was pleased to learn there are methods to accomplish a similar look in polymer. I will be teaching a workshop on this technique at the Marlborough Arts Center in October. Here are some photos from a set I made. To me, it seems to have a decidedly Southwestern flavor. I'm going to have to try some totally different colors to see what other effects transpire.

Playing with Mica Shift

Mica Shift - what an incredible technique! I started playing with it one day, and just can't seem to stop. I especially like the way Skinner blends look with the mica sift technique applied. Of course, once you have these lovely sheets, you need to do something with them...Then I found some little curved spacers at Beaded Impressions, and decided to see how they'd look as embellishments. Here's a couple of pendant/earring sets ~ I especially like the fact that the little discs move and twirl.

Just so you can see the discs and the mica pattern, here's a close up:

I also had to incorporate PMC in a piece with a little movement. I really like the ability to have the texture that is imbedded in the PMC echoed in the smooth mica shift of the polymer. What a great combination of media!

If you're not familiar with the mica shift technique, there is a great tutorial on Polymer Clay Central. The tutorial is done by Kellie Robinson, and is very clear with excellent photos. Here's the URL:
http://www.polymerclaycentral.com/ms_texture.html

Give it a try! Bet you can't do just one!