Blue Boho Polymer Star Earrings

It feels like it has been a while since I shared some rustic polymer clay pieces.

So here are these sweet little boho star earrings.

They combine three of my favorite elements: silk, rustic polymer, and steel wire.

The silk softens the whole piece.

I would wear these...

Would you?

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Linking up with these great blogs.

Etsy Markdowns...

I have been making polymer clay beads like crazy for about a month now... 

 I am having a blast and trying out new finishes and styles.

My little bins in my bead boxes are overflowing so I am marking down the polymer beads in my Etsy shop and getting ready to add a bunch more listings soon.

Please stop over to see what is there.

Here is a preview....

There are lots of pendants and focals.

As well as some beads sets.

Click here to stop over to take a look.

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Primitive Blush

Since it is still February, I am going to share another piece with reds and pinks.

This necklace incorporates beads with different colors and finishes than I usually use.

I like to experiment with pieces that feel a little outside my comfort zone.

The pale pastels in this necklace are not my traditional palette.

Now, the waxed linen cord knotting is totally me. 

I find knotting the cord very meditative.  

It is one of my favorite things to do while watching tv.

I will say, this piece has some of my favorite beads styles.

I am crazy for those flattened disks in any size, shape, color and texture.

I also love the heart on the left side.

The back of the necklace has lots of variety.

Lots of pinks, yet the deeper colors keep it from being too sweet.

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A Bit of Bling Polymer Bracelet

Just look at what is new at the studio...

How fun is this?

I like the glittery sparkle and the ocean blues...

I am also drawn to creating pieces that are filled with opposites.

This bracelet has a rustic, substantial clasp and hook paired with girly, blingy beads and rhinestones.

I am not really a glittery girl, but I would wear this piece because of the clasp.

It is fun to share some of my favorite pieces with you here.

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                                             Linking up with these blogs.

Primitive Polymer Love Necklace

I wanted to share another of my favorite clay pieces today.

I know Valentine's Day has passed but I always think of February as the month of hearts.

This polymer clay piece is fun pinks and reds.

It is not too sweet though.

I love making my own steel clasps.

I love forming them and pounding them to work harden them.

  They suit my primitive pieces so well.

And they work really well.

I love texture and great finishes.  

The crackled finish makes these pieces look like ceramics or stone.

I love that.

Sculpey clay is my very favorite to work with.  

I prefer clay that condiditons easily.

Sculpey clays are perfect for that.

I am so happy when there is clay in my hands and a tray full of pieces ready to be cooked.

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Redware Polymer Clay Jewelry

Sculpey has a terra cotta clay that they sell in bigger boxes.

I actually buy the large 8 pound box to work with.

It has a different look than traditional polymer clay.

You can change it even more depending on how you finish it.

I want to share a few of them here.

This necklace actually incorporates beads with a variety of finishes and looks.

These heart links are so easy  to make and I love the look.

The spiral focal has an unusual look.

It was accidental.

There were salt crystals still on the piece after dying and it reacted with the crackle step.

I probably would not intentionally replicate it but I know how to if I want to.

If you have been following my blog for a while, you know I have used beads to make this style bracelet a few times before.

To me, they are simplicity balanced perfectly with style.

Each bead is even more beautiful close up.

Some pieces do not string as easily.

This necklace uses wire links to join the components.  

It is rustic and artistic.

The sharks tooth is an homage to my daughter.

The shark tooth pieces were made from molding a real shark tooth.

The terra cotta clay takes word stamping so beautifully.

The Time to Love piece had mixed finishes as well.

Do you have a favorite?

Mine changes from time to time.

It depends on my mood.

I generally love the dark, almost black, pieces.

I tend to hoard my scavenged time pieces.

When I make my own, I can use them as often as I like.

The last bracelet I am going to show you has components that were just sealed and not antiqued or aged.

One box of clay with numerous looks.

Does it make you want to go get some?

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Bohemian Memory Wire Bracelet

This post originally appeared on the Darice site Live. Craft. Love.

I am a long-time fan of their products.

I want to share a simple fast bracelet that looks high end, but could not be easier.

This versatile bohemian piece uses memory wire and some amazing beads from Darice.

You will need:

Darice 1984-52            Wood bead strand 8mm

Darice 1984-58            Wood bead strand 12mm

Darice 1999-968 Round Green Red Unakite 10mm

Darice 1999-4044        Natural Turquoise Rondelle 4mm

Darice 1999-209          Gold Stone beads 8mm

Darice 1999-217          Turquoise Round stone beads 10mm

Darice 1999-4841        Wood Bead strand button 12mm

Darice 1999-5517 Painted Aqua/Gold 12mm

Darice 1962-92            Continuous Bracelet memory Wire

Darice SS-135   Jewelry Tassels-aqua and blue

Darice Needle Nose Pliers

Darice Wire Snips

Begin by using the needle nose pliers to make a loop at the end of the memory wire.

This keeps the beads from sliding off the wire while you are adding them.

You may add the beads any way you like.

I added some of the 1984-52Wood bead strand 8mm, 
1999-5517 Painted Aqua/Gold 12mm,
1984-58       Wood bead strand 12mm,
 1999-968 Round Green Red Unakite 10mm,
 and 1999-4044 Natural Turquoise Rondelle 4mm.

You may add more or less beads to suit your own style.

When the first bracelet looks like you want it to, use the wire snips to cut memory wire about ½ inch longer than the last bead.

Use the needle nose pliers to make a loop in the end of the wire.

Use pliers to open loop slightly and add a turquoise tassel.

Repeat at other end.

Viola!

Ready to wear!

You have plenty if memory wire remaining so you can make more bracelets.

I made another bracelet using: 
1984-52Wood bead strand 8mm, 
1999-4841 Wood Bead strand button 12mm,
 and 1999-217 Turquoise Round stone beads 10mm.

Repeat directions for making loops at the ends and enjoy.

Memory wire makes beading a snap and choosing your accessories even easier.

Darice also carries memory wire for necklaces and rings and pre-cut bracelet memory wire.

Have fun and enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by...

Linking up with these great blogs.

Polymer Clay Creations....Work Bench Wednesday

I have been busy playing with clay for the last two months.

Mostly I am obsessed with making the beads.
And Pendants.

When my little compartments get full, I need to start making things from them so I can make more beads.

It's an endless cycle really.

The beads are so gorgeous...

They look like ceramic beads with a glossy gaze.

I previously mentioned that I got the tutorial from Staci Louise Smith here.

Staci Louise Smith's Tutorial

I am in love with her finishing process.

 It has inspired me to experiment and create my own finishes as well. 

Here is her finish:

One of my new ones.

It is sort of a soft, beachy look...

I am thinking of making a tutorial for it...

Anyway, I worked on some pieces this weekend.

Some will go into the Etsy shop....

(as soon as I take photos and do listings)

Some have been created for Stringing magazine and will be on their way to their offices by the end of the week.

Hopefully you will be seeing those later on the news stand....

Thanks for stopping by....