Polymer clay jewelry
Every woman wants to be attractive and have a unique image. Cosmetics, clothes and jewelry help to achieve this. Handmade products that emphasize individuality and give the fair sex a certain sophistication are very popular. Designer jewelry made of cheap materials deserves special attention. A striking example of this is polymer clay and a range of costume jewelry made from it.
Features and types of material
Polymer clay is based on polyvinyl chloride. It is quite common, as it serves as the main element in the manufacture of dishes, furniture, toys and many other products. Its appearance is very reminiscent of plasticine, as well as the work technique itself. Only unlike plasticine, polymer clay becomes solid under the influence of high temperatures, without subsequently changing its shape. The component is absolutely safe for health, but experts still recommend carrying out the workflow with an open window.
The texture of polymer clay is very soft and easy to manipulate by hand. The choice of material is quite large, but the highest positions in the ranking are occupied by such manufacturers as:
- fimo;
- Prado;
- Cernit;
- Thai Clay;
- Sculpey.
Experienced craftsmen advise adding a special mixture called Fimo mix quick to the clay, which makes the workflow easier and more interesting.
Work techniques
Such a wonderful material as polymer clay provides a lot of opportunities for creating original jewelry in various technical designs. That is why modern polymer clay jewelry is presented in a wide range. This is facilitated by the use of special techniques for working with the base.
The most common of them are:
- watercolor;
- millifiori;
- Mokume Gane;
- filigree;
- salty (sugar).
To master each technique, for starters, it is enough to make long beads, making beads of the same shape from clay and, stringing them on a thread, first burn them on fire. Next, the finished product is varnished. This option is the easiest and simplest. More complex options include making decorations such as berries, flowers, fruits, and animal figurines. All of them can be a great addition to both everyday and festive looks.
Sculpting technology
Before proceeding with the modeling process, you need to familiarize yourself with all its nuances. The first step is to prepare the relevant materials, which include:
- glass or tile;
- sharp knife;
- Glass bottle;
- glossy and matte varnish;
- brushes;
- accessories;
- toothpicks and wet wipes.
When making jewelry, it is advised to follow the step-by-step instructions and work only with gloves. Knead the clay thoroughly, after which you can begin to make the constituent elements of the future decoration. So, by connecting two flagella of different colors, you can get the effect of a bright candy.By mixing three colors, a marble effect is achieved that looks simply amazing.
Product range
The modern choice of jewelry made of polymer clay is very large. These jewelry are presented in a wide range and different colors. They surprise with their sophistication, originality and incomparable beauty. Each author's work deserves special attention, because it has an individual design, and also has an unusual and very beautiful look. These include:
- pendants;
- bracelets;
- beads;
- rings;
- earrings;
- brooches;
- pendants.
You can make one specific product or a complete set. In addition, special molds for modeling significantly speed up the process, allowing you to create the most fashionable, creative and unique items. Therefore, handmade jewelry can complete the image and give it some freshness.
What to wear?
Jewelry made of self-hardening clay turns out to be very beautiful. It can be the perfect addition to a festive outfit or everyday wear. Stylists say that such products can be safely worn to work, college, theater, museum, exhibitions, meetings with friends, dates and festive events.
The most popular types of jewelry are:
- massive;
- light and airy;
- romantic;
- unusual and asymmetrical;
- classical and strict.
Putting on another piece of clothing from the wardrobe, there is often a feeling that something is missing. Therefore, original decorations, which are products made of polymer clay, will help to make it more interesting and attractive. For example, jewelry in the form of elegant earrings, a beautiful bracelet and light beads is best suited for an evening dress.Also, a festive outfit will perfectly complement the flower brooch, which will give the image some zest and personality.
Nautical-themed jewelry, in particular turquoise, goes well with casual wear. Such accessories serve as a bright accent and harmoniously complement even the most modest clothes, emphasizing the overall style. In addition, there are special copies created for almost all occasions. Due to their versatility and functionality, these models of jewelry are always appropriate with both festive outfits and clothing designed for every day.
As you know, jewelry is a kind of self-expression method, so it is selected based on personal preferences, taste and style. Such original jewelry helps to hide flaws, emphasize dignity, as well as add charm to the image and emphasize beauty.
Care rules
All jewelry, regardless of its origin, needs mandatory care. And since how attractive the image will be directly depends on its presentability, such jewelry needs to be properly cared for. The process of manufacturing and assembling products from polymer clay involves several stages, each of which is complex in its own way. It uses elements made of wire, thread and many others, in order to preserve the original appearance of which it is recommended to follow special care rules.
So that polymer clay jewelry does not lose its beauty, you need:
- prevent moisture from getting on them;
- do not touch them with dirty hands;
- store products in a box, bag or on a stand in a dry place;
- prevent perfumes and cosmetics from getting on the surface;
- Be sure to take off your jewelry before going to bed.
- protect them from chemical and mechanical influences;
- wipe metal elements with a soft cloth, preferably flannel;
- do not drop to avoid deformation.
Decorations in the form of flowers or other similar compositions should not be worn under outerwear, as this may adversely affect their integrity and aesthetic beauty. Such specimens must be stored separately in individual packages or plastic containers to protect them from scuffing and crumbling.
Professional stylists do not recommend wearing the brooch on the same side as the handbag. Jewelery must be loved and handled very carefully, because care and compliance with simple rules of care will help preserve their original beauty for a long period of time. Such details can make the image inimitable and unique, as well as bring unforgettable impressions to every new day.