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Polymer Clay Jewelry Make fun beads, bangles and more. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-118

Polymer clay is a great medium for anyone who wants to B. Original: It’s inexpensive, easy to work with and versatile.

Host Michele Beschen shares some of her inspirations for fun and funky jewelry made from polymer clay, including an artistic bracelet and ring. Scroll down for her easy how-to.

Create colorful beads and rings...

And an art-jewelry bangle bracelet.

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	Figure A
	Figure B

Beads

• Knead polymer clay. Shape a small lump of clay into a round, square or oval shape.

• Play around with different patterns and designs (figure A). Remember: Clay sticks to itself as it bakes, so you can add some texture by wrapping and adding other clay elements like dots or swirls.

• Dip a toothpick or bamboo skewer into cornstarch and use it to make a hole through the bead (figure B).

• Bake beads on parchment paper according to the package instructions. Bake on a toothpick or skewer to avoid uneven holes.

• If the holes close up or are too small for your cord, you can widen them with a small drill bit.

	Figure C
	Figure D

Bracelet

• Michele Beschen uses a metal bracelet she already has as a template for a good fit.

• Roll clay out to 1/8" thick. Either use a pasta machine that you only use for clay work, or roll out with a non-stick roller on a hard surface such as a large tile.

• Add design interest by stamping a piece of metallic clay and placing it on the rolled-out slab. Roll lightly with a non-stick roller to stick the design to the clay, but don't flatten it out (figure C).

• Coat a metal bracelet with cornstarch and place the clay slab over the bracelet. Trim to size (figure D).

• Slide the clay bracelet off the metal bracelet form and bake on parchment paper according to the package instructions. Seal with varnish after the bracelet cools.
  

  Ring
  

  Figure E

  • Use a wooden dowel the same size as your finger as a form.

  • Roll out a clay slab to fit around the dowel.

  • Make a design for your ring by stamping a piece of metallic clay and lightly rolling it to the ring clay with a non-stick roller.

  • Wrap clay around wooden dowel (figure E). Trim and smooth out seam.

  • Bake on parchment paper, according to the package instructions. Seal with varnish.
  
  

  
  

  RELATED PROJECTS: Polymer Clay Beaded Belt

  
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Retro Clock and Frame
  	Polymer Clay Embellishments
  	Polymer Clay Jewelry
  	Polymer Clay Partyware