August 31, 2008
Flower Pendant - Making Silverware Jewelry with Polymer Clay Canes
How to shape delicate cane slice beads using an old light bulb as your guide:
Today's jewelry piece for inspiration is a flower pendant I call 'Morning Glory'. It's from my silverware pendant collection.
Polymer clay is the perfect medium for recreating colors and shapes found in nature. The flowers on my pendant design above, resemble the shape of morning glory blossoms. They were made using a spliced polymer clay cane that incorporated the Blue Iris color recipe we discussed the other day.
What I love about this pendant is the painterly look of the blossoms and the lovely cupped shape of the petals. To achieve that look I cut a thick piece of clay off the distorted end of the cane. Then flattening the slice and tapering the edges, I laid the circle of clay on an old light bulb and then baked it in the oven.
Using the distorted end of the cane is what gives the flowers a smeary watercolor look. The blue edge of the smaller bloom at the top of the pendant, only follows along a portion of the flower. Not completely surrounding it. This gives it some artistic, one of a kind character.
You may also notice on the larger flower how the green is kind of blurry, like it was dabbed at with a brush. The crisper more detailed lines in the 'good' part of the cane, get less clear and defined with distortion. Which I find to be unexpected and enchanting. Perfect for this type of flower jewellry.
Another thing I love about this whole line of jewelry from silverware, is the originality and charm the flatware brings to each pendant.
This drop pendant was made with a vintage silver butter knife as its base. The flat blade of this type of cutlery is fantastic for mounting polymer clay beads and embellishments. And the handle not only fashions a lovely bail for the pendant but also creates a uniquely finished back to the piece.
Vintage cutlery also brings some weight and precious metal to the work. I often find polymer clay to be too light and doesn't give the feeling of substance and quality when held in the hand.
The silverware makes it feel as though there is 'something to it'. I think this is especially important with these light and airy Morning Glory blossoms.
So what do you think of this flower pendant? Do you like this idea of making silverware jewelry with polymer clay canes? Or do you think cutlery should stay on the table? I'm dieing to know!!
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Filed under 07: Cane Work, 11: Bead Projects, 12: Inspiration by Cindy Lietz
Comments on Flower Pendant - Making Silverware Jewelry with Polymer Clay Canes »
Ooooooooooooooooooooooooo, how pretty! That was my first thought. I definitely think that silverware has more than one use when I see your work, Cindy! This piece is just so lovely. And, it is a piece of art from all angels! OK…my heart is beating hard…I'm getting excited about all the possibilities :) Thanks for showing us this beautiful piece.
Lovin' it! Cindy E.
Cindy,
Another gorgeous piece!!
Love the silverware pendant!!! But, how did you bend the knife? Do you use some kind of tool? Thanks.
@Cindy: Thank you so much for your excited comments!
@MJ: Thank you!!
@Lori: Some handles are fairly soft like this one was and I was able to bend it with my hands to start with. I tightened up the bend with a pair of nylon jawed pliers, so it wouldn't get scratched. You can cover regular round nose pliers with tape instead if you want.
Hi Cindy:
This is a fabulous idea! I inherited some really old silver flatware (not worth much, but means a lot because it belonged to my Grandmother) and wanted to do something with it. Now I can make some awesome jewellery with the pieces and share the silverware with the rest of my family.
Thanks!
Wonderful ideaI always learn so much about your craft . It is un believable that you share so much for free. You are a blessing to the craft world. Thanks Again. B
@Carol: That sounds like a lovely idea! Just think how meaningful that will be to your family. Send pictures of your silverware jewelry when you make it.
@Beth: Thank you for your really sweet comments!
Cindy, your site is wonderful, from tutes to pics. info and so many other things. You are a blessing to the Polymer Clay world. Vicky
Thank you Vicky! I really appreciate that! Let me know if you have any questions.
i think this is great i've been making silverware jewelry for awhile now and
didn't know what to do with the spoons. and i started with polymer clay a year
or two ago and really like it. thank you for sharing your ideas.
I'm glad you like it June! Silverware is really fun to work with, isn't it? I was excited when I figured this out. Thanks so much for your comment!
cindy, you are truly an artistic person and i envy you! :) i have been trying to make my own handmade jewelries these past few days and have been quite unsuccessful with everything! maybe i just need to read all your articles first here in your blog and try to learn whatever i can to improve my skills, in case i do have some! i've only read a few and it looks like i'll be back for more. wish me luck in my new-found interest! :)
At the risk of sounding promotional Liz, it may be very helpful for you to purchase my Polymer Clay Bead Making Fundamentals Course. It will help you tremendously and save you a lot of time, money and hassle, trying to figure it out on your own.
To learn more about the 39 video course, click the link beside my name.