May 8, 2008
Flower Petal Bead Inclusions for Memorable Keepsake Jewelry
Tip #51: Dried Flower Petals (+) Translucent Polymer Clay (=) Beads that Say, "I'm Thinking of You."
If you're anything like me, you probably dry flowers from special events such as weddings, graduations and baby showers. Did you know you can mix bits of the dried flower petals into translucent polymer clay to make beautiful flower beads? Well you can and the results are stunning.
Think of how a close friend would feel if you gave them a bracelet made with flower petals secretly collected from their special day. They would cherish your lovingly made jewelry keepsake piece forever and ever.
Translucent clay is perfect for this kind of project because, after baking, you will be able to see the embedded flower pieces elegantly preserved below the bead surface.
>> Flower Petal Beads <<
"Dried Flower Inclusion" Video Description: The full version of this tutorial is currently posted in the VIP backstage members area. In it I discuss how to add flower petals to translucent polymer clay and how to make sure the pieces stay embedded below the surface of the bead.
Filed under 05: Techniques, 11: Bead Projects by Cindy Lietz
Comments on Flower Petal Bead Inclusions for Memorable Keepsake Jewelry »
Cindy Lietz from Spice Beads @ 6:05 pm
Potpourri inclusions are also fun. I found one mix that has small mica chips which make my translucent beads absolutely sparkle. What do you add to your polymer clay bead inclusions?
Cindy Lietz's last blog post..Metallic Polymer Clay Color Recipes with Bling
Cynister @ 9:14 am
I cannot wait to see the inclusions tutorials!
Cindy Lietz from Polymer Clay Dremel @ 7:07 am
I'm working on it Cynister!
If you want to try it on your own, break up some dried petals in small pieces and work them into some translucent clay. Just keep pushing them into the clay with your thumb until they are thoroughly mixed. If you add too many the clay will not stick together so well, so without the tutorial you'll have to experiment. Roll your pieces into a bead or press into a pendant and bake. Give it a try it will be fun!
Make sure you're on the Video Newsletter Guest List because when this video comes out I think we're going to show it there.
Cindy Lietz's last blog post..Adding Polymer Clay Cane Slices to Lentil Beads
Relle @ 8:03 pm
A nice little tute, I only seem to include dust and scrap clay particles in my clay on accident. :)
denby @ 9:59 am
What a great idea! What a nice way to preserve a memory.
Pat @ 11:00 am
I have used all sorts of inclusions in the clay but never thought of using the scrunched up petals. Very nice effect! I am going to try it next time I am working with plain translucent. Thanks!
Cindy Lietz from Ebay Polymer Clay @ 11:57 am
@Relle: Thanks I'm Glad you liked it! I know what you mean about all the crap (I mean scrap) that accidentally gets in the clay, what a pain Eh?
@denby: It is a nice way to preserve memories. Do you have any special events coming up you could collect flowers from?
@Pat: Thanks for your comment! I'd love to see what you end up making.
Cindy Lietz's last blog post..Some Polymer Clay Canes Made from a Spring Color Palette
Libby @ 12:51 pm
Hi Cindy! Just wanted to let you know I've learned a lot from your freebie videos - thank you so much!
While digging through some potpourri to try out this latest idea, I also found a chunk of something with a great texture that might look good on clay, and I think I might even be able to string some of the tiny little mystery pods if I can get a hole through them, for a wonderful organic look. (Smells good too!) So this was a very inspiring idea and I look forward to more!
Thanks again,
Libby
Svetlana @ 6:36 am
Thanks a lot, Cindy! It's a great new idea for me. I've heard about adding different things to clay but never thought of flowers. It could be very symbolic.
Svetlana from Russia.
Cindy Lietz from Ebay Polymer Clay @ 4:30 pm
@Libby: You're welcome! Your idea to use the pods from your Potpourri is cool! I bet they would look great with your flower petal inclusion beads, with the added bonus of a nice scent! I'd love to see pictures when you're done.
@Svetlana: Welcome from Russia! I've seen some wonderful polymer clay art from Russia! I wish I could read the blogs though… I bet I could learn some great stuff! You're right about adding flowers being very symbolic. I think the beads make fantastic, meaningful mementos of a special occasion!
Cindy Lietz's last blog post..Stunning Polymer Clay Pendant Design by TooAquarius