May 21, 2008
How to Make Polymer Clay Pendants with a Silver Spoon
Were you born with a Silver Spoon in your mouth? How about one around your neck?
A long time ago, I made wind chimes with old silverware. So did Doug's dad (Doug is my hubby by the way). Recently his parents downsized to an apartment and I inherited a bunch of their wind chime silverware collection.
So there they were, boxes of spoons, forks and knives, sitting in my studio waiting to be sorted and stored amidst my vast collection of craft supplies. Then it hits me…
"Spoons are made of silver right? I'm always keeping a eye out for silver bevels to put polymer clay in. Why couldn't I use the spoons for bezels?" An idea is born!
Silver spoon polymer clay pendants!
Out came my hacksaw and off went the handle. (Saved for another project.) Leaving a short stub that was long enough to curl back for a bail, next I got out my file and smoothed off the cut end. I also beveled the end a bit, so that once it was bent back, it would lay down flat and smooth.
I grabbed my round nose pliers and carefully bent back the stub into a nicely rounded bail. It was quite tricky to do being short and I made a mental note to make the stub longer next time.
A fine grit sandpaper (600 grit) was used to get rid of any nicks on the spoon and to clean up the inside of the bowl. Then rubbing alcohol to clean away any residue or traces of filings.
Next I filled the bowl of the spoon with scrap polymer clay. You can press it in well and fill past the full line because it is easy to trim away the excess with your blade.
Taking slices from some of my millefiori canes, I added them to the base clay and smoothed over the joints with my acrylic rod. Trimming any clay that had pushed its way over the edge.
The pendant was baked in the oven for 1 hour at 265 degrees. Once cooled, the polymer clay popped easily out of the spoon, which made sanding and buffing quite easy. It then was glued in with Krazy glue, being careful not to squish any glue out onto the top of the pendant.
I loved it! The back of the spoon rests nicely against your skin and even warms up a little with your body heat. The clay is protected on all sides and the back giving the pendant a great deal of durability. The silver is worn and aged and has a timeless beauty to it. And it gives the piece some weight and the feeling of quality.
Since that first pendant which was given to Doug's mom for a Mother's Day gift, I have made several different versions. Some of the handles were kept on and bent into a hook. And some of the handles that were removed were made into pretty bails for making other polymer clay pendants.
One of these days I'll make a video course all about how to make polymer clay pendants if you guys are interested. Until then, look for inspiration in places you never thought to look… maybe even your silverware drawer!
Spread the Word!
Filed under 02: Tools, 11: Bead Projects, 12: Inspiration by Cindy Lietz
Comments on How to Make Polymer Clay Pendants with a Silver Spoon »
Cindy,
I love what you have done with your web site! I have not been able to purchase any videos as I am disabled and on a fixed income and with gas prices my funds are strained. I do not like to ask my son for extras but now you are offering full videos free and I think it gives people the oppertunity to come back over and over again. Offering projects and inspirational things can;t be beat. Keep it up Cindy–it WILL only get better!!!
Thanks Christine! I am glad you noticed how we have changed the site so it can become a great reference tool for people who want to make polymer clay beads! The full videos offered to people on the Beads And Beading Guest List are meant to be a gift for those who have made the effort to subscribe.
I hope other people get as much out of them as you have! I also hope that things turn around quickly for you so that you can pursue your passions!
Cindy Lietz's last blog post..Polymer Clay Sale at Michaels Arts and Crafts
Another great idea you came up with there, Cindy! Gave me some ideas, for sure….have quite a bit of "inherited" silverware that just sits in its chest tarnishing. What a good way for it to see daylight again!
Wondering about the handle..some of mine has beautiful patterns…hmmm, could I possible bend that forward and incorporate it as part of the bail?? (I have used them for texturing clay with wonderful results!)..
Just sitting here pondering…
Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks Garnie! Yes you could bend the handle forward and incorporate it into the bail! The backside of the handle will show, though a lot of handles are very pretty on the back. I have bent them back and it works wonderfully. I would love to see what you come up with!
That is a great idea for texturizing, will have to try that sometime!
Cindy Lietz's last blog post..Polymer Clay Finishes - Which One Is Best?
OH MY I love this!!!!!!!!! This is soo unique I have never seen it before.
Thanks for another great post Cindy!
Kristy's last blog post..How To “Intersect”
Thanks for the sweet comment Kristy!
Cindy Lietz's last blog post..Polymer Clay Tools for Softening Clay Quickly
Very cool idea! I'd love to see a video tutorial! :D
Thanks dogeatdog! I checked out your Etsy site and you have some very cool jewelry! I love the Pac Man earrings and the sweet tooth necklace… and the scull rings… and the….
I think this tutorial will be going into a pendant making course so stay tuned!
Cindy's last blog post..Adding Polymer Clay Cane Slices to Lentil Beads
Creative idea on the spoon. I have been so busy with baby season (I do wildlife rescue and take in orphans) that I have been unable to check your web site and just today saw the video on the food processer. Clear and very understandable.
Thanks Patricia, that's sweet! I'm glad the video was helpful for you. What kind of wild babies are you taking care of?
Cindy's last blog post..Learning About Polymer Clay Color Mixing - Maggie Maggio Style
Oh wow…this is amazing! I will be trying this out FOR SURE!!! There are so many ideas flying around my head right now!! WOW!!!
Keri Lee Sereika's last blog post..Still in FL
Thank You Keri Lee! I know that feeling you get when the ideas are 'flying around in your head'… it's a great feeling isn't it? Makes you feel alive!
Cindy's last post..Jones Tones Foil Paper, Mona Lisa Metal Leaf and Polymer Clay Beads
I love this project. Please make the video!!! I will be saving spoons and looking at the flea market for others!!!
You're not the only one Brenda who wants me to do a video tutorial Brenda… now I may just have to!
Cindy Lietz's last blog post..Making Handmade Jewelry using Polymer Clay Leaf Beads
I knew I was saving those spoons for a reason. Thanks for this article and thanks for the treasure hunt if not for that I might have missed this one.
CraftyLinda's last blog post..Link Exchanging
I'm glad you found it CraftyLinda! Great blog BTW!
Cindy Lietz's last blog post..Mokume Gane Polymer Clay Canes for Pendant and Bead Jewelry Making
Love your work!!!!! What a neat idea using an old spoon as a bezel. I really enjoy your tutorials and your blog. It has given me the inspiration i was looking for.