“Agates are
beautiful. I
would love to learn how to
make that faux stone using
polymer clay.” ~Cheryl-H
As you may have noticed from today’s featured Gallery post, as well from previous ones (i.e. the May 27th Faux Raku New Orbits necklace is another example of a recent Gallery article), these photo spreads are here to provide you guys with creative ideas and inspiration.
Please use the comment section below, to discuss the items presented… or to let me know what other projects / techniques you would like to see and learn more about.
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Faux Agate, Coin Bead Bracelet:Recently here at the blog, there has been a lot of talk about polymer clay faux stones. So in today’s Gallery post I am sharing pictures of my faux agate bracelet, complete with a polymer clay toggle clasp.
Polished to a silky smooth finish, these blue toned faux agates have the shimmer of copper flakes buried within the earth toned striations of translucent and opaque polymer clays. The dome shaped coin beads are strung, along with glass seed beads, on durable yet flexible, bronze colored SoftFlex Beading Wire. The toggle clasp is handmade from polymer clay in a coordinating stone effect. It fits easily and securely into a shimmery bronze colored glass seed bead loop on the other end. The bracelet measures 8″ (20.5 cm) from end to end, fitting a 6″ (15 cm) to 7″ (18 cm) wrist quite comfortably. Price: $35 – If you are interested in purchasing the Faux Agate, Coin Bead Bracelet shown in today’s gallery post, then send me an email. Be sure to include your full mailing address so I can work out the shipping cost for you.
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Cindy, your agate is beautiful, the colors are so well coordinated. The colors remind me of the ocean, even though I am a North Dakota land dweller. Being an aquarius I am drawn to the ocean. This would make a great tute. Love to have you teach this one.
@Carolyn K: I’m from Montana (and still live here) and I used to live almost in North Dakota. Nice to see someone else from my neck of the woods!
Very beautiful Cindy! Love it! Would also like to see you do a tutorial on how to make the agate stones. What is the crimp bead that you used? Never saw a crimp like those.
I don’t normally like faux agate, but I *LOVE* the beads and the colour combination in this bracelet. Absolutely gorgeous! :)
Both faux stones would be excellent subjects for tutorials… although I’m impatient enough that I’m going to try my own version first! LOL
Beautiful bracelet and colors, and yes to more faux stone vids (PLEEEEASE).
I looked agates up in Wikipedia. Ididn’t realise that I have some pieces that look a lot like agate. Here I’ve been making faux agate and didn’t know it!
Like Carolyn, I am an Aquarian and so absolutely love the blue watery quality of these beads. Needless to say, please add my vote for a tut.
It’s cool that Cindy chose a gallery post today-it’s the perfect lead-in to sharing my good fortune. Remember those dangle bangle bracelets with hammered copper (May 19)? I loved them but because I don’t wear bracelets decided they wouldn’t work for me. I contacted Cindy about the possibility of designing a choker for me in a similar fashion (like she has nothing else to do, right?). Well, she did and it came yesterday and it is PERFECT!!!!! As I told her it couldn’t fit better if I had sent her my neck and because I got to choose the charm and the design of the closure it makes it even more “mine” if that makes any sense. I can’t tell you how much I love it and how much it means to me to have a Cindy piece of my very own.
I asked permission from her to share that she does do custom pieces, which she gave me and added that she enjoys doing them when she has time. So there you have it-the story of my first beautiful, gorgeous, Cindy piece.
@Elizabeth S.: Congrat’s on your custom Cindy-choker! That’s got to be soooo exciting! What did you choose as a pendant, or charm, anyway? Inquiring minds… ;~D
@Sue F: Thanks for the tip. What a coincidence — I just saw that Donna video yesterday! The bead she made is larger, so I didn’t even put it together. I’ll definitely give it a try. Thanks! :D
@Phaedrakat: You’re welcome… I hope it works for you!
When making small beads that way I find I have to arc my fingers backwards a bit and put my hands at 90 degrees to each other to be able to apply the required pressure and still make enough of a circular motion. If the motion is too small you just end up with lines from the palms of your hands printed on the beads, and if the motion isn’t circular enough you get ovals. (Been there, done that! ;D)
@Phaedrakat:I chose the disc shaped bead as I thought it would work better than the round one for the choker. Thanks for the congrats.
Ooh, I love these faux agate beads. I agree that the colors remind me of the ocean (I’m another water sign…cancer). I would love to have a tutorial on them, PLEASE!
I’m curious about the crimp bead, too.
I’m definitely up for a faux agate tute – I’ve tried it before but couldn’t get the striations thin enough to look realistic.
That said, it was a while ago, and I think I could probably make a better fist of it to now I’m more experienced. But I’m always on the lookout for more tips!
Oh and I love the colours of this bracelet. And I’m a water sign, but don’t actually believe in astrology (or anything supernatural, come to that). But then I would say that, I’m a Scorpio. ;)
@Silverleaf: I’ve used layers of paint to mimic the really fine striations when I’ve made faux (banded) agate in the past.
These faux-agate beads are so pretty! :) I’d love a tutorial!
I’m a Pisces (and yes, I also don’t believe in astrology). Yet, I am also very drawn to these water colors. Please, Cindy and Doug, a tutorial on this beautiful technique!
Being a non-believing fire sign I still say “I love those colors and those beads!” I’ve make faux agate beads before but not like those! I’d love to know your way.
Yes please Cindy a tut would be good I don’t wear bead bracelets but I love yours .
Gorgeous Bracelet! The colors are lovely, water sign or not! The polymer beads go together beautifully, and the color of the seeds is perfect, too. I’d love a tute on the Faux Agate, as well as the other PC beads (or are they Faux Agate, as well — just w/o the striations?) The domed coin-shape of the beads is beautiful; I’d love to learn any tips you have on making this shape easily.
The closure looks stunning, and matches the rest of the bracelet perfectly — what a wonderful, effective way to pull it all together! It looks fairly simple to make, and yet it’s inexpensive (love saving money!) Did you use different crimps for this, or are those dark bugle-beads I’m seeing? It also looks a bit like that rubber tubing…
I’m very impressed with this piece — very exciting! Can’t wait for the “Faux Agate” tute…and anything else you’d like to share. Pretty please? Thanks so much, Cindy. You always inspire us!
Hmmm, I seem to have lost my first comment! Weird. Anyway, I went on and on for way too long about how gorgeous this bracelet is! I love the colors (but not a water sign ;D.) I love the Faux Agate, and the other polymer beads — or are the other beads agate, too, just w/o striations? The seeds match the bracelet beautifully, and make such a striking closure. It’s effective, simple, and yet inexpensive (always great to save $$.) Did you use a different kind of crimp here, or are those dark bugle beads or something? They also look a bit like rubber tubing. Looks great, whatever it is!
I love the entire bracelet, and I’d welcome a tute on the Faux Agate, and the other PC beads. I think the domed coin-shape of the beads is great, too. It would be awesome to learn some tips on how to make these easier. In fact I’m happy to learn anything about this bracelet you’re willing to teach. I find it very exciting — I wouldn’t mind having one just like it! Thanks for everything you do, Cindy. You’re such an inspiration!
@Phaedrakat: When I saw Donna Kato make beads in that domed coin shape in an HGTV video, she first rolled a round by hand, then pressed her hands quite firmly together while moving her palms in very small circular motions to get the final shape. That seems to work OK the few times I’ve done it (I don’t often make beads that shape). It’s not quite as easy as she made it look, but not much trickier than hand-rolling even rounds.
@ Silver leaf – I ‘m a scorpio too and I don’t believe in astrology or any such thing.
@ Cindy – That bracelet is simply beautiful – I love the color tones. I too am curious about the ‘crimp’ bead. I would love a tut on faux agate and would also love to learn how to make that neat toggle closure with the seed beads.
@ Elizabeth – I absolutely agree with you. I own a Cindy original too – the blue butterfly wing, resin pendant. i couldn’t resist it when I saw the picture as I love butterflies. The pendant upclose is just gorgeous.
@Cheryl Hodges: Oh Cheryl,
that pendant is such a beauty! Congratulations-I’m sure you feel as I do that owning and wearing a Cindy original is special indeed.
Melinda H.- I’sn’t the internet an amazing thing. Not only can I use it as a learning tool but also find kind friendly people with the same interests as mine. I started collecting pc making tools years ago but was so afraid to try making anything. I had a stack of print outs from online research. And I watched the Carol Duval show for ever. Finally, last fall I got the itch to start and stumbled on to Cindy’s tutorials. Wow, did that make a difference in my confidence. From then my daughters all started asking me if I would make them jewelry. From there others asked to buy some of my pieces. I have Cindy to thank for my new hobby.
love love the agate bracelet. Would be awesome to learn how to make the beads.
Thanks for sharing.
Yes! I would love to learn this. The colors are amazing!!
Oh I just love this piece!! From another Scorpio whose skeptical but thinks it’s kind of fun anyway ;)
These beads look mod/funky and earthy at the same time…gorgeous. I’d love to learn how to make them!
I am so thrilled to see the response on this bracelet and the faux agate beads! Looks like I will have to do a tute soon since everyone is so enthused about this! You’re going to love how easy it is!!
The coin bead shape is domed on the top and flat on the back like a cabochon. Been playing around with these beads and found they are the perfect shape for making wire wrapped rings with. Now I need to get more perfect at making the rings so I can show you all that too!
The crimps are actually long darkened copper tube crimps that my Dad uses to crimp his fishing lines on his commercial fishing boat!! (I know… such an awesome thing should be used for jewelry not for fishing!) I love them so much and have been loving their rich patina and incredible strength. Plus they are just so unusual. I need to ask him where he gets them so that I can pass on the resource to you all. Glad you noticed them!! I also used them on the Zebra Bead Lanyard awhile back (see link by my name).
@Cindy Lietz: I love the copper crimps in your bracelet, so I tried to look them up. There are SO many types of copper crimps (also called sleeves) on the fishing supplies websites, though. There’s lots of the darkened copper, and they come in lots of sizes, as well as single tube or double (or figure 8) style. It’s hard to tell, but it looks like it might have been the double/figure 8 type that you used.
There’s a figure on the EC21 website that shows some of the different types. It’s here at this address: ec21.com/product-details/Copper-Sleeve-Crimps–3343183.html. You can click on the picture to make it larger. Can you tell us if your crimps look more like the “single” or “double” sleeves before you crimp them? Thanks!
@Phaedrakat: Sorry Phaedrakat to take so long to respond. So many things happening here behind the scenes, that it’s been hard to keep up. Internet went down for part of the day yesterday too! Yikes!
Anywho, the picture of the crimps you mentioned look like the right ones. Mine are the single ones not the double. I have them in two lengths, short like the dark ones in the photo and long like the ones I used on this bracelet. From the big felt pen markings on the bags Dad gave me it looks like mine are size .065 and size .052 which seem to be the mini sized ones. (The fishing cables can be pretty big.) They are the Oxidized version. The shiny copper ones would be cool too.
I just use a flat nosed pliers to crimp them, I think it looks a little neater that way.
From what I saw online, they are really inexpensive and looks like there is quite a variety of sizes and styles. I think it is an excellent supply resource for jewelry, don’t you?
@Cindy Lietz: No worries, Cindy. I know how extremely busy you are. I noticed you used the crimps in your necklace, too, so I thought I’d throw in the link while reminding you of my request. I’ve got a lot of comments around — I imagine it’s hard to distinguish which ones require a response & which ones are “just praising” all of the great things you do – LOL.
Thanks for letting me know which crimps/sleeves you use, and how to crimp them. Yes, fishing supply stores really are excellent resources for jewelry. I saw some other things I’d love to try as well, but I’d prefer to see them in person first. I guess I’ll have to find a store locally. Even if they don’t sell the items, they might have a sample of the products. That way I can see if they’re right for what I have in mind.
How exciting to send your beautiful bracelet half-way around the world to Sue F.! It really is a beautiful piece; I’m so glad it’s going to a good home. I need to stay on the lookout for a Cindy piece of my own — one that speaks to me. ;~D What Sue said is true, you really are a constant & “continuing source of ideas and inspiration!”
Thanks, Kat
@Cindy L: BTW, it didn’t take you long to respond, anyway!
Cannot wait for Friday! Chaledony and blue lace agates are my favs but love all the color shades. For inspiration, would appreciate if some one from Michigan could pop up a pic of the the naturals agates found near the Great Lakes, I’ll try if I can find a link, too.
Wow! Love these colors and cannot wait to try your methods, Cindy.
These are images from Googling two choices of agates, just copy and paste in your browser. Enjoy!
Chalcedony:
google.com/imageshl=en&source=imghp&q=chalcedony&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=
Blue Lace Agate:
google.com/images?hl=en&q=blue%20lace%20agate&cts=1275540038078&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi
Oh Cindy Yes I would love to learn every aspect of this bracelet. 1st. the agates, I asked not too long ago if anyone else was interested in asking you about an agate tute. I love the sliced look for pendants but these beads are awesome. Maybe in time you could show us the sliced agate also. Then the toggle is perfect with this bracelet. Every inch of this bracelet is perfect. Teach me any or all and I will be very grateful for the tute. There are a lot of different items in the fishing department that work great for jewelry. Just as fun as shopping in the hardware department. Fishing tackle is a blast to go thru and buy. Even tackle boxes themselves are super for storing jewelry items and great for storing polymer canes in. So back to the agate I say YES PLEASE do a tute for us Cindy.
Thanks and Uuuuuggggs to all, Peggy
Hi Cindy, these agates are awesome! Beautiful job!!! Please do a tutorial on them. I would love to learn how to make these faux stones. You are such a great polymer clay artist! When I grow up, I want to be Cindy!!!!
Gorgeous! I never would have thought to make my own toggle clasps! You are very clever when it comes to the simplest of tasks, which is one thing my mind lacks!
How stunning your agates are, Cindy. Thank you yes, I’d l-e-r-v-e to learn how to make them. Will the colour recipes be in future tutorials? It’s that divine aqua and the translucence that’s so engaging. Cute that most of us disclaim any belief in “the stars” but we all know our signs (Pisces, me): What’s your sign? Wasn’t that one of the most-used pick-up lines way back before our back molars erupted?
@Elizabeth S.: I just wanted to say how much I appreciate your comment! Smiled out load when you said it couldn’t have fit you better if you had sent your neck! My neck is just a half inch bigger than yours so I kept trying it on as I made it, to see how it would lay on the neck. Trickier than you would think. A neck has several different angles to it. Not just a circle. So glad it worked out so well for you and that you are happy! I had fun knowing it was you I was making it for! :-)
@Jocelyn: It is so wonderful having you back! We missed you around here. Enjoy the tutorial!
@Carolyn K: I love what you said! Starting is the biggest part building confidence. It pleases me to know I was able to help you get started and succeed in your new hobby. Thank you for letting me know!
@Mary: I will use the recipes in the tutorials from time to time but you can use them anytime you wish! BTW I’m a Virgo. So is Willow and Doug. Fisher’s a Cancer which he hates, since he hates Cancer. :-)
Cindy, you already know that I’d love a tutorial on banded agates. Yours here are lovely. I’ve caught up, finally, on watching your videos, but have yet to try my hand at the techniques. It takes a long time I guess to recover from 3+ weeks in a hospital bed. I kind of go in spurts. I really want to try your zebra cane ’cause I have a project that is just crying for a zebra fish!
@carolyn: I’m glad you’re able to at least watch the videos, Carolyn. Take it nice and slow, we want you to keep getting better and stronger. You’ll get there, just be easy on yourself — you had quite an ordeal. I’m praying for you, I can’t wait for you to get back to your feisty, energetic, clay-slingin’ self! Take care, Kat
PS Don’t worry, you’ll get to that zebra fish before you know it…
Hoboken Mary…I am Jersey City Maureen, your neighbor! Did you know there is a NJ Polymer Clay Guild that meets once a month? It is fun to supplement the lessons with Cindy by meeting with people “in person”, in case you are interested. I am a member. Althought I must say I learn more from Cindy in a month than I do at the guild once a month. But I enjoy the people and the getting together. If you’d like more info let me know. Have a great day.
@Cindy, I see you used those cool fishing crimps/sleeves on your Faux Raku “New Orbits” Necklace, too.
I really want to get some of these — they look great, and I’ll bet they hold really well. You probably have to use a different grade of crimper though, right? Or do you use regular jewelry crimpers? What about just using your chain-nose pliers? Anyway, when you get a chance, could you please check out the diagram I mentioned in my previous post? I found some sleeves that are quite inexpensive. If they’re the right kind…
Hi Cindy,
Just letting you know that your faux agate bracelet has arrived! That was actually super-quick. I buy quite a lot of things from the States and I usually don’t even start looking out for them until the second week after I’ve ordered… 10 elapsed days is about the norm although in the last two weeks it’s been a bit less than that. Your bracelet only took half that
time to get here from Canada, which is great because patience is not my strong point! For a bit more info for your benchmark reference, the previous time I bought goodies from Canada they took 8 elapsed days to arrive (that was in April).
I’m very happy with the bracelet: the colour scheme is just as nice in real life as I expected from the photos, and the bead size is well suited to a very versatile piece, neither too small nor too large. I like the copper glitter in the beads, and the polymer clay toggle is great: easy but effective. It’ll probably get a public debut this weekend: I have a top that’s very close in colour to the toggle and the seed beads, so the bracelet will look like it was made specifically to accent it!
Thanks for a lovely piece of jewellery and a continuing source of ideas and inspiration! :)
Hoping you have a fantastic week,
Sue
@Sue F: That is amazing that the bracelet arrived in Australia so quickly! If I knew it was that fast to get there I would have climbed in the package and come for a visit! :-)
I am so glad you are enjoying it! Please do let us know what kind of reactions you get from its ‘public debut’. LOL