Faux Raku Macrame Bracelet | Polymer Clay Tute Vol-078

6 Videos #587 to #592: Learn how to recreate the look of real ceramic rainbow raku, using polymer clay and some simple supplies.

Way back in 2009, I published a couple of Faux Raku Tutorials. One called Faux Smooth Raku, and the other was Faux Deep Crackle Raku. The techniques were, and still are, very unique and fun to do.

Recently, when visiting the fabulous Shipwreck Beads, I found and purchased a couple of real Raku beads with a rainbow finish. I was immediately inspired to revisit the Raku concept, and create a new polymer clay tutorial. This one mimics the Rainbow Raku finish of the beads I just bought.

Gathering together a few other supplies, also purchased at Shipwreck Beads, I came up with a great looking unisex bracelet using the new Faux Rainbow Raku technique… some simple beaded macrame knots… and a lovely toggle clasp. I think you will really enjoy this one.

Posted just below is a Sneak Peak and overview of my Faux Rainbow Raku Macrame Bracelet Tutorial. The rest of the 6 part video series will be posted tomorrow (Friday, Nov 7, 2014) in Vol-078 at the Polymer Clay Tutor Library.

BTW, if this Faux Raku Technique looks exciting to you, please do click that YouTube Like button. Many of you have been giving the Thumbs Up to the weekly YouTube videos, which is great… Thank You! However, these monthly intro clips need some love as well. When they don’t get as many likes, it makes it look like they are not appreciated as much… which surely can’t be true with all the nice comments you all leave :)

Vol-078-1: Video #587: Introduction: In this 6 part video tutorial series, you will learn how to recreate the look of real ceramic rainbow raku, using polymer clay and some simple supplies. You will then incorporate your faux raku beads into a hand knotted, beaded macrame bracelet. Although this may look complicated, it really is easy to do. The end result is an organic and stylish looking jewelry piece, suitable for both men and women (depending on the findings you choose). Both the raku technique and the macrame can be used in other crafting projects as well, making this a very versatile polymer clay class to have in your “skills” tool box.

Vol-078-2: Video #588:
Faux Raku Texture:

In this video you will learn how to take simple lump of polymer clay, and create a textured and patterned bead, that not only looks like a real ceramic raku fired bead, but also feels pretty close to identical. You’ll also start the process of giving the beads its unique rainbow patina.

Vol-078-3: Video #589:
Coloring Baking Drilling:

In this video I will show you how to finish the realistic coloring, using chalk pastels and liquid polymer clay. I’ll also share with you the tips and tricks for proper baking, finishing and drilling your beads so that they are durable and professional looking. Ready for creating your awesome macrame bracelet.

Vol-078-4: Video #590:
Set Up for Knotting:

In this video you will get all set up for knotting your faux raku macrame bracelet. I’ll show you how to use a Mini-Macrame Board… or you can use just a regular clip board instead. I’ll show you how to measure and cut your cording… how to add the cords to your clasp… and how to pre-string your beads in preparation for knotting the pattern.

Vol-078-5: Video #591:
Beaded Macrame Knots:

In this video you will learn just how easy it is to do the basic macrame knots, and how simple it is to incorporate your polymer clay raku beads and some tiny accent beads into the design. If you have every macrame’d in the past, you will find it a breeze. And if not, you will still find it easy, when you follow my clear and simple instructions. Once you master this knot, you will be able to move on to more complicated designs in the future. Perhaps even on to Micro-macrame!

Vol-078-6: Video #592:
Additional Ideas:

In this final video of the series, I will show you a last minute idea for making a pair of earrings with the leftover cord and beads from your project. Plus, I will go through the many options you have for creating several different bracelet designs. Depending on your choice of findings… or lack of findings, you can make a unisex bracelet design for many different styles and personal preferences. This project can made to look elegant and classic, or chunky and rustic. The design is all up to you.

Other Suggested Supplies:

• Artist Brush.
• Baby Wipes or Damp Paper Towel.
• Scrap of Coarse 50 grit Sandpaper.
• Stiff Bristle Brush.
• Scissors.
• Ruler.
• Baking tray with foil pan or card stock for tenting.
• Molding Mat – Primitive Totem Blocks from Shipwreck Beads or 2 rubber stamps in pattern of choice.
• Mini-Macrame Board at Shipwreck Beads.

By the way, many of the “shopping” links I provide for the various tools and supplies used in my tutorials, are “affiliate” resources. That means companies like Amazon and the other suppliers I refer, pay me a small commission if you click on the links and end up making a purchase at their site. It’s not a lot, but every little bit helps in keeping the cost of my tutorials down. And, the prices for products that you may purchase through my links, are exactly the same as what you would normally pay, even if it is a “sale” price. So please feel free to click whenever you need to pick up a few things for your studio. Thanks so much for your support.

The full video series for the Faux Rainbow Raku Macrame Bracelet Tutorial described above, is available in Vol-078 at the Polymer Clay Library.

If you would like to receive 3 free beginner videos right now, plus some free color recipes that get sent out each week in my Friday email newsletter, please click this link: Polymer Clay Tutorials

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… Please Note: A general prerequisite for all of my monthly library tutorials is that you have a good understanding of the polymer clay basics, including: conditioning clay, using a pasta machine, clay blade and other simple tools, making Skinner Blends, baking clay, as well as sanding and finishing. If you need help in these areas, my Polymer Clay Beginners Course will get you up to speed quickly. There is also plenty of free information on this blog. Use the search box at the top of the page to find articles on specific topics.

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Customer Feedback About Membership Value:

Hey Cindy and Doug, it’s been a while since I became a PcT member. Well just let me say, it’s flown by with pleasure because of the both of you! You have gotten me up and doing, not just sitting in my studio and just conditioning clay, that’s as far I would get before! This is wonderful, and made me actually believe that it’s just me doing it, when I full well know that it’s you two that got me out of myself and into my clay, which if you knew what my life has been like over the past year, you’d say, “hey, we helped make a miracle happen”! You see, I’ve become familiar with my clay, my tools and my space, and the both of you! Just thank you so very much for helping me become a member of the clay community once again and a participating in life once more! My very best to you and yours. ~Joy-D

Thanks as always for your support, Cindy. It’s SO important to me, because you understand so much about the subtleties of the creative process, and how to turn people on to see it in themselves. Truly the mark of a good teacher. ~Fran-V

Yay – love your texture beads Cindy! What makes your lessons stand out is that little something extra you figure out and gift us with. ~Tantesherry

I have been a  subscriber since almost the beginning of teh Polymer Clay Tutor. I always learn something from a Tute, even if I never get around to do the project. Many times I am trying to figure out “just the right gift” from someone and find the answer in one of those old  Tutes that I had forgotten about. I too was hesitant about purchasing more “stuff’ for clay, but there are SO many of Cindy’s projects that are with things I already have. Cindy is soooo amazing, she has so many tutes and never ceases to amaze me with her new ideas. She also tries to offer an alternative to purchasing a piece of equipment. ~Anna-S

I just love all of your tutorials! You are so gifted and you are so willing to share your knowledge and discoveries. Thanks!!! ~Dorothy-H

Cindy, you are a very thorough teacher that both explains and demonstrates things in an easily accessible fashion. It’s very common for me to find myself thinking “Why didn’t I think of that?” when watching your tutorials. Take Care! ~Wendy-H

The full video series for the Faux Rainbow Raku Macrame Bracelet tutorial described above, is available in Vol-078 at the Polymer Clay Library.

If you would like to receive 3 free beginner videos right now, plus some free color recipes that get sent out each week in my Friday email newsletter, please click this link: Polymer Clay Tutorials