Vid #195: “Metal adds
a little something extra
to polymer clay. I think these
bezels are great and can see
making little PC charms with
them as well.” ~Phaedrakat
With Mixed Media Jewelry being such a hot trend these days, there are many unique jewelry components becoming available in the marketplace. Metal Bezels for example. They allow you to showcase your polymer clay designs and techniques in very creative ways.
Cindy, I am excited that you incorporate mixed media with your polymer clay tutorials since I am a big admirer of mixed media art – especially when it features polymer clay. Thank you so much. ~JoAnna-G
I seem to be going more down the mixed media route recently. ~Silverleaf
Mixed media jewelry is pretty popular these days. Our friendly polymer clay medium has always ‘played nice’ with other craft and jewelry supplies. ~Phaedrakat
My impetus to learn how to effectively use polymer clay came from my interest in multi-media collage. It’s wonderful that polymer clay is so versatile. My hope in learning different methods of using polymer clay is to be able to create handmade, unique embellishments and jewelry!
~Karen-B
I also have lots of mixed media items that I need new ways to use. This could be another whole world for us. Thanks again for always sharing your ideas with us. You rock! ~Susan-K
Although bezels are relatively easy to combine with polymer clay, there are some tips and tricks for using them that will make the process go a lot smoother. And for this reason, I have made this the topic for tomorrow’s video tutorial at the members library.
Cindy, The examples you’ve shown are so cool. Metal adds a little something extra to polymer clay. I think these bezels are great and can see making little PC charms with them as well. Thanks for your creativity, Cindy! ~Phaedrakat
I really like the look of the faux opal in the bezel. This would be a good technique to use in a spoon, too. Another great tut, Cindy! ~Linda-K
There is an amazing variety of bezels available from many suppliers. You can find them in almost every shape, size and material. Just recently I received a huge selection from my friend Terry Morris of EpoxyJewelry.com. You may know him as the UV Resin guy. His bezels (seen in my tutorial) are perfect for filling with polymer clay and resin to make durable pendants and charms for your art jewelry projects.
I purchased some of Terry’s bezels, such a good price. ~Peggy-B
I use Patera bezels from Nunn Design. They are a bit expensive but the end result proves worth it. ~Hobokenmary
Thank you, Cindy and Doug, Cannot wait to get more bezels.
~Jocelyn-C
Well… in tomorrow’s Vol-034 video tutorial (Friday March 11th, 2011 at the Polymer Clay Library) you will learn some of my tips and tricks for Filling Bezels with Polymer Clay. Even if you have already been successfully using bezels for a while now, I think you will still find this lesson to be useful and handy.
Please Note: A general prerequisite for all of my weekly 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 or Teardrop 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.
Supplies & Tools: Video-034-2 Filling Bezels with Clay:
- Metal Bezels of any size, shape, depth and material. Actually, you can use any metal item that will hold clay, including spoon bails, bottle caps, lockets, etc.
- Rubbing alcohol and paper towels.
- Clay. This is where your creativity can shine. You will see examples of how I used several different polymer clay techniques to fill bezels, including…
>> Aurora Technique
>> Faux Knit
>> Shaded Rose Cane
>> Rose Petal Clay
>> Gerbera Flower Cane
>> Spider Cane
>> Zebra Cane
>> Faux Opal Technique
>> UV Resin - Clay Blade, pasta machine, cutters, etc. Depending on the technique used to fill your bezel.
- Weldbond Glue or other polymer safe glue that will work with metal.
- Sanding kit (optional).
The full version of the Vid-034-2 Filling Bezels with Polymer Clay video will be posted in the Polymer Clay Members Library on Friday Mar 11th, 2011. But if you would like to see a sneak peek intro clip right now, scroll down the page a bit to the video player below.
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Here’s That “Link Below” Referred To at End of the Video
>> Polymer Clay Tutorials <<
The full version of the “Filling Bezels” preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Volume-034 Back Issue Package.
Customer Feedback About Membership Value:
This membership has been vital to me and the cost very, very manageable, even though I could say I definitely have a low income. Actually, in comparison to the actual supplies and extras that I have purchased for this art form, the tutorials are the real bargain!!! I love Cindy’s voice, too, and her method of teaching us. I have bought a few other tutorials elsewhere on the web when there is a little extra money available and while they are very good written instructions, they just do not compare in any way with Cindy’s and Doug’s videos in quality, thoroughness or bang for my buck. I will be forever grateful that I found this website. Thank you so much, Cindy and Doug! ~Becky-C
I have really enjoyed the videos! They are well worth the money. ~Melinda-M
Nothing compares to Cindy and Doug’s tireless, professional, helpful, sweet acts that they perform on this web site. Not only that, I could listen to Cindy all day, with that cute little voice and that accent… I just love it. Plus where could you find all of that for such a small amount of money? It’s perfect for me because I have no money and it makes me feel like I’m great because I’m a member. Yep, just look at me… I AM A MEMBER… and very proud to be one… Luv you Guys… Cindy and Doug, be proud at what you accomplished. ~Helen-S
The following topics are included in this week’s Polymer Clay Tutor Library, Filling Metal Bezels With Polymer Clay video tutorial:
- See examples of several shapes, sizes and styles of bezels, using several different types of polymer clay techniques.
- Discussion of the supplies and materials needed to create a fantastic collection of art jewelry bezels.
- Learn how simple and quick it really is to create these cool looking polymer clay pendants, charms and embellishments.
- Plus, with some creativity and ingenuity there are many ways to come up with unique palettes of your own.
The full version of the “Filling Bezels” preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Volume-034 Back Issue Package.
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Ah’ I can’t get the Video to play!!
@Brenda: Sorry you are having problems playing today’s video. Everything seems to be working on our end. Is anyone else having issues?
I’m not having any problems with any other of the tutorials. It keeps telling me that “buffering video”
having same problem as Brenda………
Me too.
It’s fine for me, both shortly after it was posted, and again when I retested it just now.
“Me, too”. I tried early this morning and had Brenda’s results. It is now after lunch and still have the same problem. Hope we can resolve this before tomorrow????
Ok, I updated Adobe flash, deleted cookies and history, rebooted tested other pcs in the house, and went to other pages to test the other sample videos to find that they work. Just this one isn’t working for me :/
@Brenda: Thanks for doing the flash, cookies, cache reboot thing. That procedure is usually enough to cure any web video woes that the Internet throws at us.
But today is different (errr… special :-)
Doug just now figured out what was causing the problem… something to do with an Adobe Flash Version number change that happened in the last few days. And the issue was only happening in the Internet Explorer Browser… which is probably what most of you use. But there was no problem in Firefox which is what Sue F uses.
Anyway, please check the preview video again, and let me know if it is now working for y’all :-)
Played mine twice just to be sure but it worked both times fine.
YAY!!! I got video :)
Success, success, you guys are just the best, Cindy and Doug. Just watched the preview and now on to tomorrow. Had purchased some bezels but didn’t get anything done there so it must be that my intuition was holding me back for this tut. Now I can do it with confidence through your expertise. Thanks for being there. Looking forward…..
He hears his guru’s voice!!!!! :)
Great preview….. can’t wait……[again].
I just got some of the Katiedids bezels! My boss went to another Michaels and found them there! We never got them at our store. She transfered all that they had and I bought them all!! But, they are clearanced now:( You might have to go her her site directly to get them now. I’m not sure where else you can get them. They are very beauitful. Just love them!
One tip on cutting clay for bezels, press the bezel into the clay just enough to leave an impression and it will give you lines to cut on. This only works with bezels with straight inside walls but works well.
I did not invent this technique but saw it somewhere else.
Felt like Christmas morning when I opened todays tutorial and saw the topic!! I had seen your bezel pendants and wanted to have one of mine ready for a friend’s birthday this month. Wasn’t sure how to begin the process and couldn’t find a good reference. Thank you, Cindy and Doug!
Another winner! I just love it when you include tips to help us make our pieces turn out perfectly-would probably not thought of needing to use enough glue to come up the sides before doing the resin. I guess it wouldn’t be cool to have uncured resin come dripping out from inside of the bezel. Can’t you just see it? It’s an outside craft show. Someone tries on a piece and within a few minutes they have a glob of dripping resin curing on their favorite blouse. I’m thinkin’ it could affect sales, don’t you think? lol.
@Elizabeth S.: everyone would want some….lol.
@Elizabeth S.: I think you are on to something there Elizabeth. Cindy thinks of everything for us. That is why I can do this I don’t have to do to much thinking for myself. Good thing. Now my bezels will have that more artistic finished look to them. Thank you both once again. I love it here, I mean whats not to love. Unfortunately no claying for me, baby sister home for the weekend. It will be fun but I haven’t done much with my clay these last 4-5 weeks and I am getting that itch stronger and stronger lately. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, you to Cindy and Doug. Family time and rest time. You know those two thing you seldom have time for.
Many Uuuugggs to all, Peggy
Thanks for the bezel video, Cindy…some smart tips & reminders in this tutorial!
Sorry I haven’t been around much…I caught some crud (chest cold/flu) that was going around – been coughing like crazy for weeks. Each time I thought I was feeling better, I’d start hacking again. But my problem’s nothing compared to the tragedy in Japan. My heart goes out to these people and their loved ones. I’ve been praying for them…it’s hard to comprehend such devastation.
@Peggy Barnes: Hi Peggy, just wanted to say hello, and wish you a fun time with your baby sister. Enjoy both the family & the rest time! You deserve it. Take care!
@Phaedrakat: I’m glad that you are feeling better! That must have been rough. So, far everyone here has not been sick all winter! Knock on wood!
Japan is really in a big mess. Looks like the people who survived may not make it if help doesn’t reach the survivors soon. I can’t image where you start to help these people.
Just heard from our friend Carolyn F! She is better but not at home yet. Still needs to see of she can tolerate the higher altitude before going home.
It is great how the web is making our world seem smaller, but when someone needs your help you realize that it is not true.
I’m glad to be a part of this community and the friends I made here are priceless! Just one of those “FREE” perks you get when you sign up for Cindy’s amazing tutes!!!
Tute was very helpful. I learned a few new tricks. thanks!!!
Great tutorial Cindy? Being fairly new to polymer clay I knew nothing about bezels or incorporating the clay with them. I’m learning so many really useful and interesting things with these excellent tutorials.
I was wondering, does anyone know where I could find solid sterling silver bezels to buy online (I’m in Australia)? I have had a look on google but everything seems to be plated. The plated bezels look so lovely in the tutorial but my previous experience with plated metal against my skin is not good. It goes green or loses its finish in a very short time. Do others have this problem to? Fran Y.
@Fran Y: Oops! typo. The question mark shouldn’t be there after my first sentence LOL!
Thank you everyone for your kind comments. I appreciate each and every one of you, more than you know.
The commenting appears to be down a bit compared to what normally happens following each Friday tutorial posting. It is likely due to our hearts and attentions focused on the devastating Earthquake and Tsunami activity that has been happening in Japan over the last couple of days.
So… to all of our community members in Japan, or if anyone has friends / relatives living there, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Much is unknown right now as to the extent of the devastation, but a loss of a single person, is too much. We love you and hope that you will endure this tragic event.
Again, your added tips and tricks ! Every time I view your videos I learn something ! How great is that …………thanks, hugs
Poor Japan, I can’t imagine what that is like. My heart goes out to each and everyone involved. Now the radiation is added to their problems. What is this world coming to ?
After watching your video on bezels< went out and bought Weldbond Glue..the one you show in the video is Weldbond Plus..is there any difference. It says acid free, dries clear, flexible and weatherproof…..bonds most anything- wood,tile,glass, styrofoam, fabris,ceramics and much more…My Micheal's only had the one that I bought and Walmart did not carry it at all.
@Natalie H: Actually the ‘Plus’ you are reading on my bottle in the video is the French side. Plus means More in French. On the English side it says “More Than Great Glue!” on the French side it says “Plus qu’une colle geniale!” In Canada we are a bilingual country, so all packaging has English and French on it. You have the same glue as mine. Don’t worry. :-)
@Cindy Lietz from Weldbond Glue – Great for Polymer Clay: The bottle I bought in the U.S. has french instructions on it as well. Funny thing is most products sold here have 2 languages, English & Spanish.
The product is actually made in Canada. Guess that explains the French.
I have seen and created lables for products that included as many as four languages! English, French, Spanish and Italian here in the US. I have even done some instructions that included Russian, Arabic, and German. I studied Spanish so I can read it pretty well. I will catch myself reading the Spanish part on a product and seeing a word I don’t know and wonder why I can’t understand it! Then I realize it is NOT English!!
Has anyone found any particularly cool bezels anywhere that they’d like to share? Katie Hacker left a comment about her Katiedids Bezels…saying we should be able to find them at Michael’s and JoAnn soon. (More info in her comment.) And of course, Terry Morris has some nice bezels at epoxyjewelry.com. Any other good shopping spots, anyone?
I bought some Katiedids from shadesofclay.com last month (November 2011). Yes, they are lovely! BTW, the service at shadesofclay was outstanding… I even ordered a sample pack of Kato so I can indulge my scientist fantasy and do some comparisons LOL. Actually, they only carry Kato at this time, but I bet that could change if they got enough requests for Premo.
Cheap wholesale bezels at RioGrande.com and firemountaingem.com. Of course my all time fav’s are at Metalflurious.com. Check out the stampings too, an elegant addition to add more dimensionto bezels, etc.
What temperature do you bake the bezels and how long?
Hi Kim, you can bake them at the same temp as your clay brand bakes at and for the full hour. Just like baking any other polymer clay project.
Greetings Cindy!
I have been blending Premo, Premo Sculpey, and Premo Accents with flower petals and then placing into metal bezels. I sometimes dome the clay and sometimes under fill the bezel and top coating with Magic Glos by Lisa Pavelka. I have been doing this for several years now but was wanting to perfect my technique and had one issue.
I use Poly Bonder Glue by Lisa Pavelka to bond the raw clay to the metal bezel and then bake. After baking and cooled, I have noticed that sometimes the bond is not a good one and the clay easily comes out of the bezel when dropped.
Perhaps the Poly Bonder Glue by Lisa Pavelka is not the correct bond for the application I am using. Upon researching further, I found your site and I purchase the Volume-034 Back Issue Package.
After watching the video, I see you recommend the Weldbond to bond the baked clay to the metal with the added benefit of creating the seal so the Magic Glos will cure. I was super thrilled to have found this tip. Thank you kindly!!!
However, I have recently created some bezels just as described above without the Poly Bonder.
Looking forward to pop the clay out of the bezel to glue in with the Weldbond and the clay will not pop out of the bezel. I have ruined several pieces thus far trying to pry them out.
I have a oven thermometer to watch for spikes and bake according to packaging directions. Not sure what is wrong.
Thank you!
-Rachel
Hi Rachel, hmm, are you positive there is no glue between the bezel and the clay? Also what is the design of the bezel? Does it maybe overhang the clay a bit which is causing the clay to be held in naturally without the need for glue? It’s a little tricky to know what is happening without seeing the project.
In any case, if the piece does not pop out easily, then there is no need to force it. The added level of resin will hold it in as well, so I doubt it would even come out later anyway.
In regards to sealing around the edges to prevent the UV resin seeping in around the clay and not curing due to lack of uv light exposure, you could just “grout” in any cracks between the clay and bezel with the Weldbond glue… even if you don’t remove it. Just use a damp paper towel to wipe off any glue that may get on the clay or bezel before it gets the chance to dry.
Hope that makes sense and is helpful to you!
Oh Cindy, my apologies!!!…. of course it is hard to determine without seeing! I emailed you some photos this time.
Thank you kindly for addressing my concern, greatly appreciated! :)
Thank you for clarifying that raw clay may adhere naturally to metal (especially if bezel has an overhang) and that Magic Glos will also act as another adhesive. However, I need the bond to be permanent.
As I stated in the first comment, my application process in which I have been doing for years now, upon completion I would purposely hold my breath and perform a “drop test” by letting the bezel hit the floor…. eek!
It was always 50/50 that the clay would pop out of the bezel. And that was with the Poly Binder and the Magic Gloss. As I’m sure you know….all the time, effort, and then heartbreak!
I created these pieces (as shown) after watching your video. The bezels are plated pewter, base metals, and stainless steel.
I am positive these have no glue whatsoever.
As you will see in the photos, one bezel is flush with Magic Gloss atop, one piece is domed, bezel is grooved, and Magic Gloss atop, three are a bit under filled, and two are very very slightly domed.
I am very concerned due to wanting to sell these and/or give as memorial gifts. I most certainly do not want the clay falling out over time or if dropped. I also do not want to keep holding my breath and performing the “drop test” …..especially with someone’s finished piece that I create and then ruin.
Thanks for the tip on using the Weldbond as a grout in aiding with the Magic Gloss. Looking forward to trying it!
Your thoughts please at your convenience and Thank You for all that you do, you are amazing!!!
– Rachel
Hi Rachel, since you said the pieces are getting damaged trying to pull them out, then I would just leave them in… I don’t believe they will have much chance of falling out then. (You may have pushed the clay into these bezels more compact than the previous versions that fell out when you dropped them. Or perhaps you are using a different bezel design.) The clay itself is not adhesive, so just slipping a super thin blade along the edge to pop it out, should pop it out easily. If it is stuck, then it won’t pop out later… especially with the added use of Weldbond around the edges and a layer of Resin. Hope that makes sense.
Thank you kindly for your help, greatly appreciated!