There’s Never a Good Reason to Throw Out Left Over Bits of Polymer Clay:
One of the things I love about polymer clay is that nothing ever has to go to waste. Even the scraps can be put to good use. This little fish bead with the faux raku accent, is the perfect example of this.
For those of you who are members of the Polymer Clay Library, you will have already had the chance to see the Faux Raku Deep Crackle video that was posted last Friday. In that video, I showed you how to create a sheet of deeply crackled clay that could be wrapped around a core bead such as a tube bead, to give it the look of ceramic raku.
Near the end of that video, I told you to keep even the small scraps of the crackled clay to use in other bead projects. This little Fish Bead used as a dangle on a Copper Hookmark, was made using a small strip left over from that video.
This fish shaped bead was made using Black Premo Sculpey clay, formed with my fingers and smoothed out with a roller. Then a tiny strip of leftover faux raku was stuck to each side of the fish bead with a dab of liquid clay to secure it firmly.
The strips of raku had been sitting around for a day or two and I was concerned that cornstarch, dust or particles may have been on the back. So just to be sure it would adhere properly to the raw fish bead, I used TLS (Translucent Liquid Sculpey) to secure it. Studio by Sculpey Bake and Bond would have worked too. You could skip this step if the crackled faux raku sheet was fresh.
For a little textural contrast, the black area of the bead was sanded and coated with Studio by Sculpey Satin Glaze and the raised raku area was not sanded (or the finish would be removed) but coated with Studio’s Glossy Glaze.
It just goes to show that even the tiniest scraps of any technique can be used to make great polymer clay beads. What do you do with your scraps?
BTW: If you have used your raku scraps in a clever way, and want to be showcased in a Spotlight Feature here at the blog, please email your photos to me along with some creative descriptions. This is your chance to shine!
That is a fabulous idea.
Adorable little fish. Very “green.” Love these ideas to recycle polymer clay, both here and with the Saturn beads.
Thanks, Cindy!
I think you meant Jupiter Beads Jocelyn. At least that what I call them. But actually, Saturn Beads makes sense too. Of course if they are red then Mars Beads may be more appropriate. Smiles.
No more Neptune. LOL! Sorry about the mislabeling. They do look like planets. Sure would like to see someone tackle a bead or clay fabric mimic-ing the Aurora Borealis.
Oh, he is so cute!! Great idea Cindy.
I have stated before but it bears repeating: What I love about polymer clay is even mistakes usually turn out beautiful. Some of my prettiest beads are from goof ups. LOL
.
Oh, just re-read my post and makes it sound like Cindy goofed. I didn’t mean that. I meant that even with scraps and goofs you can make beautiful things. Sorry Cindy. Your sweet little fishie is not a mistake. It is just great how you can use scraps to dress him up even cuter.
@Jocelyn: Aurora Borealis beads would be cool! Will have to think about that.
@Laurel: LOL I thought it was something like that! :-)
Hi Cindy!
I have a project I’m working on that needs a slimy fish like look to it. I have that new product Ice and wondered if it’s compatible with Polymer? Can you advise?
My project is a octopus tentacle!
thanks a bunch!
Machael Carlson
Your project sounds interesting Machael! In regards to the Ice product you are referring to… are you talking about Ice Resin? Or Ice Enamels? They are both entirely different products.