Polymer Clay Tutorial | Beaded S Hook Clasp Copper Jewelry Findings

Vid #123: “Interested in any technique you will teach us Cindy. All your videos are so instructional. Wirework and polymer clay go together so well.” ~Squash

One of the reasons I started making my own polymer clay beads was because I wanted to make jewelry that was different than everyone else’s. I’m not the same as everyone else, so why should my jewelry look the same?

That same philosophy can apply to your findings as well. Nothing sets off a unique piece of handmade polymer clay jewelry, more than the findings you use to make the piece with…. customized of course, with polymer clay beads you made yourself.

Recently I have been working a lot with copper wire to make my own clasps, hooks, jump rings, head pins and other jewelry findings. Copper wire is relatively inexpensive, easy to find, easy to work with and very pretty. The warm rich color can also be patinaed into a deep dark brown or a lovely green color.

Copper is an excellent wire for beginners to work with for the above reasons… which is why I like to teach wire working techniques using this metal.

Though most of the tutorials I show you will be using copper wire, keep in mind you can substitute others wires as well including, Sterling Silver, Gold, Brass, Steel, Bronze, artwire, etc. Although each metal will have slightly different qualities that you may have to adjust a bit when working with them, the techniques and designs can be done in any wire.

The full version of the Vid-016-3 tutorial will be posted in the Polymer Clay Members Library on Friday September 18th, 2009. But if you would like to see a sneak peak intro clip right now, scroll down the page a bit to the video player below.

Here’s That “Link Below” Referred To at End of the Video
>> Polymer Clay Tutorials <<

The full version of the “S-Hook” preview video shown above, is available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Bead Making Videos Library in the Volume-016 Back Issue Package.

Customer Feedback About Membership Value:

Wow!  Now that was one excellent tutorial series**, Cindy.  Thank you!  I learned so much and had so much fun trying each of the components! Finally, someone demonstrated the need and proper procedure for adding the registration line.  Now I understand why so many of my earlier attempts at canes failed.  By trying to reduce them by rolling them like a snake, the inner contents got all twisted and irregular. So many wonderful tips, and the final result is spectacular.  Due to the nature of the flower chosen, many other natural flowers can be done using the same techniques but changing the colors: blanket flowers, ox-eyed daisies, sunflowers, primroses, phlox, marsh pinks, violets, genetians (ahaha, can tell I have the wildflower book out now…). Just an incredible value for the cost of membership and one series of videos. ~Jocelyn

** Reference to Vol-015 Gerbera Flower Cane series.

The following topics are included in this “Beaded S-Hook Clasp” video tutorial:

• Using different sizes and styles of polymer clay beads to accent your s-hook clasps, including faux stone, tiny jupiter beads, torn watercolor paper technique, and faux raku.
• How to use copper wire in various gauges, that can easily be found at your local hardware store.
• Learn how to strip the plastic covering from electrical wire, to use for your jewelry projects.
• Tricks for getting the right sized hole in your accent bead, so that you don’t have to drill it with a bit.
• Using a small hammer and a metal surface to work harden and strengthen your copper wire clasps.
• How to coat your entire piece with a sealant to preserve the finish on your polymer clay and copper wire findings.

The full version of the “S-Hook” preview video shown above, is available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Bead Making Videos Library in the Volume-016 Back Issue Package.