Monday 25 November 2013

playing with fimo

Following the craft class, I wanted to try some more polymer clay techniques I'd had my eye on.  The first is an imprint technique from the book Patterns in Polymer by Julie Picarello 


I created a layered stack and then used various items to imprint it.  I didn't have many items I could use, I need to keep a good eye out and maybe visit B&Q.   Above I mainly used cutters, but the crosses are a screwdriver, the circles at the top are from a spool and the wavy lines are a cutter.


This really terrible shot is of the layers.  I can't get a decent in-progress shot of some crafts, like polymer clay, as I do them downstairs in the dining room which has a special film on the window so people can't see in.  It means that the light is also blocked.  Working on a garish cutting board doesn't help either!


The idea is to cut thin slices.  I didn't succeed with that!  Most of mine were wedges or about 10mm thick!  Here's a couple of the slices.


Don't you think this one looks like a frog!


I cut a couple of decent areas out with cutters and I'll turn them into brooches.  The failure of this made me want to try again, but this time I started at the beginning with something a bit more basic from the same book.


Not so bad!  But they're also very thick.  I wish I hadn't cut the large one out so asymmetrically.


I then pulled out The Art of Polymer Clay Millefiori Techniques by Donna Kato.  The striped cane was fine.  What I did with it... not so much!


OK, so back to an old technique that I know is a success.  I've made these before, but not in blue.  I am going to make them into necklaces, the small round ones are beads which have been pieced through the sides.


Still managed to make a mess of this though!  So the marks?

8 comments:

Ellie Foster said...

Dear Wendy
It's always great to experiment with a new technique, even if you are not so happy with your first efforts. When I compare my first chunky, rather misshapen pendants with what I am creating now, I realise just how far I have come. I haven't tried the mokume gane/imprint technique yet, but it is something I'd like to try. I loved your foil beads too - the colours are sumptuous. Getting a perfectly smooth finish is something I struggle with too, but I end up thinking, well, it shows that this is a hand made piece!
Keep up the good work
Best wishes
Ellie

JoJo said...

You are so good at clay techniques! That skill eluded me. And yes, that does look like a frog!

Alison said...

I must get my fimo out, these are fab!

Alison
x

Jane said...

Couldn't have put it better myself! it's all part of the process and the next time, it'll be just that little bit easier. Love the colour combos you achieved

margaret said...

can see you are having fun and producing lovely pieces at the same time

Celtic Thistle said...

You have got to make mistakes to learn, just think how boring life would be if there was no progress!

ACBeads said...

Wendy, I don't think you have made a mess. Some pieces are beautiful, some are not so beautiful. You know what they say - don't compare your beginning to someone's middle. Only practice makes perfect until then enjoy the process.

Maya Kuzman said...

Oh.. amazing! The patterns are fantastic!I haven't played with fimo for ages ;/