Create a Polymer Clay Collage Pendant

Steps 1-3

1. Run each color through the pasta machine on the thickest setting a few times. You do not need to fully condition the clay because it will become conditioned by the blending process.

2. Cut each color into 1/2" x 3" strips. Use about 10 strips per blend, each a different color unless you want more of one color to show. Think about how you are arranging the colors to achieve good blends.

3. Stack the colored strips at an angle, overlapping them slightly.

4. Roll the stack gently just to hold them together with an acrylic roller.

Step 5

5. Put the stack through the pasta machine and then fold in half bottom to the top and put the stack through again. Keep folding and putting the stack through the pasta machine the same way until the desired result is achieved, about 20 times.

Step 6

6. Thin the clay stack down to the No. 5 setting on the pasta machine.

7. Sandwich the clay stack between a few sheets of clean typing paper and place a weight on the top sheet of paper. Let it sit for a day or two to leach out the oils so it will crack when making the bead.

Steps 8-10

8. Make two more blends and leach them if you want the colors to crack.

9. Prepare a sheet of black clay for the background at the thickest pasta machine setting.

10. Cut triangles from the blends using a cutting blade and lay them on the background sheet collage style. Cover the entire sheet.

Step 11

11. Roll it through the pasta machine two or three times, thinning it and turning it 1/4" inch each time.

12. Condition a piece of clay for the core of the bead. Cut out a circle with a circle cookie cutter. Roll the core clay into a log.

Step 13

13. Cover the log with a section of the collage sheet. Cut away the excess clay and smooth the seam with your fingers or a knitting needle. Shape the ends of the bead into a soft point.

14. Shape the collage pendant bead with a few curves in it.

Steps 16-18

15. Make a hole in the top large enough for the pendant cord to fit through using a needle tool.

16. Slightly flatten the pendant bead by pressing a piece of acrylic over top. Place it on a baking sheet and bake it according to the manufacturer's directions. Let cool.

17. Sand the pendant with wet-dry sandpaper, 400- and 600-grit, then buff with a buffing wheel or soft cloth.

18. Insert the cord through the hole and attach the closure to the collage pendant.

Website: www.polymerclayjk.com