How to Make Polymer Image Pendants
Transferring images to your polymer clay jewelry will add another dimension to your work. It is easily done with a limited number of items. Black-and-white photo copies, newsprint or a design drawn on tissue paper with charcoal pencils can easily be transferred to the polymer clay. Photocopies of portraits are a favorite to transfer. Images also can be purchased through online sites or in craft stores. Learn a new skill to add to your jewelry-making repertoire.
Things You'll Need
- Polymer clay
- Photocopy of design
- Smooth work surface
- Burnishing tool (spoon)
- Spray bottle of water
- Piercing tool
Instructions
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1
Condition your polymer clay. Warm it in your hands and knead until smooth. You can also use a pasta machine to knead your clay. Roll out a flat piece of clay with your pen or your hands. This should be larger than the shape you plan for your pendant. This makes it easier to place your photocopy on the clay. Center it on the clay, and then you can cut around for your shape.
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Place your black-and-white photocopy face down on the clay. The image will touch the clay and the back of the paper will be face up. Rub your fingers over the whole image to get the air bubbles out. To ensure full contact, use the bowl of the spoon to smooth out any bubbles. Let this sit for a few minutes before proceeding to next step.
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3
Spray the back of the paper image lightly with a few squirts of the water. Slowly with your fingers, rub the paper off. Do this until all the paper has been removed and your image appears.
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4
Cut your clay into the shape you want for your pendant. Pierce a hole in the clay. This can be done with a needle or any item that will make a hole in the clay. This hole will be where you will attach the pendant onto your necklace. Bake the clay to the manufacturer's instructions; this is usually 15 to 20 minutes in a low-temperature oven.
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Tips & Warnings
Try color photocopies.
