Glazing Tip

     Almost every day we learn something new, gain experience, come up with new ideas and connect little pieces of puzzle to achieve something.
 

     Recently in a cupboard I came across this kitchen tool holder which I haven't used for years and was thinking to bin it or to do what? And then suddenly few moments later I knew exactly what I will do. It will be my NEW GLAZED BEAD HOLDER!

 

     When polymer clay beads are cured there are few choices how to finish them. I like to give the beads lovely shiny finish by glazing them. Basically I pop beads on the sticks and coat them with tiny layers of glaze. Before I just used empty jar to hold the sticks but sometimes if I would have many beads they could slide and stick together.
 

     I am so glad I could put this unused kitchen tool holder in a good use by just turning it up - side down. It's bottom part now makes perfect base for holding sticks. This is great, I'm telling you!

What If?

     My monthly challenge isn't finished yet, but I didn't wanted to give myself excuses not to write monthly challenge post, so what if l show what I have done so far.

My "dumplings" on the stick.

     I had "Pastel Dreams" cane since beginning of summer 2012. Polymer clay canes can be kept for years, just need to know how. I keep mine in plastic tubes and containers and it's fine.

     I had a plan that I would like to make a sheet with the slices from this cane combined with white and translucent white clay. I also had a new shape to try. I had a "what if?" moment when playing with wavy beads and was trying to see what else I can do. Basically it is folded bead in my interpretation. I was told that they look like "pelmeņi", Google translator says it's dumplings in English.

Before playing with acrylic colours.

      

     Anyway, when I made these beads I liked the shape, not so much how sheet has worked out. So here I was saying to myself what if I try acrylic colours. I have been intrigued about use of acrylic colours and inks with polymer clay for a while so I decided to try.

     I googled to make sure I'm doing what I supposed to do and started to play. Picture on the top of this post shows the result after today's painting. I'm thinking to varnish them for lovely shiny finish, but also thinking what if I give them another coat of paint.

It is good size bead, light and colourful.

     At the moment it's quite hard to imagine finished piece, but I think I have to leave these beads for a couple of days and come back with fresh mind. This often works for me.

     I already have an idea for July challenge! Someone special is getting married so I am thinking what if I create special keepsake. Hope I can come up with something really original and sweet.