This e-book is included in my series "Guided Discoveries and Explorations". You will explore ways of integrating wire work and polymer clay. You will learn the fundamentals of wire coiling and making wire embellishments including picots. You will learn some polymer clay basics for creating forms and templates, and for tiny sculpting and applique, and you will learn how to combine the two materials.
This learning piece is structured in such a way that you get to choose how far you take it. You can do a basic heart and have a complete piece with wire and clay embellishments. Or you might want to take it to the next level and add the beaded coiled wire frame and stop there. Or last but least, you can take it all the way to the end and add the rope border and integrated bail. It's up to you depending on how you want to challenge yourself.
If you are new to polymer clay, you do not need a pasta machine. I'll tell you how to use a simple acrylic rod and playing cards to help you roll out smooth even sheets of clay for the backings. You'll need a 1.5 inch heart mold, some scrap clay, a needle tool, a tile to work on, a well-regulated reliable oven, the recommended Premo or Kato clays to mix for green and pink or other colors of your choice,and an artist's paint brush. Also helpful but not required are mica powders and a clay compatible glaze such as Sculpey glaze, Future Acrylic Floor Finish, or water-based Varathane.
For the wire work you will need dead soft sterling wire in 20, 24 and 28 gauge. You'll also need 35 or so tiny beads, 2mm or 3mm, in a color to coordinate with your clay. Round beads, rather than seed beads, are recommended for this kind of work. And you'll need wire cutters and chain nose pliers. If you've done a fair amount of wire work, you might want to use the optional hammer and bench block to flatten the curves on the wire embellishments, but if you don't have those tools you don't need them.
Inside the tutorial there are lots of tips such as making your own forms, choosing your wire, and cleaning sterling wire that is permanently built into clay work.
I chose a heart for this discovery platform because it's a little more complex than a standard oval and there are a few more little details to explore for that reason. Once you have explored everything here, you'll be equipped to try other shapes and apply the principles in other ways.
With 61 photos and 32 pages of instructio in this e-book I think you'll find a very complete learning experience. I'm always available to answer questions that may arise, of course!
You will receive your PDF file via the email address linked to your etsy purchase, within 24 hours of payment.
This is my copyrighted design and material. All rights are reserved including the "Guided Discoveries and Exploration" Series. This e-book may not be in any way copied or distributed mechanically or electronically. You may make pieces based on what you learn, and you may sell what you make.