1. Intermediate
  2. Project 9 steps

Leaf charm bracelet

The warm and vibrant colours of falling autumn leaves inspired this piece of jewellery. By Tracey Spurgin.

The Artist

Tracey Spurgin

Tracey delivers a full programme of silver clay workshops in a variety of venues from the North West to the Yorkshire regions. She prides herself on running high quality courses in a relaxing atmosphere. If you are interested in finding a course near you with qualified tutors, log onto www.artclayworld.org.uk

Tools & Materials

Note all ring measurements are inside diameter.

  • 20g Silver Art Clay
  • Roller
  • Syringe type
  • Badger balm or olive oil
  • Water
  • Cling film
  • Craft knife or tissue blade
  • Sanding papers or grits
  • Wire brush
  • Small file
  • Paint brush
  • Skeleton leaf
  • Cookie cutters
  • A selection of beads
  • Sterling silver bracelet
  • Sterling silver jumprings and head pins
  • Gas hob
  • Mesh grid
  • UV resin
  • UV colorant
  • UV light box

Step 1

Use 20g of slow dry clay and place directly into cling film. Prepare this by adding a few drops of water and massage the water into the clay.

Step 2

Roll it out using 1mm spacer bars, use a skeleton leaf to add texture.

Step 3

Now use a variety of leaf shaped cookie cutters to make a selection of charms and bead caps.

Step 4

Allow these to dry before filing to refine the shape and finish.

Step 5

Drill holes into the charms before firing. Now fire the pieces and polish them to a high shine.

Step 6

Using UV resin colourants, pour a few drops onto a piece of foil. For mixing colours start with the lighter of the two colours and add the darker colour to it in very small quantities. The tip of a cocktail stick might be enough. Keep mixing until you have your required colour. These colours are very strong so only mix very small amounts.

Step 7

Now squeeze out a pea size amount of the P2 UV resin jelly onto a piece of foil. This is a clear jelly and can be used clear but, to add colour, dip the tip of a clean cocktail stick into the prepared colour and mix it into the jelly. Don’t add too much colour as the resin will not cure very well.

Step 8

Pick up the coloured jelly on the cocktail stick and allow the gel to gently drip off the stick onto the prepared leaf charm. Be careful not to flood the piece. Any excess resin will need to be removed with a baby wipe before curing. Use the very tip of the cocktail stick to help move the resin into the awkward corners. The resin will self-level so ensure to place it on a flat and even surface.

Step 9

Finally the resin will need to cure under a UV light. Using this light box, it only takes about 5 minutes for the resin to cure hard. To complete the look use a selection of beads and pearls. These have been added with headpins and secured with a wrapped loop. The silver leaf charms are attached using head pins.

how to wear your bracelet

This bracelet will appeal to romantic, natural and classic women. The romantic appeal is in the charms, the colours are classic and the design inspiration is natural thus making it a versatile piece. The bracelet holds considerable visual appeal especially with the addition of the pearls

Amber and gold vine gem ring £14 Accessorize

Belinda dress £99, Annabel peeptoes £85 Phase Eight

Suede shoe boots £69.99 Schuh

Resources

Project kits are available on request. Contact details for further information on all workshops are listed below.

Contact details

website: www.craftworx.co.uk
email: tracey@craftworx.co.uk
tel: 07961 883115