1. Intermediate
  2. Project 9 steps

Polymer clay bezel pendant with image transfer

This project is a simple bezel formation which can be used to make pendants, or adapted to make elements for bracelets and earrings in an endless variety of sizes and shapes.
By Debbie Carlton

Creating textures directly into the metal clay using ‘found materials’ is an exciting and unique property of the material and gives lots of creative scope. Using polymer clay as an inlay likewise is incredibly creative, easy and fun (and it doesn’t cost the earth!). Image transfer allows work to be personalised with photos or hand drawn images. Thanks to Donna Kato for showing me this method. With Christmas looming, this pendant will make someone a truly original present- even if that someone is you!

Tools & Materials

  • 20grm PMC3 or Art Clay Silver 650
  • Polymer clay (Fimo or Sculpey-Premo) white or pearl

    • Rolling out:

  • Non-stick mat
  • 1.5mm spacers or waxed playing cards
  • Calibrated cookie cutters or plastic stencil template- oval
  • Roller
  • Badger balm or olive oil
  • Craft knife or needle tool

    • Finishing touches:

  • Jumpring and chain
  • 2mm fire in place CZ’s
  • Fimo gloss varnish

    Sanding & polishing:

  • Sanding papers
  • Polishing papers
  • Stainless steel or agate burnisher
  • Tumbler (optional)

    • Firing:

  • Flame retardant mat
  • Fire brick
  • Hand held torch
  • Brass brush
  • Small bowl of water
  • Polymer clay inlay
  • ¼ block of light coloured clay i.e. white or pearl
  • Pasta machine or roller
  • Toner copy images
  • Spritz bottle with water

Step 1

Roll out the metal clay between acrylic spacers (1.5mm) or 6 playing cards on a non stick sheet. Use badger balm or olive oil on all surfaces which come into contact with the clay including your hands. Choose a texture, in this case course sand paper and press into the clay to create a pattern. (You can use a rubber texture mat or draw your own design directly into the clay.)

Step 2

Place the oval stencil over the clay and cut out the shape carefully with a needle tool. Choose a smaller oval for the centre and repeat. Use the guides on the stencil plate to centre your shapes correctly. Remove any excess clay and place it back into the packet.

Step 3

With the needle tool, gently lift out the inner shape and using the sand paper ‘spread’ the clay slightly so it is approx. 2mm larger than the hole. Decorate the frame of the bezel if desired. I have used the tip of a ballpoint pen to create 3 divots for placing Cubic zirconias. With a needle tool, create a small hole at the top for later attachment of a jumpring and chain. Gently turn your piece over and lay the inner shape over the hole (it will be slightly larger) and leave to dry.

Step 4

Dry completely, lift the back piece off and using sanding papers, sand both pieces well. Re-assemble, place a generous quantity of slip on both pieces and press together. Use more slip on the inside of the bezel frame. Dry and sand again if necessary.

Step 5

Here using 2mm fire in place CZ’s, using a setting bur, enlarge the divots to create a bevelled hole for the stone to sit in. Wet the tip of a paint brush with water and run around the inside of the hole. Using tweezers gently place the CZ in the bevelled hole making sure that the table of the stone is level with the surface of the piece. This is important as the stone could pop out during firing. Fire, patinate, and polish to choice.

Step 6

There are many ways to transfer an image to polymer clay, I think this is one of the easiest. You can photocopy any image; black/white or colour using a toner copier. An ink jet printer will not work. There are virtually limitless resources for images, i.e. copyright free images, www.doverbooks.co.uk, your personal photographs, or your own drawings and designs. Don’t forget to reverse text when photocopying.

Step 7

Roll out a sheet of light coloured polymer clay larger than the size of the inner bezel shape. Cut out your chosen image leaving a good 1cm edge around the paper. Lay face down on polymer clay and burnish/rub well using your finger tip. Spritz with water to cover all of the paper sheet and leave to soak for a few minutes. Starting at the centre of the image, using your fingertip, gently rub away the paper in a circular motion. Keep the sheet saturated by spritzing and continue to rub away paper to reveal the image. Gently remove excess paper with a tissue and feel with your finger tip to check it’s all gone.

Step 8

Using the same size oval stencil as the inner shape, choose your preferred part of the image. Cut out with the needle tool and press into place in the bezel. The image is very prone to smudging at this stage so it helps to wear latex gloves. Bake in an oven according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 9

Attach a jumpring and choose a necklace to co-ordinate with the design, either Sterling silver or perhaps a black velvet ribbon. Make a tiny charm to attach to the clasp for a really pretty little extra detail.

fashion tips

This pendant is romantic in style and would flatter the neckline of a Victorian styled lace trimmed blouse. Add shoulder pads to the sleeve heads, wear a wide dark belt to cinch the waist and finish with an hourglass skir

top £70, trouser £70 Alexon, Kaliko A/W 09

Nail lacquer in rich sangria £9.95 OPI

Suede shoe boot £69.99 Schuh

Resources

Contact

Debbie@bethere.co.uk
www.debbiecarltonjewellery.co.uk 07967 9780961

Further information