So, you know how much I love a good polymer clay tutorial right… Well here we have another one! I’ve been trying to create a DIY gold bezel fitting for some time now with no luck, when I realised I was going about it all the wrong way. Don’t make the bezel fit the gem; make the gem fit the bezel! Here’s where the handy fimo and a bit of glitter comes in to play. This is also a pretty quick tutorial so as long as you’ve got all the materials to hand you should be able to whip this up to wear for your New Years festivities tonight!
You’ll need:
1.5mm plated wire
1 jump ring
Polymer Clay (I’ve used transluscent white and blue)
Glitter dust/glass/crystals (basically something sparkly)
A necklace chain
A hammer and hard surface
Instructions:
1. Cut around 4″ of wire and flatten using the hammer. Make sure to rest the wire on a hard surface that won’t be damaged when hitting it. I’ve used a metal block. Leave a small section at the end not flattened.
2. Use round nose pliers to create a loop in the round end.
3. Roughly shape the wire to create the “gem shape”. Push the edge so that it overlaps slightly then pull it back into shape to keep it held tightly together.
4. Mix a piece of polymer clay with glitter.
5. Roll out clay with a rolling pin into the centre of the wire until it fits.
6. Bake in the oven on a low heat for around half an hour.
7. Once cool glue the gem into place to keep it secure.
8. Use a jump ring to attach the pendant onto the necklace.
Have a great New Years Eve everyone! Have fun and stay safe. x
This is brilliant! So pretty:) Well done
Ahhh lovely.
Thanks Sarah! x
This is beautiful! I didn’t even know it was possible either. Will have to give it a try soon :)
These are stunning! definitely getting my fimo and glitter out this weekend.
Found you via Paper & Stitch blog btw, Just followed you on Bloglovin, love your blog already <3
Sammy xxx
That’s gorgeous!! Can’t believe it’s made out of clay :o Thank you for the inspiration!
This is so pretty! I love how natural this looks :)
http://cafecraftea.blogspot.com/
Hey Sammy!
That’s ace! I was dead chuffed to be featured on paper and stitch and it’s also fantastic to have you over here! :) glad you like it! I’d love to see how you get on xx
Fran
My glitter is rubbing off a little. Do I need to leave it in oven longer or do you suggest I try a different glitter?
Thank you
Hi Carrie!
Right, that’s a problem! I would suggest putting a layer of resin, glossy accents, clear nail varnish or a multipurpose glue over the top. This should keep the glitter and shine on the necklace and off your clothes hopefully!
I love that you’ve made this and it would be great to see a picture!
Fran
O mi goodness! Too Gorgeous, cant wait to try this with my girls, if we get it working it’d be a fun holiday programme craft too…maybe for their mums for mothers day!
Love this ! Thanks for posting.
?? Do you bake the clay and the wire together?
Thanks for your help.
Hi Sharon!
Yep just pop them both in together. Careful when you’re taking them out though obviously. Hot metal!!
Thanks for reading! x
Hi!
I want to make these this weekend..a few questions..can you explain what step you put the glitter on a little more and is the idea to coat it with glitter? Once complete, is there a way to seal the gem so the glitter will not rub off? Maybe nail polish, do think that will work?
Also, what kind of glue did you use?
Thank you!!
Hi Lauren! Of course. I’ll do my best to answer your questions so you’re ready to make!
With the white pendant I mixed the glitter into the clay before shaping it. It gives a more subtle effect. For the blue pendant I shaped the clay into the wire and then pressed the glitter onto the surface before cooking it. If you’re using this method I would definitely coat it to make sure the glitter doesn’t rub off with wear. Nail varnish will definitely work well yes (but might smell strong) or a resin mixture would definitely do the job. There’s also a lovely product called glossy accents which is a mix between glue and resin. You just squeeze it out of the bottle and it dries clear and shiny.
To secure the clay to the wire I used a multipurpose glue, nothing special there.
I hope that’s helpful. I’d love to see the finished project when you’re done. Tag me on Instagram or post it up on Facebook if you can. xx
great! thanks for all the info and the quick response :)
HI! What a great blog and tutorial. Just discovered your site through Thanks I Made It (: I’ve been missing out on so much! Anyway, just a few quick questions:
1. Do you bake the clay with the wire?
2. And at what temperature roughly?
3. I don’t know if the wire I have will withstand the heat from the oven. How can I tell?
Thanks in advance!!
Aspiring DIY blogger from Malaysia
http://www.JillianUndercover.com
Hey! It’s so lovely to see you’ve come over thanks to Erin. She has such a wonderful site and I was so happy to be featured on it! Anyway to answer your questions:
1. Yeah, just bake the clay in the wire. Make sure you let it cool before picking it up though!
2. I bake it at a medium temperature – but it should say on your clay packaging.
3. The wire should be ok but if you want to make sure cut off a small amount and place it in your oven on a sheet of baking paper to test. I’ve used a copper wire which is fine at oven temperatures.
I hope that has helped you! If you have Instagram I’d love it if you tagged me @fallfordiy in a photo of the final piece! Thanks for coming over :) Fran