I’m so lucky that I’ve been working on a lot of projects for other companies, blogs and magazines recently. Six months in, I still sometimes have to pinch myself that I get to do this as a job. And even though I spend 90% of my time sat in front of a laptop, rushing to get photos edited against a deadline or meticulously making my way through hours of emails I still absolutely love this strange and unexpected career path I’ve carved out for myself.
The one and only small (tiny in fact) complaint I have is that being creative for a day job does not leave much room for creativity for leisure. I preach to all that will listen about stepping out of your comfort zone and experimenting with your creativity, but gone are the days when I could sit down to learn a new skill or technique without documenting the process or feeling the sickening pangs of guilt when I don’t. Fortunately, I’ve recently I’ve found myself in a few situations that let me off the obligation to photograph and perfect a technique. It meant I could have fun with the creative process again and to lose myself in the moment rather than obsessing over how to style the finished product or if it’s colourful enough for my Instagram feed.
It was such an enjoyable experience I want to work on bringing that relaxed attitude back to the blog. Instead of making each piece over again until it’s perfected I want to show more of the process. As well as letting myself experiment I hope that in doing this you won’t see a finished product, but something you can take aspects of and add ideas to. I want more of my tutorials to become a jumping off point for all of us to run haphazardly in opposite directions with. I’ve been thinking a lot about DIY blogging recently and I want to use this space to promote imagination over the flat-pack style tutorials I’ve been posting for many years now.
I’m just one person with one mind. Leaving the ideas open to thousands of fresh new thoughts can only ignite that initial spark. I’m not quite sure how I’m going to do it yet, but it’s where I want to be heading. You can help me by posting anything you’ve made (from the blog or not) in #wemakecollective and #fallfordiy and hopefully like a hands-on game of Chinese whispers we can start to see pieces develop and transform through creative input – taking on a life of their own.
Materials
Polymer Clay | Straw | Small circle to cut around | Tassel | Rope
Choose two (or three, or four) colours of polymer clay and work them in your hands until soft. Press them together and roll flat. I’ve used a small roll of washi tape to cut out a round hole in the middle. Cut around the central shape to create a pendant. Use a straw to cut out even holes to thread the necklace cord/rope through. Bake according to the instructions on the packaging and leave to cool.
Thread the rope through the holes and knot. You can make a feature of the knots displaying them on the front of the pendant or hide them on the back. Tie a long piece of cord to the tassel and begin to wrap around both the tassel and the pendant to secure into place. Once you’ve wrapped this 10 – 20 times bring the remaining cord over the layers of wrapped cord and wrap horizontally around the cord. Tie in place and cut off the excess.
I’ll be sharing an exclusive tutorial to make the tassel in this post with all of my email subscribers this weekend. It will only be available to you lovely people who are signed up as a big thank you, so If you want to see that make sure you fill out your details below!
Now go, experiment, innovate and have fun!
Sammy says
Hi Fran,
I feel the same way about traditional tutorials at the moment, I keep struggling with how to share ideas and techniques without coming up with a project and pressuring myself to create a full on tutorial. I get the guilt of creating something and then wishing I had documented the process (with perfect lighting, lol) I am looking forward to finding that sweet spot of imparting enough inspiration and enjoying the process.
Sammy xxx
fran says
Hey Sammy,
Yes, exactly! I feel like I’m just encouraging people to copy my tutorials over finding out how creative they themselves really are! It’s this idea of instant gratification taking away from the creative process, which is a big part of the enjoyment of making. We need to bring it back somehow.. but I just don’t know how!
P.S Tha light! Always the light!
emily says
I’ve had some granite polymer clay sat in my amazon basket for literally about 6 months , i really just need to get on and buy it so i can make some jewellery, i just can’t decide what to make.
you have great diy fashion ideas which keeps me inspired!
fran says
Emily! Do it! And if you get stuck just take a look at my DIY Jewellery page for ideas :D
Victoria says
do you recommend a specific type of polymer clay??? Complete newbie here.
Emily says
Is it too late to get the tassel tutorial? I just signed up for email list..
daria says
I would have never guessed this is polymer clay! Looks so good!
mapquest directions says
The necklace patterns you make are very beautiful and unique. I am very impressed with these necklace models.
Jon Smith says
I never would have guessed this was polymer clay! So shiny!
Joanna Simpson says
I get what you’re trying to express, and your goal makes sense, but I can’t say I entirely agree with you. You see, there could be some concerns with drift boss the problems you listed. Nonetheless, I appreciate the time you took to articulate your viewpoint