Friday, August 27, 2010

Polymer clay butterfly with tatting


It's done! This butterfly measures 6 inches (15 cm) across. The entire necklace weighs less than an ounce.

First, I made the polymer clay pieces, punching holes around the edges for attaching the tatting later. I baked the clay according to the manufacturer's directions.

Then I got out size 20 thread and a size 13 steel crochet hook. Most of the edging is just chains, attached through the holes with lock joins. Doing the body was a little trickier, and I experimented as I went along...well, you know...I just sort of "winged it" :-)

I discovered that I needed to finish both wings first, before attaching to the body in progress.

After completing the butterfly, I added the neck cord, improvising with Victorian Sets, split rings,
and rings with chains.

The closure is a toggle of polymer clay. It makes for an adjustable necklace by fitting into any of the spaces between the rings and chains.

Here's a neat trick to avoid extra cord length from sticking out around your neck: put the toggle through the last space first, then again through the desired space.

This necklace is one-of-a-kind, and I'll proudly wear it myself. But, who knows, now that I've got one figured out, I may get others finished to sell later.

18 comments:

BSOTF said...

yarnplayer,
You do have alot to be proud of! I'm so happy for you. Yes, you will look very elegant with it. Plus it is special to have something that others don't. For it matches you,,one of a kind. I mean this too!

Carol Schockling Lawecki said...

Well Done Marilee!! This is truly an awesome piece!!

God's Kid said...

That is totally AWESOME! And beautiful! :)

Lace-lovin' Librarian ~ Diane said...

Your necklace is gorgeous, Marilee! I would never be able to give away or sell anything that beautiful!

Joansie said...

The necklace is absolutely, absolutely gorgeous.

Marilee Rockley said...

Gee, what lovely comments! Thank you all so much :-)
I'm glad you like the butterfly.

Ladytats said...

very pretty Marilee, do we get to see a picture of you wearing it? I know it will look good on you.

Typstatting said...

That is real stunning necklace and you should be proud of yourself. I just love it!!

Tatskool said...

Wowee! Splendiferous.

Suztats said...

That's a wonderful idea! I'm surprised that all that detail weighs less than an ounce! Beautiful!

Corina said...

You can definitely be proud of this special necklace! I never thought of the combination of polymerclay and tatting... inspiring...

victats@gmail.com said...

Whew! That turned out to be a great project. Its been worth all the time and effort and it truely lovely. Enjoy wearing it.

tattrldy said...

Ooo, it looks wonderful! You could post pictures of you wearing it *hint*hint* : )

Lola said...

So beautiful!!!

Elizabeth said...

Wow, Marilee, that necklace is stunning. I too would like to see it worn. I am amazed by the fact that it only weighs less than an ounce as well!

Unknown said...

This is gorgeous! I love it! WOW!

Umintsuru said...

It is beautiful!! Very special indeed.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely beautiful!

The photo is so well done, I found that my chin dropped when you mentioned the measurements and weight!! LOL, imagine that