Monday, June 16, 2014

Funky polymer clay and tatting necklace


Finished! I'm happy with this mix of polymer clay beads and tatting - it's really funky :)

I made up the design as I went. The front of the necklace worked out fairly easily, with only a minor setback of one polymer clay bead breaking. Since I haven't done much with polymer clay, my sculpting skills are still very basic. But, the broken bead was quickly replaced, and I do like how the colors match my hand dyed size 10 thread (Mardi Gras). I also added Lizbeth #685 Evergreen Dark.

I was unsure of what to do with the sides, and my first thought was a quick finish with metal chains, but I wanted to keep an all handmade, organic theme for this piece. Corina Meyfeldt's post on Nina Libin's technique of beaded rings with one shuttle gave me an idea! So, I combined that technique with single shuttle split rings.

I like the results - especially how the colors blend - but next time I may use 2 shuttle split rings, because having 2 threads connecting the rings seems stronger than only 1 thread. Something that probably only matters if the project has some weight to it, as this necklace does.

In between the beaded rings and the front, I added some free-form tatting, using node stitch (sets of 2 first halves followed by 2 second halves). I like how node stitch chains are easy to keep straight, or curve in various directions. (Hmm, now I'm wondering if I should capitalize the names of techniques, such as Node Stitch - any tatting editors out there?)

Anyway, I like my necklace. In the future I may try something similar for the Etsy shop or the next art/craft sales event or exhibit, but if so will try to do a more refined job of sculpting the polymer clay.


22 comments:

muskaan said...

This is one-of-a-kind groovy necklace ! Love the cheery, happy-go-lucky colors, wanting to break into a dance ;-))

Marilee Rockley said...

Thanks, muskaan. Groove on :)

Fox said...

Very creative! An intriguing piece, Marilee.
: )

Umintsuru said...

It goes well with the thread. Definitely an original and unique piece.

Sally Kerson said...

So so clever and amazing colours.

Sally Kerson said...

So so clever and amazing colours.

Margarets designer cards said...

Brilliant, I love the beads and the colours match so well with your thread. Wonderful pattern
Margaret

Jane McLellan said...

Splendid necklace!! Love the way the colours of the beads and tatting to together.

Madtatter80 said...

Very nice love it and you had us on edge wondering what would become of the beads! Looks great!

TotusMel said...

Perfectly funky indeed. I love the "free form" side bits!

Kathy Niklewicz said...

As usual, your amazing artistry shines through. Wonderful combination of the polymer clay and your hand dyed thread, plus your imagination!

Phyllis said...

Beautiful. The combination of colors for beads and thread blends well together.

Marty said...

That is fantastic. The colors are delicious and the beads and wonderful. I can't find enough superlatives to express my delight with it!

SWtrompeter said...

What a wonderful necklace! Everything fits so well together - beads, design, color(s). It's gorgeous!

Corina Meyfeldt said...

Now this is an interesting use of everything: the way you did the beads (with 2 holes), the way you included them in the lace and those colours! Just fabulous. I hardly wait for the next beads, you will get definitelly more ideas now.

God's Kid said...

Awesome!!! :)

Unknown said...

It's funky, it's gorgeous, and completely inspirational! I love it! I am sure you will have people wanting to buy it or the pattern (wink, wink);) ;)

Marille said...

This necklace looks very intersting and he is beautiful :) Congratuations !!!
Greetings from Poland :-)

Suztats said...

Funky and FABULOUS!

Lelia said...

kewl!!!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful!... but very amazing!

Sherry aka Celtic Dream Weaver said...

I really like your necklace. Very pretty. Love the colors