I've been experimenting a little more with the CaBezels. I've had to improvise with a few of the tools to find what works best for me. The instructions suggest using the end of your acrylic roller to rub the back of the template to form the bezel or cabachon. My clay roller is hollow so I found something else that works just as well. (See note at bottom of this post) It is a stainless steel piece you use to remove garlic and other odors from your hands when you wash with it. I'm not sure if it really works since I've never tried it but use it with my clay instead. I mainly use it as a "slump" mold for larger curved round pendants like the one below. Because it is stainless steel, I can bake right on it. This works well for me as I generally bake my piece, finish the back and then bake it again.
The other tool required is "patty paper" to go under your clay when creating your bezel or cabochon. I don't have this kind of paper and not sure what it really is. I discovered, however, that using a wrapper from my Kato clay underneath works great! I've used this same small wrapper over a dozen times and my exacto knife doesn't cut the wrapper (Premo wrappers tear) when I trim the bezel or cabochon and I can slide it around while cutting very easily.
The CaBezels have their limitations as you can only create your pieces in the sizes and shapes provided but I heard they are working on more designs that will be available soon. I thought they were a little pricey but since I took the plunge and bought the whole set, I found them to be well worth it. They are a lot of fun to play with (almost addicting) and the end results are a real professional finish.
Note: I have since tried using my hollow acrylic roller and discovered it works just fine after all and you do not need a solid roller with a flat end.
5 comments:
Thank you for sharing all the great tips! I really appreciate it. I haven't invested yet, but the more I read, the more convinced I am that they are worth it. Also, what is a stainless steel slump and where do you get them? Again, thanks for taking the time to share your tips.
I wondered if they would be worth the price - thanks for the review. Two notes: the stainless steel thing really does work. :)
Patty paper is a wax-infused sheet of thin paper that is used to stack between hamburger patties. As the daughter of someone who raised beef cattle, I have used my share of patty papers. :)
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I kind of figured the patty paper was something like that but wasn't sure where to find any. At least I find the clay wrapper works really well and it is a good way to recycle.
Neat idea to use the stainless steel 'soap' like that Carolyn! I think I've seen those before at Lee Valley. Another tool that would probably work would be a burnishing tool used in the Block Printing process. Same kind of metal surface but with a handle. Of course it wouldn't have the dual purpose of being able to bake on it like you did though.
I have these Cabezels too Carolyn and found them great to work with. I have some little stainless steel curved "dishes" I bought at IKEA that work very similar to what you are using.
You can get patty paper at a restaurant/grocery store supply place and it is very inexpensive but worth getting. I use it all the time! In Victoria, not that it helps you all that much, I purchase it from Victoria Box and Paper in Saanichton, B.C.. If you called them, they might be able to tell you where you could get it in your area! Just a thought. But it is worth chasing down.
Sharon
http://www.mystoryart.com
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