Rainbow Jelly Roll Cane and Recreating With the Left-Overs

We had to make up more of our Rainbow Jelly Roll "cane" last week to fill some orders for crochet hooks and stitch markers.  This cane takes quite a bit of work to make as there are six colors needed to create the gradual blend.

We made some "snap art beads" from this cane as well.

To make the snaps using a cane such as one like this, I simply reduce my cane to the same size as my round cutter used to fill the snap bezels.  I like to stretch my cane out so it lasts as long as possible so rather than using thick slices, I slice it a little thinner and back it with a clay circle.  You can then make it into a cabochon to fill the snap bezel following instructions on page 6 of my tutorial (part 1). 

When making canes, we always end up with left-overs (as shown above) so we like to use those "scraps" in other ways.  One of the most popular techniques is creating "Natasha" beads.  The Natasha beads are fun to make.  We call these "inside out beads" as the clay is literally cut and turned inside out to reveal the cool pattern.

One can use so many Natasha beads, however, and while making them one day, I was inspired with an idea to create a new technique that I call Art Deco.  Instead of a square bead, we end up with flat mirror images.  They can then be used to create other shaped beads, buttons, snaps and whatever else you can think of.

These are such happy colors so I named them "Fiesta" and are now available in our online store.

Creating Items with the Art Deco Art Nouveau Patterns

Here is another design I created using my technique "From Scrap Clay to Art Deco" that is one of my favorites.  I made some into buttons (for sewing) as well as snaps (for the interchangeable jewelry).  I added Swarovski crystals to several that I just love. 

Art Deco / Nouveau "Snaps" for Interchangeable Jewelry

Art Nouveau "Snap" with embedded Swarovski Crystals

And I also made some Natasha beads from the same scrap clay.  As a matter of fact that is how I first discovered this new technique.  I was making "Natasha" beads and was experimenting to see if I could create the fabulous patterns in other forms such as a veneer or cane.

My tutorial, From Scrap Clay to Art Deco, takes you step by step into creating or manipulating your scrap pile to achieve the best results.  These tips can also be applied to making better "Natasha" style beads.  It is so much fun and watch out as it is almost addicting!

Chunky Inside Out "Natasha" Bead Necklace

We have had the opportunity to demo our clay quite a few times over the past few months.  We generally like to show how we make our canes with the lady bug being the most popular.  The other technique we like to demonstrate is how we make the "Natasha" beads.  I often refer to them as "inside out" beads as that is basically what they are.  A clay log of mixed colors is cut and literally flipped inside out to reveal a four sided mirror image pattern.

This is a new style necklace I made using these type of beads simply strung and knotted on some satin ribbon.

Catching Up

I look forward to starting my day every morning at the computer with my usual blog reading and catching up on e-mails.  I find it is a good way to get me batteries charged before I head into the studio for the day.  Polymer Clay Daily is at the top of my read list and yesterdays post gave me the kick start I needed.  She asked if we have designs marinating in our studio waiting to be finished.  Well we did -- and quite a few at that.  I love creating with the clay and after they are baked Dave helps me with the sanding and finishing.  If they are buttons, brooches or earrings they generally get photographed right away and then Dave takes care of the packaging and tagging.  If they need to be put together in bracelets or necklaces, they are put into a special drawer and for later.  Well these pieces had been piling up and so I decided to get at them finally and finish a few off.  Here is one set finished made from a combination of a tessellation cane and Natasha (inside out) beads.  The Natasha beads were made from the left over scraps of the tessilation cane so coordinated quite well.

At times I find I have a real inspiration and make my clay pieces.  When I go to put it together, however, I get stuck as I find it needs something more or it didn't turn out just the way I expected so it sits until I get another idea on how to finish it off.  So these here, for example, are future brilliance just waiting for inspiration.