Faux Dichroic Pendants

Tutorial by Pat Osmundsen

Published September 4, 2006

This article was originally published in the Winter 2004/2005 Issue of PolymerCAFE Magazine.

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Use polymer clay to create the look of dichroic glass.

Supplies

Tools:
Eye shadow sponge applicators
Shaped cutters
Tissue blade
Natural hair round paintbrush
Finishing or buffing block, or a power buffer with a linen buffing pad
Scissors or a rotary cutter
Pasta machine

Materials:
Liquid polymer clay, either clear or translucent
Assorted colors of mica powders
Aluminum foil
Polymer clay
Acrylic nail liquid and clear powder from a beauty supply store (make sure it's the clear kind, and that the powder and liquid are the same brand!)
Wet/dry sandpaper (220 - 1000 grit)
Inks
Glitter for acrylic nails
Small glass dish
Paper towels
Aluminum foil
Pendant bail
Cording

Instructions

Step 1

Part One: Making the Clay and Mica Powder Sheets
Pour a layer of liquid clay onto a strip of aluminum foil. Allow the clay to settle and level. Don't worry about bubbles, they'll just add to the overall look.

Step 2

Dip a sponge applicator into the mica powder, hold it over the liquid clay and tap the applicator to let the powder settle onto the clay. Repeat this process, using different colors of mica powder, until the clay is covered with a fairly thick layer of mica powder. Pat the mica powder down with a brush to settle any loose particles.

Cure the clay according to the manufacturer's instructions and allow it to cool.

Once cool, carefully peel the clay from the foil, wrap in another piece of foil and set aside for later.

Step 3

Part Two: Creating the Faux Dichroic Effect
Condition the clay, then roll out a sheet at #1 thickness on a pasta machine. If you wish, you can texture the sheet of clay. Cut shapes out of your clay sheets with cutters, scissors or a craft knife.

Step 4

Brush the clay shape with a thin layer of liquid clay.

Cut small pieces from the mica shift sheet and lay it on the raw clay mica side up.

Cure the clay according to the manufacturer's instructions and let cool.

Step 5

Please Note: For the next portion of this technique, work in a well-ventilated room or outside. Follow the manufacturer's directions for using the acrylic nail liquid and powder. The mixture has a strong odor, but once the piece is set and sanded, the smell is gone.

Place a sheet of foil on your work surface and place the cured clay piece on it. Begin applying the acrylic mixture in layers.

Step 6

As you do this, consider the final shape of the piece. If you want a domed look, build the acrylic up in the center and slope it toward the sides.

At about the halfway point, apply a small amount of ink to the edge of the acrylic layer.

Step 7

Add more acrylic, and then add some glitter.

Now apply the final layer of acrylic. Allow to dry for at least ten minutes, longer if the manufacturer recommends it.

Step 8

Sanding ... it must be done.

Once the acrylic is completely set, begin sanding. Start with the coarsest sanding block or grit. You can wet sand, but for the first sanding, I generally don't. Take your time with this step; it will save you elbow grease in the long run. Once you've removed the bumps, lumps and pits and the surface is the general shape you want, move on to the wet/dry sandpaper. Move up through the grits to at least 1000 grit. When you find dimples, bumps or pits in the finish, take the time to level them out. Continue sanding until the surface is smooth. You can buff with an acrylic nail buffer by hand, or use a bench top buffer or Dremel buffer with a linen wheel; use light pressure and move the piece constantly. Now ... step back and admire the shine and depth.

Glue a bail to the back of the pendant, add your choice of cording, and wire work. Wear your new creation with pride and be prepared for compliments.

Variations/Final Thoughts

Experiment: There are variations you can employ. Texture your base clay and brush with mica powders and liquid clay. Or use thin sheets of translucent clay with metal leaf instead of the mica sheets. Embed glass beads in the clay. Use different colors of ink, or no ink at all. Let your imagination go wild; what I've shown you here is just the beginning.

:-)

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