jazz it up...

Hey everyone! I have a fun project for you all today.  It is simple, and stunning!

Ready to get started?  Well then, let's go!

What you will need:

Alterable Jewelry*

 Clay (air dry or oven bake)

Cornstarch or Baby Powder

Clay Tools (roller, knife)

Emery Board or Sandpaper

Creative Inspirations Paint

Staz-On ink 

Stamps (acrylic or rubber)

Crackle Accents (by Ranger)

Glossy Accents (by Ranger)

Spray ink**

*I am using a "Keepsake Bracelet" made for putting photos in. I found it at a variety store for about $2.00

**I use  "Real Black" Tsukineko All Purpose ink in a mister with water

 Step 1: prep your table with a dusting of cornstarch or baby powder.

 Step 2: Condition a ball of clay by kneading it in your fingers for a couple minutes.

Step 3: Roll out your clay. You want to get the clay to an even thickness. For my piece, I choose to make it about as thick as a quarter, but you need to decide thickness based on your piece.

 Step 4: Cut out your pieces. My bracelet came with a paper template to trace, but you may need to make your own template.

Step 5: Cure the clay. If your clay is oven-bake, then follow directions on your package. If your clay is air-dry, set it aside to dry completely.

 Step 6: Once cured, check the fit of your clay in your jewelry setting.  It doesn't need to be perfect, but if it is too big, you need to sand it to size.

 Step 7: Smooth the edges of your piece with an emery board or sandpaper. If your clay is too big, file it down to the size you need.

Step 8: Paint your clay. Don't forget to paint the sides if they will be showing. I used 2 coats of Ivory CI paint.

Step 9: Allow to dry. (the clay may soak in the moisture of the paint and therefor take a little longer to dry.)

Step 10: If desired, stamp an image on your clay using Staz-on ink.

 At this point, your piece will look something like this.

 Step 11: Apply a thin layer of Crackle Accents.

Step 12: Allow your piece to dry and crack naturally. It will take a while, so you may want to set it aside and do something else, then come back to it.

 Step 13: Spray a contrasting ink over your piece... Allow to soak in a little, then wipe off with a rag. I tried just rubbing dye ink into the cracks, but the spray ink tends to get deeper, and highlight the crackles better. 

 Step 14: Attach clay to your jewelry  with Glossy Accents. I love that this glue works so well with lots of different surfaces!

 Step 15: Cover clay with a layer of Glossy Accents. It doesn't need to be thick, but make sure you cover all clay surfaces. This will make your jewelry waterproof, and protect the clay.

 Step 16: Allow to dry completely. Again, this will take a while. I like to let it sit over night.

These are so fun to make, and the shimmer of the CI paints makes it look amazing!  

Have fun!

~Kassi