In the latest "Polymer Chef" column (Polymer CAFE magazine, March/April 2016, p. 57), I presented recipes for the Pantone colors of the year, Rose Quartz and Serenity. To show off the colors, I created the necklace shown above. Recently someone asked me for a tutorial explaining how to make this rather unusual pendant. So here's a quick one.
Step 1. Shape scrap clay for the internal structure of the pandant using the "Caboshapes I" mold from Best Flexible Molds. Then cut a hole above center with a small round cutter.
Next, cover the scrap clay with a thin veneer of the Rose Quartz and Serenity stripes (or any other color or pattern you might choose).
Step 2. Cut the striped veneer into 2 circles of about 2 and 3 cm. in diameter. Place these rather loosely over the hole, with the stripes on each circle going in different directions for interest. Press a glass marble in the center circle to make the indentation. Next, add three flat-back crystals and oven-cure the pendant. (It's a good idea to use a tiny drop of Sculpey Bake & Bond on the back of each crystal even if it's the "heat set" variety.)
Note: I've used scrap clay in these step-by-step photos, just for convenience, but your pendant and circles will be made from the veneer you choose.
Step 3. Finally, cover the back of the pendant with a compatible clay color, leaving the hole open (so as not to trap air inside). You can make a channel for stringing by covering the cut-off stem from a cotton swab with clay and attaching it firmly to the uncured backing. After a final oven-curing, remove the cotton swab stem with pliers. Now your pendant is ready to string!
