Month: July 2022

jewellery · Jewellery

Designing Clasps and Bails

Julique

I love to add feature elements to my work. Some pieces just call for that special touch to make it unique – the one-of-a-kind statement.

I plan these elements after considering the hang of a piece, the type of material (sterling silver, aluminum wire, copper or polymer clay) that fits with the design and the budget of the piece.

Sometimes the connector just appears from the medium and I have to wait for just the right piece to come along to suit. This curly whirly is exactly that type of connector waiting for its new home on just the right piece of jewellery.

Curly whirly connector made using polymer clay and highlighted with texture and white dots

Polymer clay elements – examples of some connectors and bails

Wire clasps and bails

Uncategorized

Creating a Unique Name Badge from Polymer Clay

Julique

I wanted to design a name badge for work that is attractive as well as functional.

Form + Function

I love a rustic look so needed it to look attractive but a ‘little rough’ on purpose. The role is not in a corporate setting and I wanted to reflect this in its fun style.

I needed to be able to attach a pen, penknife, and a place to put my glasses. This is the end result.

Process

  1. Designed the letters using an extruder (snakes) and shaped the letters into something with a little character (not perfectly shaped)
  2. Added a textured backing for the letters – baked in the oven
  3. Cleaned the result and added the next layer – baked in the oven
  4. Hammered aluminim wire into a shape that the ‘hooks’ would suit their different purposes
  5. In the final layer, I added a bought badge pin and textured the back – baked in the oven
  6. Metallic wax and pan pastels were applied to highlight and contrast the lettering
Homewares and Crafts

Garden Ornaments and Herb Markers

Julique

Home improvement has seen a resurgence due to Covid with people working from home, spending time at home and not traveling like they used too.

We have been doing some improvements as well. I love working on our garden and have been looking at personalising our space. This led to designing some polymer garden art.

Herb markers

These garden ornaments were inspired by @goinsideandclay.

Adding the whiskers

jewellery · Jewellery

Working with Copper

Julique

I love the warmth of copper and the look of hammered and shaped metal. I am also fascinated by the effects and colours resulting from the application of patina on metals.

I have recently been going through my bead and stone stash with the aim to create new pieces using what I already have. This was one of my aims from the #100DaysProject2022. The 100 days project 2022 has concluded for me but I have continued to see if I can apply this concept to my work.

See two examples of some recent work.