Ah, the weekend. I realize I am home all day during the week, but even so, most of the serious creating that I do happens on the weekend. Yesterday I put those little bags of silver bead frames to work. I’ve spent the last two weeks envisioning what I’d do, and how I’d put everything together, so that by the time I had the opportunity, I didn’t have to waste a whole lot of time in experimentation. Although there was some of that, too.
I started by making a few more rectangle pendants. I really like these with the simple soft-focus stripes in them. So much so, that I haven’t even tried filling them with another pattern. And I think they look quite nice on these silver neckwires.
Now, this is something that I’ve been wanting to do ever since the first time I saw polymer clay surrounded by silver. As much as I enjoy the fun, colorful, playful polymer stuff, I have still lusted after this classy look. I was never able to figure out how to accomplish it, though. Trying to achieve it is what made me get started in metal clay a few years ago. As often happens, I got a little sidetracked and what I ended up with was somewhat different.
Over the last month or two, though, several things have “clicked” and I’ve not only realized how I should do this, but I’ve been able to find the silver parts I needed. And what’s kind of nifty is that now I have some new ideas for making metal clay frames. I guess that brings me full-circle with the silver + polymer thing.
More pictures here, if you’d like to see the rest. There’s also more information as to colors and materials on each image. [edited to add: I have added these to the shop. Take a look!]
Oops, sorry to drag you into a time warp without warning 
I just thought you’d like to see the hideous sheet I was talking about in my previous post. This photo is doctored a little bit, but you get the idea. I can’t wait to make something out of it. Heh.
Absolutely beautiful pendants – a real classy look to them.
As for the two nails – oh Lisa not again!
Kylee x
Thanks! I was going for “classy” so that’s good to hear.
Two nails – did you mean toe nails? Either way, it’s the ugly floral pattern I was standing on that I thought was worth noticing – not my chipping nail polish, LOL!
I really love the right-hand one (the smaller one) in this picture…it has all my favorite colors, and there’s something I really like about the pattern. If you’re going to sell it, please give me first dibs!
Thanks! I think that pattern looks like a chenille sweater, myself. I am actually selling that with the two beads together here, but I can easily break it up and make it two separate necklaces. It would be cheaper that way, and actually I owe you for the mittens anyway 🙂 Email me if you’re interested!
I guess you have forgotten a word in your title…
I mean : Proliferation of GORGEOUS pendants =)
I wish I can find some nice silver bead frames in France some day.
Thanks! 🙂
I’ve been wanting to find bead frames like these for so long – I was thrilled to find them. I think I may have figured out a way to make them myself, too, but I don’t know when I’ll actually get a chance to try it.
Wow, really beautiful! I love the frames and of course the designs. How do you set them in the frames? It looks hard. I am impressed!
Thanks! As far as how I do it? That’s one of those things I was trying to figure out for a long time before this… Essentially it involves an X-acto knife, some gentle finessing with my thumbs, multiple bakings, and a few drops of super glue for good measure 😉
Lisa this is extraordinary work — a huge leap forward! Are you making your silver bezels? They are really stunning… regards, nt
Thanks, Nancy! I’m not making the bezels – I finally found a source for them. But I have an idea now for how to make them. It’s just a matter of finding the time, and digging a path through my polymer supplies to get to my metal clay supplies 😉
These are absolutely beautiful! Love the soft stripes.
Thanks! I’m partial to the stripes, too. They remind me of a sunset, even if the colors aren’t quite sunset-like.
Lisa, I love these pendants. I frequently wear pendant type necklaces nowdays, and if you ever move to gold or copper surrounds, I will likely be buying a few (I don’t wear sliver much, I don’t know why).
Thanks, Cuz 🙂 It took so long to find the silver, I suspect gold or copper would be even harder. I’m going to look, though. *somebody* has got to be making/selling copper and gold findings, you’d think.
I LOVE your new pendants!
I’ve searched high and low for rectangle bead frames similar to those you use for your pendants. Any chance you will share your source?
I recently discovered your blog and have had so much fun reading your thoughts ect.. I have a cup of coffee with you every morning.
Wow those pendants are just awesome! I think that “rainy day” really payed off for you!