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Brooch with Kato Polyclay™ and Image Transfer

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Design Idea A353

Casablanca

-- Designer --

Esther, Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®

To learn more about Esther Pollock, read her jewelry artist success story here
Instructions by Tammy Honaman, Author, Jewelry-Making Expert and Educator, Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®

: : : Materials : : :

STEP 1
Using a pair of scissors, cut out the water slide transfer you're planning to use for your brooch. Set it aside.
STEP 2
Using the super slicer blade, cut the following portions of clay for each layer:
  • Layer #1 (center oval)--equal portions of translucent and pearl Kato Polyclay.
  • Layer #2 (first rectangle)--a block of gold, a block of copper half the size of the gold and a block of pearl equal to the copper.
  • Layer #3 (second rectangle)--a block of copper equal to the block of gold cut for the first rectangle, a block of gold half the size of the copper and a block of pearl equal to the size of the gold.
Condition and blend the colors for the different layers of the brooch. Once conditioned, roll each layer through the Poly-Roller™ machine to the #5 setting, or to a 1mm thickness.
STEP 3
Place the slide transfer, cut out in Step 1, onto Layer #1. Using the super slicer blade, trim the clay to match the shape of the slide transfer.

Remove the transfer from the clay. Dip your finger into a small bowl of tap water. Apply the water to the back of the slide transfer and let it sit for 30-60 seconds. Peel the paper backing away. Set the paper backing aside.

Place the transfer, face up, onto the cut-out piece of Kato Polyclay. Smooth the transfer so no air bubbles are present.
STEP 4
Place a texture plate onto the surface of Layer #2. Using the roller, roll across the surface until you achieve the impression you like.
STEP 5
Place the paper backing (set aside in Step 3) on top of the textured Layer #2. Using the super slicer blade, trim Layer #2 to your desired shape. Dispose of the paper backing.
STEP 6
Repeat Step 4 for Layer #3. Trim the textured sheet so it is larger than Layer #2. Cut a thin length of clay from the excess clay; this will be used to wrap around the center oval.
STEP 7
Using your finger, dip it into the gold pigment powder. Brush your finger across the surface of Layer #2. Repeat until you have achieved the coloring you like.

Repeat, applying copper pigment powder to Layer #3 and the thin length of clay also cut from Layer #3.
STEP 8
Apply a thin coat of Kato Polyclay clear medium liquid to Layer #3. The liquid will seal the pigment powder to the clay as well as keep the layers together after baking.
STEP 9
Press Layer #2 onto the center of Layer #3. Apply a thin coat of Kato Polyclay clear medium liquid. Press Layer #1 onto the center of Layer #2. Apply a layer of Kato Polyclay clear medium liquid. Twist the long length of clay cut from Layer #3 and wrap around Layer #1, carefully pressing it into place so the ends meet cleanly and seamlessly. Apply a thin coat of Kato Polyclay clear medium liquid to the transfer and to the twisted rope of clay around the transfer.
STEP 10
Shape Layer #2 and #3 as you desire.

Let the entire assembly dry. Once dry, bake per manufacturer's directions in a dedicated toaster oven or convection oven, or on a baking tray tented with aluminum foil and placed into your kitchen oven. Let the assembly cool to room temperature.
STEP 11
Apply G-S Hypo cement to the back of the pin back, then set it into place on the cured polymer assembly. Let the cement cure completely before wearing.

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The pieces featured in the Gallery of Designs are copyrighted designs and are provided for inspiration only. We encourage you to substitute different colors, products and techniques to make the design your own.

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