Flower Power

One of the most enjoyable aspects of working with polymer (Fimo) clay for me has been sculpting. I’ve come to love creating simple yet beautiful (most of the time) shapes – circles, lines, dots... and of course, flowers.

Another thing I really love is the variety of effects you can create with powders. Random powders. Gold powder, silver powder, charcoal powder... when brushed onto clay beads, they add a unique touch to all creations. To experiment with these, I made two sets of textured beads: one in soft pastel green and the other more vintage pink.

For these, I started with spherical Fimo beads, onto which I added thick flowers and leaves. I then coated the beads with a layer of black powder. The charcoal creates a lovely, aged, yet satin-like effect. After baking the beads, I gently sanded them, which revealed the flowers in their original colours while maintaining the black details on the rest of the beads.

Next, I added a layer of varnish, using two new Cernit finishes – matte and glossy – to test out a new look. I find the glossy finish incredibly shiny (which I love, so far so good), but was a bit disappointed in the matte varnish. It wasn't as matte as I hoped; it felt more like a satin finish, possibly due to the charcoal powder’s effect.

The pink beads are still sitting on my desk, waiting for me to decide on their final design and what companions I’ll pair them with. 

The green beads transformed into a nature-inspired necklace with a lovely gradient of green hues – perfect match for my desk plant!

Tips for Fellow Crafters: Working with Polymer Clay

If you're a fellow polymer clay enthusiast, here are a few techniques and ideas:

Sculpting Simple Shapes: I am not an amazing sculptor (euphemism, who said that), but I find that starting with easy shapes like flowers, circles, dots... work pretty well as a basis for many designs, they can be assembled or layered together to create more intricate pieces.

Using Powders for Effects: experimenting with metallic powders like gold and silver, or charcoal powder, is super fun. Applying these powders with a brush can create depth and texture, even on simpler shapes. And I'm sure they are many more colours available out there (of course if you use them before baking your fimo beads, think about how well a powder is likely to behave in the oven!)

Sanding and Polishing: After baking clay pieces made with powders, sanding is even more important than for other Fimo beads, and offers more possibilities.

Varnishing: If you're looking for a glossy finish, Cernit’s glossy varnish gives a beautiful shine. For a softer, satin finish, try the matte varnish, but be mindful of its less-than-matte result. You may want to test on a small section before committing to a full coat!

Working with polymer clay offers endless opportunities for creative expression, and there’s always room for experimentation. If you’re looking for more tips and inspiration for your own polymer clay jewellery creations, stay tuned for upcoming posts where I’ll be sharing new techniques, ideas, and projects!