Craftspeople use polymer clay to make an endless number of decorative items. Beaded jewelry is just one of the arenas where polymer clay stretches an artist's imagination to create an exciting selection of components for jewelry designers.
A few facts about polymer clay:
- Polymer clay is not an earthen material. It is made from a combination of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), color pigments, and a product that gives it a plastic-like characteristic.
- It doesn't dry out like regular clay, so an artisan can take as much time as necessary to create a piece.
- Polymer clay is affordable. It is nontoxic and items can be baked to completion in a regular oven. A kiln is not necessary.
Meet four talented polymer clay artists and take a look at a sampling of their beads.
Mia Rox, Clayfulmingles
Mia is the artist and owner of Clayfulmingles Studio in Tomah, Wisconsin. She has been working with polymer clay since 1992, and is known for her colorful style. Mia is a longtime staff member of Polymer Clay Central and has published articles in Jewelry Crafts magazine as well as online tutorials that can be found at www.pcpolyzine.com.
Gail Froula McIntyre, Today's Clay
Gail came from a family of artists, and describes her early memories of clay:
- "I didn't have to search my soul, I always knew what I wanted to do. As a child born into a family of artists, I would curl up on my Dad's lap and watch with wonder as he masterfully manipulated a ball of clay. I remember the challenge when it was my turn."
Gail began working with polymer clay in 1988, making a variety of objects: picture frames, mirrors, coasters, pens, vessels, art jewelry, sculptures. She has settled-in to beadmaking now, and markets her work on JustBeads.com.
Gail also offers classes in polymer clay beadmaking.
Jill Newman, Tatercat
Jill is a former graphic artist who has found her niche in polymer clay beads. Her work travels down many creative pathways, each one slightly different, but all examples of the care and detail that goes into every bead.
The back side of Jill's beads are as special as the front, so there's always a surprise when you turn a bead over. In addition, each bead is signed with Jill's special signature, a tiny paw print.
You'll find Jill's bead auctions by searching for Tatercat on JustBeads.com.
Barbara Fajardo, Desert Designs by Barbara
Barb is another artisan who found a passion for polymer clay after experimenting with many other creative arts. Barb's love of polymer clay began in 2000, and she is still awed by the neverending design options that are possible. She often begins working with no particular style in mind, allowing the colors and ideas to flow naturally as she manipulates the clay.
Some of Barb's work seems to draw upon the wonderful colors and scenery that are present in her native state, New Mexico, but look at her work and you'll see that this artist delivers a wide variety of styles in her beads. When you visit JustBeads.com, be sure to search for work by Rubarb.
Polymer Clay Bead Galleries
