Tools and Supplies

Tools to get started: You will need tweezers, craft sticks, paperclips, toothpicks, a needle, scissors, a palatte knife or kitchen knife, chopsticks, wooden skewers, jewelry pliers, wire cutters, and wire. You will also need aluminum foil, wax paper, parchment paper, and a flat metal baking pan.

Jewelry Hardware: These are also called jewelry findings. They are small pieces of metal that you attach to your clay creations to make jewelry. The findings come in gold, silver, and other finishes. You will need eye pins, jump rings, and fish-hook ear wires.

Cording: To make necklaces you will need stringing cord or elastic cord. It comes in a variety of colors. Necklaces are easier to make with elastic cord because it requires no metal fasteners, just a knot. Pick a color that goes best with your clay pendant or handmade beads.

Beads: They come in a rainbow of colors and sizes. Start with your handmade beads, pendants, or charms as the main part of your jewelry. Choose store-bought beads that complement your handmade pieces to build your necklaces and bracelets. This is an easier way to create special jewelry without having to make hundreds of beads.

All of the projects in this book were made with polymer clay. Polymer clay is a plastic based clay. It comes in a full range of colors available at craft stores and online art or hobby supply stores. Polymer clay doesn't dry out when exposed to air. Store unused or newly mixed clay in plastic bags to prevent it from getting dirty.

Polymer Clay Basics

1.Work Surface: Use a piece of wax paper on a hard flat surface. Making your project on paper will keep your work from sticking to the table and make turning it easier. Be careful when working on wood; polymer clay can stain the wood surface.

2.Conditioning Clay: The first step before making any polymer clay project is conditioning the clay. Soften the polymer clay in your hands by squeezing it in your fingers, repeat the process until the clay is not crumbly and forms a ball without cracking. When you are able to roll a ball and flatten it with no cracks, the clay is ready to use. Wash your hands with soap and water between clay colors to keep your colors clean.

3.Making a Ball: Roll the clay in a circular motion in the palm of your hands to form a ball for basic building. For smaller sized balls use your finger tip to roll the ball in the palm of your hand.

4.Making twisted color coils: Gather some clay in different colors; roll it in your hands until clay is smooth and the surface has no cracks. Then follow the rolling coils steps on the