Here's a look at some of the design options we use in making barrettes--you
can also click on the style to see some previous examples, and some are
still available! (see the barrettes in the pictures above for current availability)
1) Caned--Cane slices
are used in these designs, available in black and white, and multicolored
selections (shown here).
Cane work is an adaptation of glass millefiore
technique, in which the design is built like a puzzle made up of colored
sections, then compressed or extruded in a long "cane" and sliced.
Each slice is a repetition of the design. These can then be combined with
other slices to build the patterns.
See "Building Canes"
for more information on millefiore technique.
2) Impressed--This
style uses textures and stains or powders to
achieve the effects. Stains are made from Rust-Oleum's waterbased Varathane and acrylic paints, sometimes with Pearl-Ex
Powders added.
Some look like antique ivory, cinnabar, or other stones. Some mimic
old Bakelite--which was the very FIRST commercially available polymer clay.
However, Bakelite was based on a flammable phenol compound, and it changes
color over time--today's clay's do not. They are also much safer, and certified
as non-toxic art supplies. All clays and products sold for use in America
as art supplies must be tested individually by laboratories to be certified
as non toxic.
Some clays have a luminous glow or metallic sheen, and are highlighted
with Pearl-Ex Powders and a protective coating of Varathane--and all are
beautiful and unique.
The effects range from subtle to gleaming, depending upon the color
of the clay and the powders used.
Many of the clays are pearlescent themselves because they contain mica
powder and pigments. These are also the basis of powders such as Pearl-Ex
and Perfect Pearls.
All the barrettes featured here are made of polymer clays,
which are lightweight and very wearable!
3) Marbled--Swirls of color
and metallic foils catch the light and are lovely when worn with anything
from blue jeans to party dresses.
The effect can be striped, swirly, or even feathered in the same way
that hand marbled papers can look!
4) Onlay--Gold and colored
pearlized Premo polymer clays (Made by Polyform Products, and available
through The Clay Factory in Escondido) are used in making these elegant
hair accessories.
The gold onlays are all cut and placed by hand.
The mica in the pearlized clays gives a depth and sheen no other polymer
clay has. This technique is also used in making "Embellished
Eggs".
5)Mokume Gane--This technique
comes from an ancient Japanese metalworking technique, and has been adapted
for polymer clays. It can be done in several different ways. Transparent clay in thin sheets are layered with gold and silver metal
leaf and sliced to achieve the sparkle. This is then layered onto pearlized
clays for extra gleam.
