Wednesday 6 June 2012

Chris' Shiny Beads Process

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Chris' Shiny Beads Process


After a few seconds with the dremel.




14 comments:

  1. Hi Chris
    Thanks so much for sharing, this is very useful as I am still trying to find the best way of polishing my pc. I wanted to buy the micromesh but Valerie hasn't got them in stock at the moment - hopefully she will have them back soon.I like the tip with the gloves - never occured to me that you could wear them inside out as they are a bit rough outside. Helen

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    1. Hi Helenka, glad you got some useful information from my own experiences. I have learned the hard way and I only want to sand when it is really necessary...
      Please send Valerie a message to inquire about the Micromesh :)

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  2. Wonderful! If you say it's fun to do, I might eventually try out all the micromesh grids I have lying around :)) Hugs, Teia

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    1. Yep, sit in front of tv or with some music on, beads in lap,very "zen" (I guess people will call me nuts any time now!)

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  3. This was such a wonderful tutorial. Thank you for sharing .

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  4. I agree Chris! I too use micro mesh pads and love the smoothness of the clay that comes out as you progress to the higher numbers. I really need to remember to add some translucent to my pieces to get that higher glossy shine. I must admit I am spoiled with the micro mesh and would never go back to regular sandpaper!

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    1. Thanks Jan! Translucent is only necessary if you are not using Kato as that really shines easier by itself :)
      The only reason why I still have regular sandpaper is to texture... or sometimes to reduce some really unpleasant edges.

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  5. Thank you so much for sharing this.Although I have been using polymer clay this past four years I cannot get the hang of a good shine and I am always wondering what varnish to use.Although sometimes I think that the varnish I use seems to give my pieces a plastic feel which I am not too struck on. One thing I have found is that mixing a bit of translucent does help as does a little bit of pearl.

    Your work is truly beautiful!

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    1. Hi Christine and thank you for your kindest words :) The trick with high shine is really due to the fine sanding. The smoother the bead, the higher the shine will be.

      And indeed, I do not like the feel of varnished beads either. However, I have found that if I need to add a thin layer of varnish after using a surface decoration, I put the bead back in the oven after varnishing, for a small amount of time, on the regular temperature.. it evens out the varnish and makes it different to the touch. But maybe that is just me :)

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  6. Anonymous12 June, 2012

    Hello Chris, I found this heart really beautiful, and it's great to have such a great tutorial at hand. I've been wanting to try sanding, but I am always afraid to mess up with the little details I place in my work.

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  7. Thank you for your kind words :) - I suggest on something in scrap clay first to see what the best way is to sand your own little creatures. Some may not requires sanding.
    Here is a link to make a sander out of an electric toothbrush..for those difficult to reach corners :) you can use the same pads as you use for other clay applications.
    http://www.modelbuildersonline.com/Tutorials/How-to-Build-a-Toothbrush/5820378_5DPSSk#!i=360786590&k=pHNUy

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  8. Anonymous13 June, 2012

    Thanks for the suggestion. I will definitely try it.

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