Polymer clay bangles
Posted by Rituparna Ghosh on
How To Make:
Polymer Clay Bangles are popular for their vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and customizable designs. You can use techniques like marbling, caning, or stamping to create unique effects on the clay before shaping it into a bracelet form and curing it.
Here’s a simple guide to making a Polymer Clay Bangle:
Materials Needed:
- Polymer Clay
- Acrylic Roller
- Craft Knife or Bangle Cutter
- Sand Papper (fine grit) or a Sanding Sponge
- Silicone Bangle Form
- Baking Sheet and parchment Paper
- Oven (for baking clay)
- Optional: glaze for a shiny finish, texture tools, stamps, or paints for decorating
Steps:
- Condition the Clay
Condition the polymer clay until it’s soft and pliable. This ensures it’s easy to shape and prevents cracking during baking.
- Roll Out the Clay:
Use an acrylic roller to flatten the clay to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick. Make sure it’s even to avoid weak spots.
- Shape the Bangle:
Option 1: Flat Bangle
Cut a long, even strip of clay, wrap it around the Silicone Bangle Form, and blend the ends together.
Option 2: Solid Bangle
Roll the clay into a thick snake, or use an extruder. Then shape it into a circle that fits around the Silicone Bangle Baking Form, and blend the ends.
- Smooth and Decorate:
Use your fingers or a smoothing tool to even out any bumps. You can also add textures using stamps, or blend different clay colours for marbling effects.
- Bake the Bangle:
- Preheat your oven according to the polymer clay package instructions (usually around 265°F–275°F (129°C–135°C)).
- Place the Silicone Bangle Form on a parchment-lined baking sheet to help keep its shape.
- Bake for the recommended time (usually 45 minutes to an hour depending on thickness).The longer baking time will give the bangle much needed flexibility and strength.
- Cool and Sand:
Let the bangle cool completely. Then, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.
- Optional Finishing:
- Apply a glaze for a shiny finish or leave it matte for a natural look.
- I personally like to buff the bangle to give it a muted glow.
Tips:
• Make sure the bangle is large enough to slide over your hand but not too loose on your wrist.
• Avoid over baking, as polymer clay can darken.
• You can embed items like mica powder, gold leaf, or small beads into the clay before baking for unique designs.