Make your own cloisonne jewelry at home.
Traditionally, cloisonne is created with metals and glass enamels. Faux cloisonne, on the other hand, can be made at home with products that are available at many craft, hobby, or discount stores. There is no metal work or soldering that is required, the pieces are made with polymer clay and resin. The resin helps to add depth to the piece, and helps to give it the classic cloisonne look. This project will take one to two days, including cooling and drying times.
Instructions
Faux Cloisonne Pin
1. Choose a paper pattern or stamp in the design you want for your pin. Roll out a piece of scrap clay and transfer the pattern to the clay. Make sure that the edges of the pattern are clean and fairly deep. A ball stylus works well here, or a dried up ball point pen. Bake this piece according to manufacturers directions. This is the mold for the pin.
2. Place your cooled mold on a work surface. Apply the release agent to the mold. Roll out a piece of clay, then lay it on the mold. Use a rolling pin to press the clay into the mold. Remove the clay and make sure the impression came out well. If not, roll up the clay and begin again.
3. Trim the outside edges with a craft knife. Be very precise and neat here, this will be your finished piece. Brush the clay with mica powder. Gold or silver is most often used for this part, as they look like the metal used in traditional cloisonne. Bake the clay according to directions.
4. Let the piece cool. Use straight pins to add the liquid clay between the raised ridges on the piece. Use a different pin for each color to keep things tidy. Once it is to your liking, bake the piece again, using the directions from the liquid clay maker. Let cool.
5. Mix the resin according to directions on the package. Coat the piece with the resin and let it cure. Glue a pin back onto the piece.
Tags: according directions, Faux Cloisonne, liquid clay, Roll piece