Cold Porcelain

I've just discovered Cold Porcelain and a recipe for making it at home ... there are loads of recipes on the Internet, many which vary slightly in the ingredients, so I chose one and couldn't wait to get started.

After reading reports of some people's disappointment with their numerous attempts at perfecting the clay, I was a little apprehensive, thinking that I would either end up with a gooey mess, or something that was dry, difficult to work with and cracked whilst drying.

But I'm delighted to say that my fears were unfounded!

The clay appears to have turned out beautifully. I must say after previously working with Polymer Clay, the texture and light perfume from the Nivea cream in the Cold Porcelain is quite pleasant. Added to that, the low cost, natural appearance, low toxicity and no need to fire, and I can definitely say I am now a convert!

Yesterday I made my very first attempt at making a white rose and was amazed how easy it was. It isn't perfect and I will need more practice but I'm enjoying the learning process.

White Rose:


I had a little piece of clay left over from that rose, so I added a tiny dab of acrylic paint to make a pink rose. I'm not sure if the acrylic paint made the texture a little drier, or if it was drying out through use, or possibly a combination of the two, but it didn't seem quite as supple as when I made the white rose. As you can see from the photo, it has formed tiny cracks along the edge of the thinnest petals... which is no bad thing and I actually think it looks quite realistic.

Pink Rose:


Primarily I'd like to use my flowers in my jewellery designs, so I'm a little disappointed that I will probably have to varnish them to protect from moisture. I love the natural matte porcelain look as it is, so will have to try a varnish with a very matte look to try to retain the appearance of porcelain.

I'm going to experiment using various additions to colour the clay and want to try adding Mica Pigment powder for a subtle pearly, shimmery effect too.

So my conclusion is that it is a wonderful clay and one that I will enjoy experimenting with.

Birthday Sale BOGO Half Price

It's my birthday next week and to celebrate I'm having a Buy One Get One Half Price sale on selected flower themed jewellery in my Etsy shop.

Many items are One Of A Kind, never to be repeated designs, so once they are gone, they are gone.

On purchasing two items, half of the lower priced item will be refunded through Paypal.

Check out what's included in my birthday sale here

Sale ends Friday 21st May 2010

Happy shopping! :)

Midweek Catch Up

I've been experimenting with some new ideas, and one design in particular, in polymer clay this past week. But my creative muse seems to have abandoned me. I've worked the same design over and over and still I'm not happy with the end result. No matter, I know my muse is only away temporarily and will return. I've learnt to ignore it's absence rather than push for it to return before it's ready... far less frustrating!

In the meantime I've purchased some Mica pigment powders in gorgeous shades and will bide my time playing with them by incorporating them into the clay for some subtle effects. It'll be fun, even if nothing much comes of it. Who knows, a little bit of sparkle might just tempt my muse to return from its sojourn.

While I wait, I'll show you a couple of designs that I have recently made, the results of which I am very happy with.

Bow Belle Necklace:


Calypso Bracelet: