Tutorials

POLYMER CLAY TUTORIAL – GLAMOUR, GLITZ & SPARKLE

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“This polymer clay tutorial just may be the easiest and most fun way to add glamour, glitz, glimmer and sparkle to your creations! I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting the first polymer clay technique I learnt”.…….Suzanne Ward

You can always learn something from the way other’s do things. I have been most fortunate in learning first hand, from many International artists, and from those I’ve shared a table with at polymer classes and events in Europe over the last 7 years. I hope I can impart something new to you through this little polymer clay tutorial.

Kindly note: Because this article is subject to the Copyright Act 1961. Do not reproduce it in any format. You can sell products made, and teach this technique in person. Please feel free to share a link to this polymer clay tutorial via your social media sites.

Products Used

Cernit Sparkling samples of the 4 ranges available.
Cernit Sparkling has 4 beautiful ranges to choose from:
  • SPARKLING METALLIC – microscopic mica particles which create a unique glimmering metallic effect.
  • SPARKLING INTERFERENCE – pearlescent effects at their best on dark colours, with more subtle effects on light colours.
  • DIAMOND – super fine glass powders that give extremely brilliant glittery effects.
  • DUOS – two colours that change depending on the viewing angle and light direction.

Cernit Texture Stamps:
  • Texture Plates / stamps / tiles / sheets. are all one and the same thing.  An accessory used to create an impression for a surface patterns on polymer & other clays.
  • The deep patterned stamps in this range, are popular for Mokume Gane, Mica shift, Sutton slice and hidden magic techniques.
  • Mount on an acrylic block to use as a regular stamp with ink.
  • Manufactured in Belgium from premium materials.
Cernit Texture Plate - Under the Sea

Materials required for the Polymer Clay Tutorial:

Let’s Get Started:

a) Impress Textures into Clay

  • Place the sheet of polymer clay on a tile and roll lightly to adhere. Be sure to remove trapped air under the clay.
  • Dust the texture stamp with cornflour and brush or tap off excess from the stamp.
Image of dusting texture stamp with cornflour
  • Place the texture stamp on the clay, and trim clay to size of stamp. Press all over the stamp using fingers, (without moving the stamp).
  • Roll with gentle pressure using an acrylic roller. The pressure should not be enough to stretch the stamp as you roll.
  • Lift a corner of the stamp to check that it is fully impressed and has not moved (which would result in a blurred pattern).
  • Peel back the stamp once the pattern is completely embedded in the clay.
Image of pressing texture plate into polymer clay

b) Metallic Sparkling – First Layer:

  • Fold a small square of paper down the centre, then open it out. Put a small amount of Metallic Sparkling on the paper. Using the flat pad of your finger (not the tip), or a small flat applicator sponge, dip into the powder and remove excess by tapping on the paper.
  • Apply Cernit Sparkling sparingly, using a light touch, keeping your finger or applicator straight. Apply just to the raised portions of the pattern. (Tip: Use adhesive tape to lift the powder from places it shouldn’t be.
  • Tip excess Sparkling from the paper back into the bottle. The folded paper helps to guide it cleanly back into the bottle.
Image of first layer of Cernit Sparkling on polymer clay texture

c) Colour Options:

Option 1: Use a single colour of Sparkling

Just the highest parts of the pattern should have powder on them. The dark clay background gives metallic clays an antique patina effect.

Sparkling colours used over black polymer clay: Left – Sparkling Metallic Bronze and Right – Sparkling Interference Blue

Option 2: Use Two Sparkling Colours

  • Apply an initial layer of Metallic Sparkling using your finger or an applicator sponge.
  • Apply a second colour from the Sparkling effects using a soft paint brush. The second layer will not adhere to the first layer. The second layer fills the hollows creating a lovely background colour. Especially nice in the Duo and Interference Sparkling powders.
  • A reapplication of the first layer and a light buff with the flat part of your finger will make it glow again.
  • Sparkling colours used: Metallic Gold followed by Interference Green.
  • Texture stamp used: Cernit Lollipops
Image of 2 colours applied to black polymer clay

Option 3: Use Many Sparkling Colours

Image of filling in patterns with multi Cernit Sparkling powders.
Colour In the Recesses

Begin with the application of a Metallic Sparkling (as in Option 1 (above).

“Colour in” the pattern, using a soft pointy brush (for accuracy) using various colours of Cernit Sparkling from the range.

Blending Colours

Begin with the application of a Metallic Sparkling (as in Option 1 (above).

Variation: Blended colours in parts of the pattern result in a pleasing metallic patina effect.

Add Glitz with Sparkling Diamond

Begin with the application of a Metallic Sparkling (as in Option 1 (above).

Variation: Cernit Diamond in places, results in a subtle glittery effect.

Image of Cernit Hearts Texture Stamp with gold first layer and other Cernit Sparkling colours

c) Cut Shapes & Bake:

  • Leave the clay on the tile to cut the shapes, removing excess clay from around the shapes.
  • Option A: Leave the cut shapes in situ on the tile for baking. Results in no distortion of the beads. (See step d), for ways to remedy the shiny backs.)
  • Option B: Lift them from the tile using a sharp blade on an angle, pressing down towards the tile as you draw the blade toward you. Place on copy paper or card for baking. This will give the backs a matte finish.
  • The organic round shapes (in the image) were baked on a glass baking form (pictured) from our store, resulting in a slight dome.
  • Bake the shapes using the recommended temperature for the brand of clay you are using.
Glass Baking Form 100mm diam.1

d) Prepare Shapes and Seal:

  • For beads with a shiny back, an extra layer of thin, textured clay adhered to the back using Kato Poly Paste or Liquid Clay, is an option. Bake again. OR
  • Remove the shine on the back using acetone and a cotton bud. OR
  • Sand the back using coarse sandpaper.
  • If using varnish, sand the edges smooth before varnishing.
  • If using resin, sand the edges smooth after the resin has set.

To prevent the powder rubbing off, items that will be handled must be sealed. Cernit Varnish is an excellent choice, or Cernit Glass Finish Resin adds beautiful depth to these jewellery pieces.

Cernit Sparkling Resin Coated Beads
Image of a Bead made using this tutorial technique, with a resin seal.

Here’s a close up peek at one of my beads. It was created from the Hearts texture sheet, and baked on a Glass Baking Form. Cernit Glass Finish Resin was applied, and the back and edges were sanded after the resin had set.

I hope you have as much fun as I did with this technique. Please do share your creations, using this tutorial, on your social media sites and don’t forget to tag us. We’d love to see them!

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