This past week I had fun creating in both of these palettes in polymer clay. I have been experimenting with making large (over an inch in diameter) hollow polymer clay beads. I like that big, chunky look but an oversize bead made entirely from clay would end up being quite heavy. So I decided to experiment.
I dug around in my stash and came up with some small Styrofoam balls and covered them in clay. As the clay baked, the Styrofoam held the shape long enough so that the bead didn't collapse. When the bead was "cured", the Styrofoam ball had shrunk down to just a tiny ball inside. It makes for a stunning focal bead!! Cut the Styrofoam ball in half and you can make a half bead as well. Give an "organic" shape to some larger flat discs, cut out graduating sizes of smaller discs and you have the makings of an interesting necklace...
I've also wanted to try out making some large, layered beads and some European beads with the large holes in the centers. However.... I tried at least five times to upload the photo and it just doesn't seem to want to! So perhaps next week, the 'Net won't be quite so temperamental and you will get to see it along with a watch band I made.
Till then, have a fun week,
Sharon