Spring beads

Spring beads - by Jainnie Jenkins

Just wanted to show the spring beads I made for the Mile High Polymer Clay Guild bead swap for April 2012.  The theme was "spring" colors.  This started off as a challenge in many ways for me.  First of all, I wanted to find a way to incorporate colors so it wouldn't just be pastel colored beads.  Then, I wanted to work a little more loosely or organically.  Lastly, I wanted to create some shapes for spring that might suggest blossoming or growth or just plain fun.  I also wanted to make 21 beads that were different, yet similar. I think I succeeded!

21 beads for spring bead swap - by Jainnie Jenkins

These beads were all made from one ball of polymer clay.  I pinched and formed the beads with my fingers, used wax-modeling tools and others to create the textures and shapes, then layered on pearl-ex powders.  Post-curing (in my clay dedicated toaster oven), I scrubbed off most of the pearl-ex leaving enough to accent the textures and shapes.  I must say that the Reflex Purple pearl-ex is one of my favorite colors to use!!

I really loved all these beads as a set, and I'm a little sad that they went to different homes.  But hopefully their recipients will enjoy them! These can be used with other beads, or used as a focal bead or pendant.  Maybe I'll have to make another set for myself!  I'm also envisioning these loose, organic shapes as ornaments!... stay tuned...