Organic Forms

Organic seems to be the rage right now. I've always loved the forms of nature and when I saw the pictures of Eugena Topinas openwork forms, I knew I had to have her tutorial. https://www.etsy.com/listing/199228011/polymer-clay-tutorial-openwork-pendants?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=openwork+polymer+clay+tutorial&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

I was not disappointed as I read “Polymer Clay Tutorial Openwork Pendants: Under a Microscope”. The tutorial is detailed. clearly written with good illustrations but as with many things, one has to try it to really understand or believe it. Using polymer clay and the supplies listed in the tutorial, I went to work following the directions.

openwork before dissolution

Everything went well until the part where you have to put the form into water to dissolve the part that creates the open work. I had pans of water all over the kitchen for days before I had dissolution! At one point Eugena warns about being impatient because the polymer walls are fragile and easily destroyed. That is absolutely true. I’m sure you realize that I am trying not to give any of the secrets of the tutorial away. If you like the look and want to test your patience, I recommend buying the tutorial!

When I learn a new technique somewhere along the way I make it mine by deviating from the instructions or seeing if I can do something else with it. That was true with this tutorial and I want to share my experience with you.

Some have backs and some do not

After I conquered the concept of openwork, I decided I wanted to make a medallion that was bigger and thicker than the ones in the tutorial-something that would look old and bone-like. I made my large cane (groups of polymer tubes) and cut it about ¾” thick. I put it on a plastic dome, turned it upside down in a bowl of water and waited for the inside of the tubes to dissolve. I waited 4 weeks! (Impatience?)

Larger and thicker than the tutorial recommends

Finally I decided it was time to take it off the tube. Impatience at work! The clay medallion was fiercely stuck to the plastic dome and I had to carefully cut and lift the clay. The plastic dome went in the trash as I took the fragile medallion to the oven to cure. It turned out a lot better than I expected and it does look old and rustic. This is the medallion and chain that I asked everyone to vote on last week. (Pearls won over coral!)