Gave Polymer Clay a Shot

[jimm1]

Liking this. Looking to get better.

 

[preacherman]

Those look good, very nice!

 

[BSea]

I really like the 2nd one. But they all look good. :good:

PC is something I've got planned for later this year.

 

[Charlie_W]

Wow! Go Jim Go!

 

[jimm1]

I really like the 2nd one. But they all look good. :good:

PC is something I've got planned for later this year.

This was actually a screwed up attempt at another design. It turned out to be one of my favorites.

 

[lwalper]

Pretty neat! I've been wanting to try my hand at some of that stuff.

 

[OLDMAN5050]

I'll have to come see how you do that....

 

[kruzzer]

they all look great. my fav would be number two.

 

[creativewriting]

Looks like you are off to a great start! Nice job!

 

[Band Saw Box]

Fantastic work, they all look very nice.

 

[Jim15]

What a great start.

 

[volozhin]

WOW! They look great. How about a video for us who are less talented.

 

[raar25]

Wow those look great.

 

[asyler]

nice, something (else) i want to try..

 

[PapaTim]

That is a great looking group of pens Jim.
I still don't grasp the concept of taking pieces of clay and making them into repeatable designs like you've done. Where did you learn the technique?

 

[BocoteMark]

I think that technique to get that repeating pattern is called millefiori. Basically you make one large version of the pattern that you want to repeat. Then you stretch that pattern into a long "cane" so that the pattern becomes long and narrow. Then you can slice off cross-sections of that pattern and they all look the same from the end on view.

I feel that wasn't the best description. Look up millefiori on youtube and also saltwater taffy as they both use the same technique to produce a repeatable pattern.

Those pens look awesome!

 

[greggas]

Jim, looks like you are having fun...I really like the originality of some of the patterns you created....enjoy !

 

[pesto126]

I get the concept on taking the canes and applies slices to a base layer that is molded around the brass but would love to know how these are then "turned" and finished... do you bake them first, then mount and turn/sand them? What are you using to then finish the pens with? Thx in advance!

 

[navycop]

I get the concept on taking the canes and applies slices to a base layer that is molded around the brass but would love to know how these are then "turned" and finished... do you bake them first, then mount and turn/sand them? What are you using to then finish the pens with? Thx in advance!

You can bake them. Toni does not turn hers. She just applies to tube and finishes.

 

[wyone]

Mike, but you have to admit, the work TONI does is beyond the level of most everyone here.

I have done a couple with clay, and it is interesting. I had no luck with a pattern, but that was OK. I applied the clay to the tube, baked it, then CAREFULLY turned and sanded it as if it was wood. I also finished it with CA. So far it is holding up.

But like I say, no luck in the pattern. but the turning was pretty much deilcate wood like

 

[TonyL]

If that is "giving it a shot"; I can't wait to see when you turned a few more! Very nice.

 

[mikespenturningz]

I guess you gave it a try. Very nice on all of them. Great Pens..

 

[solobiker]

Those are great!

 

[jimm1]

I get the concept on taking the canes and applies slices to a base layer that is molded around the brass but would love to know how these are then "turned" and finished... do you bake them first, then mount and turn/sand them? What are you using to then finish the pens with? Thx in advance!

I do bake them first, square the ends as normal. Turn just like wood blanks, only a much lighter touch. Sand with high grit sandpaper. I then finish them with CA.
Good luck. It's a lot of fun.

 

[TimS124]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing the images.

 

[OZturner]

Great Work, Jim.
To paraphrase (with license) Professor Higgins,
"By George I think he's Got It!"
You have opened a whole new world to your creativity.
Congratulations.
Brian.