Decorative Polymer Bails
May 30, 2013 Technique tutorials, Tips and Tricks
If there is any pre-made finding that polymer versions replace as well as, if not better, I think it would be the bail. Of course, many of us integrate polymer bails into our pendants and focal beads almost without thinking. But you can also create a stock of decorative polymer bails that can be used in combination with jump rings, or embedded in the clay as needed.
My most basic polymer bail stock had always been extruded hollow tubes in scrap clay. I would make them fairly thin-walled and bake them so I had sturdy base tubes to cover in my choice of raw clay, which I could then press onto newly created pendant pieces. Easy, quick, and made to match the pieces.
However, I have to say I was very intrigued when I found these polymer and wire combination bails created by Марина Горячих (translates as Marina Hot which may or may not be the best English translation).
Of course, I have a thing for the filigree work, but most any kind of decorative clay work would make for some interesting bails. She goes through the steps for making these bails on her LiveJournal page here – just replace or adjust the decorative filigree with your type of work. Definitely worth trying out!
Bails on the Backside
February 23, 2013 Inspirational Art
If you’ve gotten your latest issue of The Polymer Arts magazine (yes, I know many of you are still waiting for it to come in the mail … they just went out this past week so give them a little time but they will be there soon!) you probably saw the article “Back Stories” which Jan Montarsi put together, soliciting a number of artists to tell why and how they treat the back sides of their work for a professional and well finished look. Jan’s penchant for doing all things well shows in his own carefully finished pieces and simple but elegant ideas such as these backside bails.
Jan has several shots of what he does with just a jump ring and a little clay on his Flickr page. Heading on over to his pages also gives you a chance to ogle his beautiful mica mush pendants (seen here) and other beauties. Don’t you just love the colors and shimmer? Jan’s Flickr pages are a treasure of color and fun pieces so hopefully you can take a little time to wander around there and check out his work.
If you haven’t received your latest issue of The Polymer Arts as a digital subscriber, check your spam/junk mail folders first as they do sometimes get shuffled off there. You can also write me at connect@thepolymerarts.com to inquire. Please be patient about print issues arriving … they are on thier way. If you need to order yourself a digital or print copy of the Spring 2013 Stories themed issue or would like a subscription, that can all be done here: http://www.thepolymerarts.com/Subscribe.html
A Bundle of Bails
January 16, 2013 Inspirational Art
Let’s talk bails. Some kind of contraption or addition or subtraction to a piece must be formed for pendants to do their hanging about a person’s neck. There are many approaches to this, with a good majority making the bail or connection either invisible or an accent, if even that. There is nothing inherently wrong with these approaches, but I just think its fantastic to have the bail as part of the pendant design. If it’s going to show, then let it shine.
I consider Susan Waddington of PolyDogz a kind of master bail-er. Although most of her bails are pretty simple in construction, they look like a necessary or at least a complimentary addition to the pendant’s design. Here is just one of her many interesting bail solutions. This one is directly integrated into the design–the pendant would be but half as stunning without it.
Different forms, overlaid shapes, textures, colorations, and ways of introducing the cord make her site a kind of treasury of bezel ideas. Oh … and her pendants are pretty darn fabulous, too.
I shall not waste any more of your time blathering away. Your time would be better spent exploring Susan’s website for ideas and inspiration.
If there is any pre-made finding that polymer versions replace as well as, if not better, I think it would be the bail. Of course, many of us integrate polymer bails into our pendants and focal beads almost without thinking. But you can also create a stock of decorative polymer bails that can be used in combination with jump rings, or embedded in the clay as needed.
My most basic polymer bail stock had always been extruded hollow tubes in scrap clay. I would make them fairly thin-walled and bake them so I had sturdy base tubes to cover in my choice of raw clay, which I could then press onto newly created pendant pieces. Easy, quick, and made to match the pieces.
However, I have to say I was very intrigued when I found these polymer and wire combination bails created by Марина Горячих (translates as Marina Hot which may or may not be the best English translation).
Of course, I have a thing for the filigree work, but most any kind of decorative clay work would make for some interesting bails. She goes through the steps for making these bails on her LiveJournal page here – just replace or adjust the decorative filigree with your type of work. Definitely worth trying out!
Read MoreIf you’ve gotten your latest issue of The Polymer Arts magazine (yes, I know many of you are still waiting for it to come in the mail … they just went out this past week so give them a little time but they will be there soon!) you probably saw the article “Back Stories” which Jan Montarsi put together, soliciting a number of artists to tell why and how they treat the back sides of their work for a professional and well finished look. Jan’s penchant for doing all things well shows in his own carefully finished pieces and simple but elegant ideas such as these backside bails.
Jan has several shots of what he does with just a jump ring and a little clay on his Flickr page. Heading on over to his pages also gives you a chance to ogle his beautiful mica mush pendants (seen here) and other beauties. Don’t you just love the colors and shimmer? Jan’s Flickr pages are a treasure of color and fun pieces so hopefully you can take a little time to wander around there and check out his work.
If you haven’t received your latest issue of The Polymer Arts as a digital subscriber, check your spam/junk mail folders first as they do sometimes get shuffled off there. You can also write me at connect@thepolymerarts.com to inquire. Please be patient about print issues arriving … they are on thier way. If you need to order yourself a digital or print copy of the Spring 2013 Stories themed issue or would like a subscription, that can all be done here: http://www.thepolymerarts.com/Subscribe.html
Read MoreLet’s talk bails. Some kind of contraption or addition or subtraction to a piece must be formed for pendants to do their hanging about a person’s neck. There are many approaches to this, with a good majority making the bail or connection either invisible or an accent, if even that. There is nothing inherently wrong with these approaches, but I just think its fantastic to have the bail as part of the pendant design. If it’s going to show, then let it shine.
I consider Susan Waddington of PolyDogz a kind of master bail-er. Although most of her bails are pretty simple in construction, they look like a necessary or at least a complimentary addition to the pendant’s design. Here is just one of her many interesting bail solutions. This one is directly integrated into the design–the pendant would be but half as stunning without it.
Different forms, overlaid shapes, textures, colorations, and ways of introducing the cord make her site a kind of treasury of bezel ideas. Oh … and her pendants are pretty darn fabulous, too.
I shall not waste any more of your time blathering away. Your time would be better spent exploring Susan’s website for ideas and inspiration.
Read More