Frequently asked Questions
Is that glass?
Nope! It's polymer clay. :)
What is Polymer Clay?
Polymer Clay is a man made clay that cures in an oven rather than a kiln. It is a similar material to that which PVC pipes are made out of, yet it comes in a wide variety of colors. Different brands of clay have various properties that are suited for a wide range of crafts; from jewelry making to sculpting. I use the brand Fimo, and its counterpart, Fimo Soft. This brand is firm enough to hold fine details while making canes, yet pliable enough to be easy to work with.
Did you paint that design?
Nope! Most of the designs featured in my pieces are created with the use of caning techniques, a process borrowed from glass blowing. It's taken me many years to figure out how to get certain patterns, and even then it doesn't always turn out as I anticipated. Other instances of patterning come from hours of careful applique, as is the case with my Colorful Leaf series.
How do you do that? Can you show me?
Someday I might put out a tutorial, but until then there are so many excellent books and web resources out there you can learn from! Personally, I love Donna Kato's books on caning techniques.
How are the pieces protected?
All my pieces are triple coated with an acrylic based varnish, which provides both protection and shine.
Do the pieces come on a string or chain?
I will always send my pendants out with a 24 inch length of string or ribbon which you may choose to wear it with. The nature of many of my designs means that a jump ring will not fit, so a chain is usually not the best option. Full necklaces will come fully beaded and ready to wear, be sure to note the length in the description because once they have been sent out they are no longer adjustable.
How do I care for my new pendant or necklace?
Polymer Clay is a very durable material, but there are certain precautions that can be taken to ensure that your jewelry always looks its best. Avoid extreme heat if at all possible. The material will never melt, but heat can temporarily soften the varnish which may leave scuff marks and scratches. If the piece becomes dirty, try washing it gently with a mild soap and water. If your jewelry manages to get nicked or scratched beyond what you can fix on your own, contact me. I may be able to arrange for a refinish.
How do I care for my new set of buttons?
Buttons can be cared for much the same as the jewelry. Cleaning gently with soap and water will remove most surface stains. My buttons are meant to be used in a decorative fashion. They will be able to sustain some light to moderate use, but the nature of Polymer Clay means they are not as rigid as their store bought counterparts,and any decisions on their use should be made accordingly.
Can you make me a custom piece?
Absolutely! E-mail me with any ideas you may have, but please know that custom orders may cost a bit more, and will probably take a bit longer than usual.
What about shipping?
To make things easier, I include shipping in the price listed. What you see is what you pay!
How can I get in contact with you?
You can e-mail me at [email protected]! I check it regularly. I am also on DeviantArt and Etsy as Laurenry, but I update those sites much less often. Look for a Facebook page in the near future!
What's your favorite animal?
Currently it's tied between llamas, velociraptors, and kitty cats. Thank you for asking. :D
Nope! It's polymer clay. :)
What is Polymer Clay?
Polymer Clay is a man made clay that cures in an oven rather than a kiln. It is a similar material to that which PVC pipes are made out of, yet it comes in a wide variety of colors. Different brands of clay have various properties that are suited for a wide range of crafts; from jewelry making to sculpting. I use the brand Fimo, and its counterpart, Fimo Soft. This brand is firm enough to hold fine details while making canes, yet pliable enough to be easy to work with.
Did you paint that design?
Nope! Most of the designs featured in my pieces are created with the use of caning techniques, a process borrowed from glass blowing. It's taken me many years to figure out how to get certain patterns, and even then it doesn't always turn out as I anticipated. Other instances of patterning come from hours of careful applique, as is the case with my Colorful Leaf series.
How do you do that? Can you show me?
Someday I might put out a tutorial, but until then there are so many excellent books and web resources out there you can learn from! Personally, I love Donna Kato's books on caning techniques.
How are the pieces protected?
All my pieces are triple coated with an acrylic based varnish, which provides both protection and shine.
Do the pieces come on a string or chain?
I will always send my pendants out with a 24 inch length of string or ribbon which you may choose to wear it with. The nature of many of my designs means that a jump ring will not fit, so a chain is usually not the best option. Full necklaces will come fully beaded and ready to wear, be sure to note the length in the description because once they have been sent out they are no longer adjustable.
How do I care for my new pendant or necklace?
Polymer Clay is a very durable material, but there are certain precautions that can be taken to ensure that your jewelry always looks its best. Avoid extreme heat if at all possible. The material will never melt, but heat can temporarily soften the varnish which may leave scuff marks and scratches. If the piece becomes dirty, try washing it gently with a mild soap and water. If your jewelry manages to get nicked or scratched beyond what you can fix on your own, contact me. I may be able to arrange for a refinish.
How do I care for my new set of buttons?
Buttons can be cared for much the same as the jewelry. Cleaning gently with soap and water will remove most surface stains. My buttons are meant to be used in a decorative fashion. They will be able to sustain some light to moderate use, but the nature of Polymer Clay means they are not as rigid as their store bought counterparts,and any decisions on their use should be made accordingly.
Can you make me a custom piece?
Absolutely! E-mail me with any ideas you may have, but please know that custom orders may cost a bit more, and will probably take a bit longer than usual.
What about shipping?
To make things easier, I include shipping in the price listed. What you see is what you pay!
How can I get in contact with you?
You can e-mail me at [email protected]! I check it regularly. I am also on DeviantArt and Etsy as Laurenry, but I update those sites much less often. Look for a Facebook page in the near future!
What's your favorite animal?
Currently it's tied between llamas, velociraptors, and kitty cats. Thank you for asking. :D