Well it was a lot of fun. I am not completely happy with it because I need more practice in making the copper wire beads. I like the polymer clay beads,( barrels, drums, lentils), and the fabric beads came out nice too. But the copper wire beads? For one thing I've had the wire forever and do not know the gauge. I may have had better luck with a slightly smaller gauge. Oh yeah, I am going to try again. The idea came from a design by Cyndi Lavin, Jewelry Crafts Magazine, March/April 2007. I made a slew of changes. the original used hand painted satin cord, I used a simple dark cotton cord. the original beads used were purchased ceramic rather than polymer clay. If Cyndi recognizes it I doubt if she'd want to claim it!! But who knows?

Native Maiden Pendant Focal Bead

I remembered a drawing I'd done of a beautiful African maiden and wanted to see how she would look as a focal pendant. here is the result. I made three, each similar but each also very different in color tone, background mat and background piece.
I drew the design onto a blended piece of polymer clay (black, a touch of red and a tiny bit of iridescent gold)using a ball stylus. Then I carved into the clay where I wanted deeper impressions, and carefully removed bits of excess clay. When I was happy with this stage I baked the pendant. When it had cooled I used irridescent powders to highlight certain areas. The eyes weere emphasized with polymer inks. The design was placed on the tore, carved, textured background pieces and baked again.
I hope you like her.See more at my Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5191681
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