Technique: Dangle earrings using scraps
Win: Mostly
Challenge
- To use the last of my pastel extruder cane to create hollow beads for an earring.
- To suspend a hollow bead from a very thin ring while keeping the structure neat and balanced.
Lessons Learned
- Using scraps always feels satisfying, but because the cane had been extruded and rolled some time ago, it was no longer well-conditioned.
- The older clay was noticeably harder to smooth and finish properly.
Confidence Level 8/10
Notes
- I wanted to use a very thin ring as the centre element and hang a hollow bead made from scraps of the pastel extruder cane.
- Because the clay was no longer conditioned, smoothing the edges and working the cane piece neatly was difficult.
- Reconditioning the clay would likely have made it easier to work with, but it would also have distorted or destroyed the pattern.
- It may therefore be best to use extruded pieces on the same day they are made so the clay remains workable.
- I often see people online using canes and extruded pieces much later, so there is probably a technique for reviving them that I have not discovered yet.
- The earrings are quite pretty, but I feel that the finish has gone slightly backwards compared with the last few days. Tomorrow will be better again.
