Finishes

I have tested and used a number of different glossy finishes looking for the "miracle" product to use forever more!   Not sure I've found that product...at least for every project and item, anyway.

Sculpey Gloss (also available in Satin finish) is a good product, but pretty expensive compared to other products that can be used with PC.

Studio gloss (by Sculpey I believe) is very hard to find now.  I don't know if it's been discontinued or if retailers in my local area have simply stopped carrying it.  It was probably my favorite. (I'm sure that's why I cannot find it anymore! LOL).  It can be heat set/dried in the oven and was made for use with clay.

Minwax PolyAcrylic is an inexpensive product that can be used on PC.  It is fairly thin, thinner than Sculpey, and can be brushed on.  I recommend a number of coats as it is not very thick.

Future floor polish (now Pledge with Future in it) is also a product that works well with PC. It is extremely thin, so a number of coats are required.  And it smells better than the others.  It cleans up well, like the Minwax and Sculpey, with water and soap.

Both the Minwax can and Future bottle will last a very long time for about $8 or so. Minwax can be purchased at the local hardware/Lowe's/Home Depot type stores.  The  Pledge with Future in it can be purchased at your grocery store/Walmart.   The Sculpey gloss is approx, $4 for a very small jar.  Sculpey also will not last very long after it has been opened and about half is used. Once air gets into the jar, it gets thick and cannot be used. I like the Sculpey product for use with the clay, but it cannot be heat set in the oven as the others can.
There are a couple other  products that have been discussed by other clayers as being good for clay.  I have not yet tried them, however.

I am attempting to perfect my sanding technique and buffing tools so as to not need a gloss finish applied after curing.  I've come close, but am not yet finished experimenting yet.  I don't expect this will be the ideal method for everything I do, but am hoping this will be the new way to get a high gloss sheen on my pen barrels.

If anyone has any suggestions or tips, I am open to hearing them.  Or if you have any questions about the finishes I've used, feel free to ask.

This is a pen I made (and am using myself as a "test" piece) that does not have a gloss coat applied.  It has been sanded and buffed.  However, it was buffed with a material that didn't hold up well at the high speed, so back to the drawing board.

 This is a pendant (used from the same clay) that was sanded & buffed as well. It also does not have a gloss finish applied to the clay.  Looks pretty good, but I'd like a bit more of a glass-like shine.

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Custom Order - Customer Comments

I wanted to share some feedback that I received regarding a custom order for the pen shown.  Custom orders require a 50% down payment and balance due (+ shipping) upon completion and prior to shipping.  I know this can cause reservation with some in doing business over the internet.  You truly cannot be too careful these days.  Hopefully, this will help alleviate any concern for anyone who has visited my Etsy.com or Bonanza.com 

site and has considered a custom order:

 

"I wanted you to know that I received the pen and absolutely LOVE IT! What a seriously gorgeous pen. I love the color and I love the style...it just looks so darn regal! ...Thank you again a million times over for this gorgeous piece of art! Thanks for the fantastic and personal customer service that you gave to me throughout the entire process. You were such a pleasure to work with! I will definitely keep you in mind for any future products, and will certainly recommend you to anyone that I can."

 -- Victoria B., NH

The Majestic Jr., Rollerball Pen (Rhodium & 22K Gold Finish):

 

 

 

 

To view all custom order items available, visit www.ClayBeaute.Etsy.com or www.Bonanza.com/ClayBeaute 

and view the Custom Order/Special Order Items Sections.  Many listings have multiple options in a category and descriptions are posted.  Contact me via the website or here on my blog to inquire/order.  A one of a kind item made in the clay color(s) of your choice make a special gift or stocking stuffer!    

Custom orders should be received by December 5th to ensure Christmas Delivery. Depending on the item, some exceptions may be possible.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!  

 

1st Flea Market as a Vendor

I thought I'd share the pics from the brand new Hendersonville Flea Market this past weekend.  This was my first time as a vendor to any type of flea market or craft fair (and this one should be/could be called a craft fair or at least flea market/craft fair).  I learned a lot!  LOL
Now that I have a better idea of how these things work, I have a few ideas to better my booth.  BUT I don't think it was too horrible for having gone into it rather blindly!  I will also have more space next time. Anyone out there who has any suggestions by experience, I'm all ears!
The November show will be the "Grand Opening Weekend" for this new venue.  (Nov. 11-13) I'm hoping to see a lot of Christmas shoppers there!  So...if you're in the Middle TN/Southern KY area that weekend...be sure to stop by and say hello!  And...if you have any requests, let me know. I could have an item ready for you by that date. 
I have so many ideas in my head for Christmas items...stay tuned.

Craft Fairs

                         
Looking for some craft fair/show options in the Northern-Middle TN/Southern-Middle KY area.  If anyone has any suggestions, experience with a particular fair/show, or other information, please pass along.  Much appreciated!!

Writing Instruments...

I really enjoyed making this (and other) pens.  I think they are classy, useful, unique, and have character as they are handmade.  And they write smoothly, too!  I spent quite some time on these as I sanded each clay piece multiple times and buffed before brush-applying a gloss coat and heat setting it. This one has Swarovski crystals on the cap!  Bling Bling! 
With e-mail, texting, and cell phones, we don't write nice letters and cards much anymore.  Maybe a pen like this will inspire me to be a little more personal and send some hand-written notes and cards. I think my handwriting actually looks better when I use a fountain pen!
These pens can be equipped with a refillable ink reservoir for use with a bottle of ink, or a disposable ink cartridge.  This one comes with a disposable ink cartridge with black ink.  It also features 24k gold plating on the metal parts.

Buttons

I have ventured into an item that I haven't made before...buttons!
I have considered making some "supply" items like loose beads and pendants, and thought about buttons.  Buttons are used for...well...sewing...duh...but also scrapbooking.
I would like some feedback from those who sew and scrapbook, please!

NEW!

New "Jeannie" Bottle!

This project took many hours as it had to be cured periodically as I went.  Applying the top coat when it was finished was time consuming also as the top coat only needed to be applied to the clay, not the glass.  I'd say I put 15 hours into this project easily.  

I applied glass mosaic pieces after the clay was cured for a jeweled touch. 

I think I like it...I may do another!    

Let me know what you think...

New to Blogging! Would love to get some feedback on handmade jewelry & decor!