Delicious metallics

Whenever I make something with metallic clays I feel I want to use them in everything I make.  The mica adds such depth and character to the clay.  Just look at this veneer I made today. Anything I make with this will look interesting.  

It can take a while to develop some good techniques that work with mica clay.  Using a texture stamp to make a mica shift and then shaving off just the right amount of clay can be tricky and takes practice.  A really deep texture stamp is helpful. As you can see the design is really clear below.

Even simple mica shifts can add depth and interest.  The silver charm below was made using a ripple blade.

Pretty much anything you do with metallics will be fantastic.  Just mix a bit with any regular color clay and it will look delicious.

Mud...or is it?

Some polymer clay artists mix their own colours using the three primary colour clays.  I have found that when I try to create a splendid new color I usually end up with mud. Sometimes if it doesn’t seem too awful I will use it in a cane or technique but I have always ended up regretting it.  The colours don’t seem brighter when used and it bothers me.  Better to stick it in the scrap pile for use later.

J

The light purple in this mosaic cane was a little muddy, not too noticeable here but not nice in larger amounts.

I was pondering the distinct lack of dark brown in the Premo clay lineup and then thought, well it’s just mud. Maybe I can make my own?  I found this article and spent an interesting day playing with browns and creating faux Onyx from a book by Carol Blackburn

Basically if you mix equal yellow, red and blue you will get a brown. As you add more red you get a reddish brown, more yellow gets closer to a yellowy tan and blue seems to darken the brown.  If you mix in too much blue and yellow you get a greener brown.

Here are some things I made with my browns.