Make These with Epoxy Clay & PearlEx Powders

What I love about the techniques that we offer here at Nunn Design, is that even the simplest of techniques can look fabulous! That is the case for this simple technique.

While exhibiting at the Tucson To Bead True Blue Show, this technique was one of the most asked about pieces (“is this for sale…?”) I think the duo-toned mixed-metal look reminded people of high-end jewelry they might have seen at Tiffany’s.

Fast Tutorial Video!

Watch this Fast Video For a quick overview of the process and then read the full tutorial below!

Watch the full tutorial video where I walk you through the whole process, and additional techniques.

Learn How!

Supplies:
Nunn Design Bezels
Epoxy Clay – White
Jacquard Pearl Ex Powdered Pigments-Silver

Other Supplies Needed:
Q-Tips
Rubbing Alcohol
Wet wipes
Toothpicks

Preparing Your Nunn Design Bezels:

Step 1. The Nunn Design Findings are oxidized to provide an aged look to the precious metal plating. The oxidation, when it comes into contact with the Epoxy Clay could change the color of the clay. To avoid this, clean the findings thoroughly prior to applying the clay. Get the tip of a Q-Tip wet with rubbing alcohol and clean away any of the blackened oxidation on both sizes of the bezels.

Mixing and Applying the Epoxy Clay:

Step 2. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the handling and mixing of the Epoxy Clay. While wearing gloves, pinch off two equal sized balls of Part A and Part B and blend together fully until the clay is no longer marbled and is uniform in color.

Tip: I guesstimate the amount of Epoxy Clay that I will need to fill the bezels for the project I’m working on. I would recommend under mixing the amount of clay and having to mix frequently, verses feeling the pressure to work fast or have waste.

You have approximately 90-120 minutes of working time before the clay starts to harden, so take your time. Once the clay is thoroughly mixed, remove your gloves to make it easier to work with the clay.

Tip: Make sure to wrap up your Epoxy Clay to prevent it from drying out and hardening. Store Part A and Part B in separate zip-lock bags.

Step 3. Roll the thoroughly mixed Epoxy Clay between your palms until it forms a smooth round ball.

Step 4. Press the ball of mixed Epoxy Clay into your bezel using the tips of your fingers. For this particular technique, I wanted the Epoxy Clay to be flush and level with the sides of the bezel.

If you have too much clay, you can pitch off the excess and pat down until smooth again, or remove it from the bezel altogether and remove the excess.

For the navette shaped bezels, roll the Epoxy Clay into a tube before embedding it into the bezel. Pinch off the excess clay and pat it down into the bezel base, leaving it flush and level on the top.

If filling the corners with Epoxy Clay is challenging, use a toothpick to press the clay up into the corners of the bezel. Pat the toothpick marked clay with your fingers until smooth.

Tip: It is easy to get little fibers mixed into the clay. Use a toothpick to remove them from the clay and pat the surface smooth again.

Step 5. Use a wet-wipe to clean-up any excess Epoxy Clay that might have been left on the jewelry finding. The Epoxy Clay hardens like cement, so cleaning it up now and being tidy as you go makes the process easier and the results so much nicer.

Apply PearlEx Powder:

Step 6. Before the Epoxy Clay cures, dip a Q-Tip into some Jacquard Pearl Ex Powdered Pigments. Rub the Q-Tip gently over the full surface of the Epoxy Clay until all of the clay is colorized.

Step 7. Allow the Epoxy Clay to cure for 2 hours. It will continue to cure over the next 12 hours, but after 2 hours it will be hard to the touch. Wipe away any Jacquard Pearl Ex Powdered Pigments that might be on the side edges of the bezel.

Assemble into something fabulous!

We have these finished pieces specced out in our gallery if you’d like to know exactly which Nunn Design chains, findings and bezels were used for each example piece!

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