ArtFire

To begin, the primary base of the design is created with a granitex type polymer clay that has a sort of mottled sand stone/terra cotta color. I hand carved an outline of a deer, some spirals of life, and a sun into the surface and cured the piece. After the base was solid, I back filled the carved designs with black polymer clay and re-fired it. Next I used graduated sanding pads to take off any excess clay until the entire piece had the smooth matte texture of a well worn stone. The drop at the bottom is formed of variegated pearl and translucent polymer to create a tooth like appearance. My name and year of creation are marked in permanent marker on the back. From top to bottom the design measures 3 1/2 inches including the drop. From side to side the brooch measures a fraction over 1 1/2 inches in width.

In February of 2011 The Jewelry Connection offered a jewelry design challenge based on a theme of cave paintings. This is one of my submissions for that event.

granitex and black polymer clay, pearl and translucent polymer clay, brass head pins, stainless steel pin clasp