I came across a pattern for a pendant that says to set beads such as pearls, etc. into the clay and then bake. Color me stupid but if they're not real pearls they will melt, correct?
And do you prefer baking the clay in the toaster oven or the regular oven?
2007-10-05 14:26:03 · 7 answers · asked by ldybugg93 3 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
If you use 'real' pearls, you will destroy them.
Pearls are composed of calcium carbonate and water. If a pearl overheats it will quickly darken (withing a few days) and crack.
Use fake/glass pearls if you intend to bake!
2007-10-06 14:59:31 · answer #1 · answered by Pearl Dude 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have to agree with most others.
If you use real pearls, they should be fine at the curing temperatures necessary for polymer clays (as are most other organic materials).
If you use fake pearls though, most are plastic, and different types of plastic will deform or melt (depending on type) at different minimum temperatures, so you'd just have to try one and see.
Sometimes just placing a plastic item in the clay gives it enough buffering from direct heat that it will be fine, where being baked by itself might not work out well.
Things that can't be baked with polymer clay can be pressed into it while the clay is raw, then glued back in when the clay is cured because polymer clays won't shrink like air-dry clays will (and the size/shape of the depression will stay the same).
Temperature is important though, so definitely use an oven thermometer to be sure of the temperature that's actually reaching the pearls, and it's best to use an enclosed method anyway (e.g., bury the whole piece in a pile of baking soda while it's baking to moderate the temperature well).
(I tend to use my dedicated toaster oven when baking polymer clay, but use my regular oven for larger items. The best oven is probably a convection oven though if you have one.)
Diane B.
2007-10-07 09:12:40 · answer #2 · answered by Diane B. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Insert your pearls to make the impression in the clay. Remove them and glue them in after the clay has been baked. I prefer a toaster oven that is only used for this purpose, as my is my pasta machine. Pearls are very delicate, and should be treated as such. I would say your directions were wrong.
2007-10-05 16:20:42 · answer #3 · answered by Pat C 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You'll have to experiment if this kind of plastic will melt at that temperature. Paper won't burn. It's not very hot that temp. you bake it at. I use a separate toaster oven for it with a Temp. gage. The Polymer also transfers pictures from a photocopies, kind of like silly putty, but you have to keep the paper on while baking. I like to do that. I use the faceted glass for Polymer. The ones already set. Bits of old jewelry and such.
2007-10-05 14:44:58 · answer #4 · answered by Blank 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
From most crafts supply stores you can now also get 'glass pearls.' They look like pearls but are made of glass. They, of course, do not melt at temperatures your oven can reach. They're not terribly expensive, either, though they do cost more than plastic ones. What doesn't? For smaller sizes, freshwater pearls are also a cost-effective option. Check into those, too.
What color is stupid? Your turn of phrase presents an intriguing mental picture, I must admit.
2007-10-05 14:54:37 · answer #5 · answered by thejanith 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have used freshwater pearls many times and have never had any problems. I do not use them on very thick pieces, which would require longer baking times. I have used Swarovski crystals and pearls as well with great results. Your directions were not wrong if they were asking for real freshwater pearls.
2007-10-06 17:02:38 · answer #6 · answered by debbie e 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
am using a toaster
2007-10-07 22:04:25 · answer #7 · answered by Tabi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋