https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/barcelona-slide-cuff • Posted by Running Press
When I was living in Barcelona years ago, I fell in love with the sculptural design and archi- tecture of artist Antonio Gaudí. His kalei- doscopic use of color mixed with surrealism makes his work both bizarrely whimsical and strangely futuristic. In this project, the colorful swirls in the polymer clay and the crystals arranged in mosaic patterns are remi- niscent of Gaudí’s work. Inspirations This statement cuff is engineered like a vintage slide bracelet, but on a larger scale. The way the round beads roll between the slides make it uniquely comfortable for its size and scale.
When I was living in Barcelona years ago, I fell in love with the sculptural design and archi- tecture of artist Antonio Gaudí. His kalei- doscopic use of color mixed with surrealism makes his work both bizarrely whimsical and strangely futuristic. In this project, the colorful swirls in the polymer clay and the crystals arranged in mosaic patterns are remi- niscent of Gaudí’s work. Inspirations This statement cuff is engineered like a vintage slide bracelet, but on a larger scale. The way the round beads roll between the slides make it uniquely comfortable for its size and scale.
I want to make my Gaudí-inspired slides match the beautiful howlite swirled beads in this bracelet. To achieve this, we need to swirl these four clay colors together. First, break off one segment per color (the Premo clay bars have four segments). Now roll the clay into balls about the size of a silver dollar. Then roll each into a long snake shape.
Twist the snakes together, then roll them into one snake.
Roll this snake into a ball and repeat. You should twist and “taffy pull” the clay so the swirls get thinner each time. Now you have achieved the perfect swirl pattern.
Roll the clay into a log shape, making sure it is balanced on either side.
Using the rigid blade, slice the clay into three pieces, one larger and two smaller.
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Now it’s time to create the Gaudí-inspired bracelet slides. Roll each into a ball and shape. The shape of the slides should echo the shape of the stones you have chosen. Remember not to flatten the “slide” pieces too much. I like to leave them about 1⁄3" thick to allow for the larger crystals to be embedded. Gently press the crystals into the center of the slides and reshape the clay around them. This is the part that takes patience, but your pieces will look beautiful when they are done.
Using the Sculpey metal skewers, make three symmetrically positioned holes through to the other side. You may need to recheck the holes several times before baking to make sure they have not become blocked. Also make sure the holes are big enough to tuck the jelly cord knots into later.
Using the 8mm beads, gently dap the holes making a slight indentation. This creates a cup for the beads to sit in securely, and will help the jelly cord flow smoothly through the entire piece and support the weight of the slides.
Using the Magic Wand, use the flatback crystals to create a mosaic design around the larger stones. Make sure to press the stones into the clay far enough to create little seats for them to sit in securely.
Now the slides are ready for baking. Follow the in- structions on the package. It is safe to bake them with the stones. Once they have cooled after bak- ing, check to make sure all the stones are secure. I use an X-Acto knife and try to pop them out. If they come loose, I put a dab of glue in the seat and reset the stones to lock them into place.
Cut three even strands of jelly cord about 10" long. Alligator clip the ends to keep the beads in place while you string the bracelet.
Assemble the bracelet by first stringing a small slider followed by two 8mm beads, the large slider, two 8mm beads, the other small slider, one 8mm bead, five 12mm beads, and one 8mm bead. Repeat this pattern on all three rows.
Knot the jelly cord four to six times, trim the ends, and tuck the knots into the slider holes.