1. Begin the polymer clay dragonfly by conditioning a small amount of
the three colors of clay. When the clay is conditioned, we will start
making the body.
2. Roll the clay you choose for the body, into a log, then using the
blade cut the log into sections that get smaller and smaller.
3. Take each little section of clay and roll it into a ball. Assemble
the balls, for large to small, in a line to form the dragonfly body.
Gently push them together so they adhere to one another. Set this
aside.
4. To
make the wings, a cane is needed. If you don't know what a cane is, you
will see the basic technique here. If you would like to learn about
some other cane designs please see my
Polymer
Clay Easter Egg project , which talks about canework in
detail.
Begin by
rolling the translucent clay into a log. Next, flatten a ball of
contrasting color (I used purple, the same color as the body) in a
pasta machine or use a brayer or similar rolling pin tool. Wrap the
purple clay layer around transluent log. This is the beginning of your
cane. Next, roll the cane back and forth between the work surface and
the palm of your hand to compress it nicely. Then, take a slice from
the end with the blade. The cross section of your cane should look like
the one below.
5. Flatten your cane lengthwise, just on one end to form a teardrop
shape. Then cut small 3 mM sections from your cane log with your blade.
6. Assemble these little teardrops into a wing shape, as shown below.
Then, take the wing and compress it with your fingers, pressing it
together to make it thicker for slicing, and smaller in size.
7. Flatten a small ball of black clay in a pasta machine, or use a
brayer to roll it flat. Wrap the black clay around the wing cane and
compress. Then, slice off four cross sections of the cane for the
wings, and assemble them into the shape below.
8. Add on the dragonfly body to the center, pushing gently to attach
the body to the wings. Using a pencil, pen, or other similar tool make
two holes for the eyes, big enough for a seed bead to fit into.
10. Bake the polymer clay dragonfly in the oven following the clay
manufacturer's instructions (usually 270 degrees F for 20 minutes or
so). Allow the dragonfly to cool completely. If desired, give the
dragonfly a coat of glitter spray paint for extra sparkle (as I did) or
use a clear sealing spray. When it is dry, use some tacky glue to
attach the black seed beads into the eye holes. When your dragonfly is
dry, it can be turned into a pin or magnet by gluing on the appropriate
backing.
