DIY Network

Glove Trotting: Egyptian Necklace by Johnny Kuborssy, Pt. 2 From "Jewelry Making" episode DJMK-511

Ancient Egypt was known for, among other things, its extravagant adornments. Guest Johnny Kuborssy was inspired by Egyptian art and hieroglyphics and hopes to pass that along to viewers with a spectacular necklace, which is made from polymer clay, wire and chains. In this second part, he finishes up the stunning Egyptian Necklace that looks like it came from King Tut's tomb.

Experience Level: Advanced

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In Pt. 2, guest Johnny Kuborssy finishes up this stunning Egyptian Necklace.

Materials --

Premo Polymer Clay:

• 6-8 packs of 2 oz.White Premo
  
• 6-8 packs of 2 oz. Translucent Premo
  
• 6-8 packs of 2 oz. Ecru
  
• 1 pack of 2 oz. Black

Tools --

Pasta machine
Work surface (acrylic or glass)
6" non-flexible tissue blade (new)
6" flexible tissue blade (new)
Baby powder (for release agent)
2" small blade for miscellaneous use
Exacto knife (sharp nose blade)
Wire cutter
Flat nose pliers
Round nose pliers
Precision Phillips and slotted screwdrivers of miscellaneous sizes (small sizes 1/32", 3/64", 5/64", 3/32", 1/8", and 9/64")
Needle tool
Miscellaneous brass tubes of different sizes and shapes (for making impressions on the clay surface)
Triangle shape dental tool
Acrylic cylindrical roller
Egyptian scarab rubber stamp
Short bristle paintbrush
Craft tweezers (sharp nosed)
Wet/dry sand paper (400, 600, 1200 grits)
Oven for baking Polymer clay
Cotton cloth (rag) for polishing finish
Toothbrush

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

Egyptian Necklace -- Part 2

1. For embellishing the surface, you can cut out some pieces of brass or any kind of metal wire you like (figure A). Anytime you cut a piece, you will have to make two of the exact length, and with a round nose pliers, curve the wires in any way you like as long as the two pieces match identically. You can repeat this as much as you like to have wire work and curves on the surface.

2. Place the curved wires on the surface of the clay which make the wires set on the clay symmetrically, and with a flat tiny nose screwdriver press gently on the wire on all sides until it is embedded in the clay firmly (figure B).

3. You can use any design you like, or any alternative effect that you like. If you like the triangle effect, you can make one out of clay. Make a log of clay 1"-2" long and about 1/4" thick, press the log into the triangle, slice a good triangle without being distorted during slicing, and bake. Once it is cooled off, you can use it to make the exact design with the triangles on the bottom of the necklace (figure C).

4. You can also cut the tops of brass nails and embed them in the clay (figure D), as well as metal washers that can be pressed gently in the clay without distorting it -- just remember to keep things symmetrical.

5. With a tiny flat-head screwdriver, make designs in the clay by pressing the screwdriver in the clay just deep enough to make small grooves for the paint to stick in. You can use various tools and miscellaneous objects for making textures and surface designs, like a needle, toothpick, pen, toothbrush, etc.

6. For the other pieces of the necklace, follow the same instructions as above, just cutting the pieces in a different shape, or a shape that would be complementary to the main piece of the necklace, bake them first, and make holes using a hand drill bit.

7. To make the bale, you need a carved brass tube and a log of black clay. Make a log of black clay and shape it into a symmetrical shape of a long square, as long as the curved brass tube (figure E). Cut the clay in half with the tissue blade, but you do not have to cut all the way through, just half way, because you will close the rest of the clay back on the tube and smooth it out. You can also place some brass nail heads into the black clay to give it a stronger look.

8. Stick the clay covered brass tube to the top of the curve of the ivory part of the pendant. By just pressing them together (figure F), they will adhere once baked in the oven.

9. The pieces are now ready to be baked. Bake the pieces following the instructions on the package. Once cooled off, you will have to sand the pieces down with three grits of wet/dry sand paper. Start with 400, 600, and then 1200 grit. Rinse debris using the toothbrush to get into the little grooves on the surface, repeat if needed, and dry with a towel.

10. With a short bristle brush rub in the burnt umber paint, making sure to rub it in all the little grooves, and with a towel, rub off all the excess paint. You can repeat if necessary. Bake for about 10 minutes to set the paint in the clay permanently.

11. After it cools off, with a soft cotton cloth, you can rub the pieces to give them a little shine, you don't want to polish until it mirrors, because this piece is supposed to look ancient.

12. Hook up all the components on a jewelry wire, along with some matching or complementary beads to go along the necklace. You can use this same technique to create many different stunning pieces (figure G).

RESOURCES :

Premo Polymer Clay
Website: www.clayfactory.com

Brass Chain
Website: www.rings-things.com

Mini Brass Nails
Website: www.micromark.com

Polymer Clay Projects
Websites: www.sculpey.com/projects.htm or www.polymerclayexpress.com/lessons.html

GUESTS :

Johnny Kuborssy
PolyPals
23 Mercy St., Unit #6
Mountain View, CA 94041
Phone: 650-964-4487
E-mail: jkuborssy@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.polypals.com