Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Image Transfers to Translucent Clay

I tried transferring images to translucent clay a couple of years ago, and it didn't work. I use Premo Pearl almost exclusively, but seeing the success my friend and fellow PCAGOE member, Marcia Palmer recently had with transfers to translucent clay using my cylinder bead tutorial, I got inspired by her success and was determined to make it work for me. This is Marcia's bead that inspired me. Isn't it gorgeous?

I quickly realized the reason it didn't work was because I didn't back the translucent with an opaque clay, so my images were looking like the invisible man when he was halfway to the no-see zone.

Black Lace Pendant Black Line Image Transfer On Translucent Clay - Light Aqua and Black (2)

I am very pleased with the results. The finished effect is a soft, almost luminescent effect. The images look like they glow from within. A couple didn't transfer as well as others, but here are a few of my favorites from the batch.

Black Line Floral on Blush Pendant Black Etched Floral Pendant

I am especially pleased with these "black line" image transfers, simple black line drawings. I knew they would transfer well to an opaque clay, but I wasn't sure what I would get with the translucent. I set out with an idea to transfer them to red opaque clay, but the tinted translucent I had blended last week caught my eye instead.

And then, of course, I had to try some florals, wondering if they would have the same soft luminescence. What do you think?

Petit Duc Rose Duo On Parchment PendantButtercream Hibiscus on Aqua Image Transfer 1 (1)

Pale Yellow Rose on Lavender Background Image Transfer Pendant Pink Rose on Majolica Blue Background Pendant

13 comments:

Hopemore Studio said...

Transfers to translucent clay is a favorite of mine. It does create a wonderful luminescence to the pieces. I recently made some with no back color and the light literally shines through the piece.

Always love your work.
Angie

Marlene Brady said...

Love these. Makes me want to get my translucents out. Really lovely.

Diva Designs Jewelry said...

Thank you, ladies! I appreciate the lovely comments!

Unknown said...

I really love the black transfer images - clean and clear

Kate said...

I absolutely love the black transfer images also. They have a boldness about them which really appeals to me. Gorgeous!

Diva Designs Jewelry said...

Thank you very much!

twizzy said...

simply... WOW!!!!!

Gaina said...

They are gorgeous! When you say you back it with opaque clay do you mean the finished bead goes:

transfer
translucent clay
opaque clay ?

Diva Designs Jewelry said...

Thank you, Twizzy!

Thanks, Gaina. Yep, that's what it means. Are you going to give it a try? :)

Gaina said...

Diva Designs Jewelry said...
Thank you, Twizzy!

Thanks, Gaina. Yep, that's what it means. Are you going to give it a try? :)


Yes, I believe I will! Now I am making jewellery I am keen to make my own beads and cabachons. Where do you get your transfers? Will any transfer from art shops work?

Diva Designs Jewelry said...

That's great, Gaina! I buy most of my images at Etsy, but you can use any jpeg image or a pdf collage sheet, or even .tiff files. You can also create your own in photoshop or some other imaging program.

Marcia P. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Marcia P. said...

I love the black line transfers! Of course, you have now inspired me, my friend. Isn't it wonderful how that works!