Polymer Clay Cabochon Bracelet Tutorial

This is a cute little bracelet as is or you could add a flower or whatever you want to the center.
The addition of mica powder gives your cabochon a marbled and shimmery effect although it's hard to see in the photos.

Supplies Needed:

Cabochon link setting - in my supply shop
Clasp - in my supply shop
Chain
Jump rings
Sculpey polymer clay - translucent
Mica powder - bishop's violet
Sculpey gloss glaze
Wire cutters
Pliers

Condition a small amount of translucent clay by rolling it in your hands. Once conditioned, flatten the clay. Shake some mica powder (whatever amount you want) onto the clay.

Knead the mica powder into the clay.

Continue to knead the clay and mica powder until you are satisfied with the results.

The clay will be a bit flaky while you incorporate the mica powder but it will return to it's normal consistency.

Flatten the clay and gently press the cabochon link into the clay. This will give you a size guide.

The cabochon bezel link leaves a great impression.

Tear or cut away the excess clay around the bezel impression.

Smooth the edges of the clay with your fingers.

Place the clay into the cabochon bezel link and shape it into a cabochon with your fingers or your clay tool. I used my fingers on the cabochon above.
Bake the cabochon in the bezel according to the directions on the clay package. I baked the example at 275 degrees for 15 minutes.

Of course, you can skip this step but I put a coat of Sculpey gloss glaze on the example. I couldn't find a paint brush so I applied it with my finger. Before you do that, check to see if the bottle says "avoid contact with skin". You can apply as many coats of the glaze as you want. You may also sand the clay with very fine sandpaper.

It's time to assemble the bracelet using wire cutters, pliers, chain, jump rings and a clasp.

Attach the chain to one end of the cabochon bezel link using a jump ring and pliers. Lay the link in the center of your wrist and wrap the chain around your wrist half way. This will give you the measurement for the chain. Keep in mind your clasp will also add length to the bracelet. I cut my chains approximately 1 3/4".

Measure and cut 2 more chains using your first chain as your guide. Attach all 3 chains to one side of the cabochon bezel link using a jump ring.

Repeat the same steps for the other side of the cabochon bezel link.

Using your pliers, open another jump ring and place all 3 chain ends in the jump ring and close the ring. Try not to twist the chain.

Repeat for the other side but also place your clasp on this side before closing the jump ring.

Your all done!