Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Polymer Clay? - Polymer clay is a man-made modeling material. Not a true clay, polymer consists of fine particles of poly vinyl chloride suspended in plasticizer. Like the plastics of the past, finished pieces are very durable, and the colors used will never fade or wash off.

Are the beads and pendants fragile? - All pieces are oven annealed to give the hardness, strength and durability needed, and all are glazed for lifelong protection from the elements. However, polymer clay items can break or chip if dropped, just as glass, porcelain, and other clay objects will.

How do you clean these pieces? - Regular care of polymer creations is minimal. Simply wipe clean with a slightly damp (with water) cloth. Do not use jewelry cleaning machines or jewelry cleaner with chemicals, as it may destroy the glaze.

What about weight? Are they heavy? - A large bead can have a good weight to it, but because of the plasticizer in the raw material, the finished beads and pendants weigh less than beads made with glass, for instance. Overall, they are very comfortable to wear. A "one bead creation" or small bead pendant is usually very lightweight. My thicker, more artistic pendants are heavier, but still comfortable.

How long does it take to make a bead or a pendant? - Well, that depends on the design. Beads usually have a design on both sides - so they actually take much longer than a flat pendant or brooch/pendant in a setting would. I've finished some simple pieces in 2-3 hours, but most of my pieces have between 24-48 hours total time invested.

What kind of paint do you use on your beads? - No paint is used on my beads, pendants, or cabochons. All of the work is done completely in translucent polymer clay, both the solid and liquid forms. Color is added using acid-free artist chalks and/or pastels. Layers of color are applied in a similar fashion to that of enamel work, and between each layering of color(s), the piece is fired in the oven to set the design before adding the next layer. They can be as many as 20 layers of color on one bead! This layering process creates the depth and focus needed for the piece.

You must use very small brushes! - Yes, I use miniaturist paint brushes, just as the professional miniature painters do. They are very, very tiny. And I do sometimes have to wear magnifying glasses when I work, due to the minute nature of the designs.

How does a design come about? - Sometimes I come up with a name and then design the piece. But usually I see a photo of something that sparks that fire. Or I'll see something colorful when I'm out and about, or I'll see something on TV. Or I'll even have a dream in some cases! Once I decide what design I'm going to do, I then search for photos on the subject (if I don't already have them). I work from photos to get the details in my sketch right, although many times I add details which are not included in the initial sketch. Then I start the actual making of the bead, or cab, or pendant.

I'd love to buy one of your pieces, but they are too expensive for me. - Consider clicking on our "auctions" tab above. Sometimes I do put pieces on sale on Ebay and that menu choice will show you what's currently selling for a lower price than the gallery price. However, if a pendant, jewel, or miniature painting is listed on Ebay, it's only listed on there ONCE. That's my policy on listing. To keep apprised of my new listings to Ebay and to my website on a daily-weekly basis, please click here to join my item announcement list.

You mention your pieces can be displayed in a variety of ways - How? - While bead pendants can always be used as a necklace centerpiece, they can also be hung as ornaments. Because the material I use is translucent, the flat pendants I make look like stained glass when backlit from behind - so they can be worn as a pendant, or displayed in some way in front of light, for a very interesting and unusual artistic effect. I have had customers purchase my flat pendants and actually frame them, displaying them as miniature art. My brooch/pendants are in a dual setting with a pinback and bail. Those pieces can be worn as a pin or a pendant on a chain. And because most of my beads have a different design on each side, the necklace they are on can be flipped over to show the second design - making a necklace or bead pendant actually TWO necklaces in one.

Do you do custom work? Can you do a portrait of my pet? If so, how much would it be? - Yes! Please visit this page on my website to see details about the custom art jewel I can make just for you!

Do you teach classes? - At this point I do not, but I do have my ebooks and tutorials available at on this page for those who wish to learn the basics of my techniques, plus tips.