Wooden Rose Pendant with Polymer Clay Inlay. Experimenting with the Microwave.

This is a pattern of a pendant with a polymer clay inlay. Normally polymer clay is baked in the oven. I wanted to experiment with the microwave.  This is not a recommended technique so if you feel more comfortable use the oven. The oven works fine but I just wanted to try something different. They use to say not to let the clay burn or touch utensils that you will use for food because the clay contained some toxic materials. I have been informed that modern polymer clay no longer has this issue but I think I would still stick to paper plates for the microwave.  

I prepared the pattern and wood blanks. Use 1/8" thick contrasting woods for best effect. I will use red and green for the inlay.

Drill the interior holes.

Cut the pieces at the scroll saw and sand the fuzzues off.

Knead your green clay and insert it into the stem cutout. Remember to overfill the cutout.

Here I'm experimenting with the microwave. I zapped it for 15 seconds at a time. I ended up with a total of 45 seconds but it was just starting to smoke so I think I could have stopped a few seconds earlier. Microwaves vary so experiment on test clay before you zap you project.

The clay will continue to harden as it cools.

I'm ready to start sanding.

Use whatever sanding tools you have available. I'm using an air filled drum sander because it's pretty gentle. Don't get aggressive but sand it nice and flush front and back. 

Take you time and switch to hand sanding towards the end if you feel it will work better.

If a pieces does come loose don't panic. I have only had that happen once and it was easy to super glue back in place.

When you are finished sanding it should look like this.

I'm using a two part super glue because it's fast.

I apply the super glue to the back of the inlay. This will secure the pieces in place. Actually they are generally pretty secure on their own but the super glue is a good idea anyway.

After the pieces are glued together you can drill the 1/8" hole for the ring. Apply the finish of your choice. I used spray acrylic. Insert the metal ring in the hole and attache the chain.

For this project the microwave experiment worked out just fine. I think that the small amount of clay used in this project was a factor in the success. I am not sure if a larger amount of clay will harden well in the microwave. I might give it a try and see what happens unless my wife catches me using her microwave.  :)
   
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