Creating a Drama Dragonfly

Condition white and translucent Premo! polymer clay by hand or using a poly-roller machine. Cut the white and translucent clays into slices then stack together, alternating colors. If desired, tear apart and twist until the desired pattern is achieved.

Use a clay cutting blade to cut the clay, exposing the layers. Set the conditioned clay aside.

Sketch the top and bottom half of dragonfly wings or print out a suitable design.

Cut a length of flat aluminum wire approximately twice the length of the sketched dragonfly wing.

Tip:

• Use a single piece of flat aluminum wire rather than separate smaller pieces to give the final design more stability
• Use shears to cut flat aluminum wire to prevent dulling the blades of wire cutters
• It may be helpful to leave the wire on the spool while forming the wings to avoid wasted wire

Using the sketch as a guide, begin to shape the first wing by hand.

For the bend between the top and bottom wing, pinch the wire shut then use a pair of pliers to clamp the wire closed.

Continue to shape the wire by hand to form the second wing.

Repeat Step 3 in the opposite direction to create the second half of the dragonfly wings. Use shears to trim excess wire.

Using the conditioned clay (Step 1), separate an amount of clay approximately the same size of one wing. Roll and form the clay into the shape of the wing then place the clay into the wing, adjusting the clay as needed to fit.

Use a clay cutting blade to cut any excess clay flush to the wire.

Tip:

• Carefully trim the clay while holding the wing for safety, as clay cutting blades are very sharp
  
• Using a silicon sheet as a work surface will prevent any clay or glue from sticking and can be placed directly into the oven

Remove the clay from each wing, then apply a small amount of Lisa Pavelka's Poly Bonder™ using the brush applicator to the inside of the wire. Replace each piece of clay into the wings.

Note: Polymer clay does not naturally stick to metal. Lisa Pavelka's Poly Bonder is an oven-safe adhesive that will glue the polymer clay to the wire wings.

Condition excess clay in any color combination desired. Roll the clay into two snake shapes: one thin and one slightly thicker. This will be the dragonfly's body.

Flatten the thin snake slightly, then gently pick up the wings and place underneath. Position the wings as desired over the body then press down firmly, pressing the wings into the body to be flush with the work surface.

Place the thicker snake over the top, lining it up with the other half of the body then gently press the two together, combining the two halves. Pinch the clay together to form a neck and a waistline.

If any gaps formed between the wire of the wings and the clay inside, gently use a clay sculpting tool or fingers to smooth and fill in the gaps. Any excess clay left over can also be used to fill in any gaps.

Add section about adding lines and texture to torso.

Add a pair of eyes using flat back hot-fix glass rhinestones. Press the rhinestones into the clay.

Note: Hot-fix rhinestones have a heat-activated adhesive that will affix to the clay when in the oven. No additional adhesive is required.

Tip: Use the Embellie Gellie™ embellishment positioner to easily pick up and work with crystals and rhinestones.

Attach a filigree component to the top of the dragonfly using wire or Lisa Pavelka's Poly Bonder. Poly Bonder, if used, can be applied before or after baking to secure the component in place.

Add flat back crystals as desired by pressing them into the clay wings. By pressing down, the clay will form around the edge of the crystals and prevent them from coming loose after baking.

Apply mica powder as desired to add a shimmer finish to the clay.

Use a tool to add any holes as desired before baking. Alternatively, use a hand-held drill after it has been baked to add any holes needed.

Bake according to the manufacturer's instructions.