I build
an original face out of polymer clay, and then make a reusable
silicone mold.
Several of of my favorite designs are based on a traditional
Japanese Noh Theater masks, and others are more
modern, but still made with an antiqued finish that is achieved by sanding
and staining in several individual steps.
Shown at right is the Maiden Mask , with painted
details including "moth wing" brows and blackened teeth---that
was considered necessary for "beauty" in those days and places!
She's still beautiful in her own way now.
Face cabochons are most often made up in a faux ivory finish,
but are also available in other colors and finishes such as black and metallic
gold, and colorful swirls that also have bits of metallic foils and mica
dust.
These are sold as Face Cabochons without any further
embellishment, for those who wish to use them as components.
These faces are easy to use in jewelry
or in making dolls or collages.
Glue one to a piece of Lacy's Stiff Stuff or heavy interfacing,
suede, or leather, and then entrap them in seed beads and other forms of
bead work---or add more polymer clay ornamentation and re-bake. Features
can also be "colored in" with acrylic paints or Sanford Prismacolor
pens.
Further staining and distressing of the baked clay faces
can create a very antique look.
Shown are the styles currently available, ranging from 3 inches from top
to bottom down to a bit larger than 1 1/4 " long.
All faces in this chart are shown made up using an opaque
peach colored mixture of polymer clay and are lightly stained using a mix
of acrylic paints in a base of Varathane.
Other colors are available; please indicate your choices of face style,
color, and finish when ordering. Included are faux ivory, black, red, gold
and bronze. Faces are also made using many other colors and combinations.
These are all complete "pulls" from the mold.
Also interesting are partial pieces, showing less of the entire face.
The size comparison picture at left shows styles D and L
This is another way of doing style K, with Swarovski Crystals
for eyes. Style K is also used in making the Bonnet
Head beads and Face Bead Pendants.
Using different colors of clay and making minor adjustments
and distortions to the pulls from a mold make each face different. Shown
above are four variations on style A. From the left are: peach, faux ivory,
bronze with colored swirls and gold leaf, and a mix of bronze with with
blue and purple floral canes. Variations of finishing techniques, and adding
things like Pearl-Ex powders, metallic leaf, and changing other details
make for many kinds of "looks" for each face style. Although
each is formed with a mold, there are a LOT of choices!
All of the purchased face cabs can be "dressed up"
with more polymer clay and re-baked. Further facial details or "makeup"
can be added using acrylic paints.
These faces are lightweight and versatile. They can
be made up as a necklace centerpiece, or as a pin. Dressed Face
Cabochons are available with no pin back or carrier loop, so that you
can choose to affix one if you like, or use it flat in decorating.
Or, glue a piece of leather to the back to affix cords and
other bead work. These can also be glued to wood or metal or fabric--dress
up a box or a mirror, try one in the center of a floral swag!
For finished multi-strand necklaces with pendant centers,
several cords are glued onto the pendant back, and a decorative patch of
leather is applied on top.
Then the strands are beaded. Shown here is a necklace
with cobalt glass and brass beads as well as polymer clay beads.
The center piece is face style "D".
Click here to see Dressed
Face Cabochons available for purchase.
