Sunday, August 25, 2013

Over sized Bails

These over sized bails are great for when you've created that large pendant or for when you use a chunkier cord or multiple strands.
The top 2 bails are "pinch" style and the one on the bottom has a closed eye for hanging.
 Click here for more info.

These Kumihimo findings are also great if you work large.  Your can choose Silver Plate or Copper Plate.Barrel end or Bullet end.  Each kit contains findings for making 4 complete creations.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Leather Cuff Bracelets

I just love these black leather cuff bracelets.
Wide bracelets are definitely popular again and because these ones are 1 1/2" wide there is a lot of space for embellishing. There are so many possibilities! Attach beads, buttons, bezels and cabochons or explore the always fun Steampunk option!


Leather cuff made from a smooth black leather with two snaps for an adjustable fit. Measures 9" x 1½" 



Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Adjustable necklaces and bracelets? How?

With all the talk about beautiful cords I thought that I would show you how one customer fastens her buna cord by making small sliders out of matching clay. Gail Garbe says:"I found the concept on Carol Simmons' blog - she was experimenting with nylon cording and I've just adapted it for buna and glue. You make 2 small rectangles, wide enough so that you can drill one hole (the diameter of your cord) all the way through and beside that a second hole partially through. I like to make them using the same cane as my pendant. After putting the pendant on your cord, feed a bead onto each end and then glue the opposite cord end into the half hole. Voila!" Thanks for sharing your photo Gail.

If you don't feel like making them from clay you can use the brass ones in the same fashion. There are 2 sizes available.

We'd love to see what method you use to fasten your buna, SoftGlass or any other type of cords!! If you feel like sharing send me your images! Email them here with "share" in the subject line.



Slide through End Caps  Non tarnish brass
End Caps that slide to adjust your necklace to exactly your preferred length. Inner diameter is 2mm. Length is 7mm. Package of 4 end caps
HYBR2307  $2.79 CAD


Monday, August 12, 2013

Pasta Machines back in stock!

All of the pasta machines offered at Shades of Clay are now back in stock.

There are 3 different past machines to choose from and 2 different motors as well!

Now is the perfect time to order so that you'll be ready when the heat of summer is gone. Before you know it the kids will be back in school and hopefully that will mean more free time for you and your clay!

The Makins motors are in stock too and I've been promised that the  Marcato Pastadrive Motors are on their way from Italy! (look for them to be back in stock before September.)




Makin's Professional Ultimate Clay Machine
This clay machine features sturdy stainless steel construction, extra wide 7" non-stick rollers and nine thickness settings.  Handle and table clamp are included. Please note that this machine is designed for clay and not for food use.   Motor available below


Marcato Atlas 150 Pasta Machine 
High quality pasta machine easily produces polymer clay sheets of varying thicknesses; also serves to condition clay and to blend colors for certain effects. This pasta machine is a deluxe model; Italian made; 9 thickness settings; 150mm opening; 2 removable cutters for easy portability. Accepts the pasta drive motor




Marcato Atlas 180 Pasta Machine
Item #GIV208R
Similar to the Atlas 150 (immediately above) but with a wider 180mm opening. Also accepts the Pastadrive motor (sold separately).


Saturday, August 10, 2013

Create your very own "Add-A-Bead" style bracelets!

Hello.  I hope that everyone is enjoying the beautiful week end.
Shades of Clay has some great new products to offer. I'm excited about these new bracelets. Everyone has seen something similar for sale in jewelry stores but now you can create your own story by making your own beads with "cores" and adding them to one of 2 styles of beautiful bracelets. First, there is the snake chain. It is 8.5" long, closes with a fine lobster clasp and has an extender attached. And last but not least, the twist end bangle. Just unscrew the ball end to add your customized beads! Just image putting all of  your "faux" recipes to good use or what if you used up some of those small leftover cane bits? Maybe translucent clay beads with inclusions...or what about beads that have been colored with PiƱata inks or...... I'm sure that you'll have many of your own ideas too.

Click here for more info. (you'll need to scroll down the page)

Friday, August 9, 2013

Instead-A-Glove skin sheild


This is what Helen Breil is saying about a new product now carried by Shades of Clay.

"Here's a unique product I tried recently that I think many of you might be interested in. Wendy at "Shades of Clay" was kind enough to give me a sample of "Instead-a-Glove". My fingers are always in all kinds of paints, pastes and powders and this cream-type product creates a skin shield that helps protect your hands and makes washing up so much easier. It even helps with gooey liquid clay clean up. Good for gardening and other things as well. I use it on a regular basis now. Take a look it's the last item on the page."

Instead of a Glove skin shieldInstead of a Glove skin shield
Easy rinse away protection. Rinse off epoxy, silicone, grease, oil, paint, fibreglass, inks, superglue, PVC adhesives, dirt, grime, magic marker and oil based clay. 100% biodegradable. .5oz
HYIAG105   $3.99 CAD


Wednesday, August 7, 2013

New 8" Acrylic rollers

Shades of Clay is now offering its own brand of acrylic rollers. These rollers are 8" long with a 1"diameter to fit comfortably in your hands.
Great for conditioning and rolling clay as the surface is non-stick. Wipe clean with a soft, non-abrasive cloth.