A quick description of how I cover my bracelet blanks...

First, I coat the blank with a thin layer of Sobo (or other white glue), and let it dry. Then - because I like to use my canes to cover them - I lay rather thick slices (about 1/8 inch) on the outside of the blank in a pleasing pattern. I'll slice off any extra that overhang the edge. Then I bake the bracelet for 15 minutes (at 275).

After it's cool, I roll out (on the third thickest setting) black clay on my pasta machine. I lay some of the clay along the back side of the blank and trim the edges flush with the blank.

Then I cut skinny strips of clay, a bit wider than the depth of the bracelet (as it is now, with clay on top and bottom) and carefully lay the strip along the edge of the bracelet, keeping it flush with the bottom/inside clay. After I lay one strip on, I gently blend the edge into the inside sheet of black clay and then trim off the excess using the (now hard) upper/outside clay as a guide.

Once the edges are complete, I cook for another 20 minutes or so. Then, well... I sand the &(*)^%*@ out of the thing! lol! I start with 320 grit, because no matter how careful I am, laying thick slices of cane will come out with bumps. I work my way up, using 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1500, and finally 2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper. And as icing on the cake, I buff with my little dremel.

And there ya' have it! Happy claying!!

-Melanie

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