Make polymer clay focals or beads or other items that look 3-dimensional, but are absolutely smooth.


This technique is called MICA SHIFT and it is one of the MOST fun clay techniques with endless variations and beautiful results.


In this lesson you will learn how to take advantage of the mica that is mixed into metallic clays. When aligned by making multiple passes through a pasta machine, then distorted with a rubber stamp, and then shaved, the mica leaves a shadow effect on an otherwise smooth surface, giving it dimension and depth as well as a glimmery shine.


You will learn to prepare the clay, how to select and use stamps that are good for this technique, how to shave the clay, and how to troubleshoot the technique.


While you won't end up with a finished project, there are several suggestions for how to use a sheet of clay created with this technique.


CAUTION; THIS TECHNIQUE INVOLVES SIGNIFICANT USE OF AN EXTREMELY SHARP TISSUE BLADE AND SHOULD NOT BE ATTEMPTED BY CHILDREN UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

There are 38 pictures in this lesson. This includes pictures which show you good and not-so-good stamps to choose, how to hold the blade properly, and how to make sure the clay is always in the right position to align the mica particles.