The Millefiori Process
The millefiori technique has been adopted from ancient glass artisans who have been practicing this method for thousands of years via the Phoenicians, Egyptians, Romans to present day.
Its basically forming logs or 'canes' with pictures or patterns running through the centre length so that when viewed from the side an image can be seen.
Slices of the polymer clay cane are baked to harden.
Canes are built using sheets
of polymer clay that are formed into various visual components or segments
which are then fitted together like a thick jigsaw.
When the block has been
assembled, it is then squeezed on all its sides to reduce the size of the picture and elongate the log or cane.
This is a slow process and great care must be taken not to place too much pressure on the sides as this can distort the picture.
Once the cane is reduced to the appropriate size, slices are then shaved off the log. These are cut into the required shape, then baked to harden.
Original and exclusive pieces are created in this fashion to become unique wearable art.
These are examples of some of the earrings from this "Tree Goddess" cane.