Monday 5 December 2016

Himmeli meets polymer clay

These days, I have been very much attracted to the Himmeli structures flourishing on the web. I love their geometric shapes, the symmetries within, the feeling of lightness... 
Once the structure is chosen, lengths and numbers of each part are calculated to make the best use of the tubings. I read that the tedious bit is to cut the brass tubings into those pre-calculated lengths. Indeed, the little cutting tool only makes an indent if you turn the tubing along its cutting round blade. It is especially tricky as the tubing is quite slippery and difficult to rotate. Once a small indent is made and you can rotate almost freely, you need to tighten the device and start again 3 to 4 times until the indent (making a ring around the tubing) is deep enough that by bending the tube it snaps cleanly. Fortunately for me I have a drill and by fitting the tubing in, I can just hold the tiny cutter with two fingers and voilà! A really easy and effortless way to cut all those tubings!

The tubing cutter in position on the tubing 

The brass tubing attached to the drill


The indent after 4 tightenings of the screw

And it just snaps easily

All the same size - what a happy sight !
The polymer clay dishes



I used the structure detailed by Mandi on her blog VintageRevivals
The polymer clay tiny dish is a straight copy from Laura's blog ABeautifulMess.