Developing Colorful Micro-Patterns in Polymer Clay for Jewelry

Prepare to climb into the micro-patterned world of Bonnie Bishoff! Bonnie creates highly-detailed surface design with polymer clay in jewelry and wall art, and has been working in the medium for over 31 years.  

Combining techniques traditionally used in other media, such as millefiori canes and her own style of marquetry, the rich detail and color variation in her patterns move beyond what could be created with a brushstroke of paint. In her demo, Bonnie will share her favorite techniques for piecing together veneers of designs used in her polymer and metal jewelry. She’ll also share imagery from a range of her work with her artistic and life partner J. M. Syron. Participants are encouraged to ask questions along the way!

To participate in this demo, you must be a Metalwerx member. Please ensure you are logged into your account and register for free if you intend to attend live so we can get an estimate of how many people to expect day-of! Regardless of pre-registration, all current members will receive the Zoom link to participate live and all members will receive the recording link to watch for 60 days after the demo is complete. 

To become a Metalwerx member and gain access to this demo, along with other member-exclusive benefits, sign up here.

Meet the instructor

Bonnie Bishoff has been collaborating since 1987 with her partner and husband J.M. Syron, designing and making furniture, sculptural objects, jewelry and wearable art. Initially they explored the use of polymer as a decorative surface on furniture. Continuing to experiment over 30 years their use of the medium has included sculptural elements, lighting and large marquetry-like veneers. Bonnie’s focus has now become jewelry and wearable art as well as sculptural wall pieces. Their work has been exhibited in galleries, craft shows and museums across the United States and abroad, including the Smithsonian Craft Show, the Baltimore Craft Show, the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show and SOFA-Chicago. They have furniture in the permanent collection of the Racine Art Museum