THE PROCESS
DESIGN, SOURCE AND PREP
Everything starts with an idea and a simple sketch or note gets this process started. The Linea slab was born with a simple note - "squiggly lines on translucent". Now it is one of our most loved designs.
I take the time to design the accessory and break down what each style will need. When the list is complete it's time to do research! It is super important to me that I am sourcing quality materials like clay, findings, resin or any other materials the design calls for. After these materials have been sourced the next step is to prep my materials. This means materials will be checked for imperfections, findings get a cleaning, so they are shining their brightest for you, and clay or resin is mixed to its perfect color for the design.
CONDITION, CUT, BAKE
Once we start working with clay, it's all about properly conditioning and coloring the clay. I love to get our clay buttery smooth before adding any textures or designs. Each texture and design require its own tools and preparation and will be perfected before the slab is cut into the desired shape. When these shapes are finally cut, each side will be smoothed with either a precision tool or my finger to touch up those edges and cut down on sanding time. We are now ready to bake!
Perfectly conditioning and baking your clay ensures your pieces are flexible and durable! Here at XOCHI we have spent countless hours researching and experimenting so that you can fall in love with your quality slow made jewelry!
SANDING, DRILLING, BUFFING AND BUBBLE BATHS
The baked clay will be inspected to ensure there are no air bubbles and that if there are any subtle / minimal imperfections they can be touched up during the process. If necessary, holes will be drilled through the clay to attach findings and other clay pieces. All edges of the clay will be sanded to be smooth to the touch and any buffing necessary to the design will also happen at this time. The clay pieces then take a dip into a nice bubble bath to remove all dust from drilling and sanding.
​
SEAL, ATTACH, SECURE, AND ASSEMBLE
Some designs may require the face of the earring to be sealed with paint sealer or resin to protect and/or enhance the design. It is very important to me that your earrings are of great quality and that they last. Thats why I not only glue down the earring posts I also secure them with liquid clay or resin. Those earring posts won't budge!
When all the pieces of a design are ready, we will begin to assemble the earring by connecting all the pieces together. You now have your completed earrings!
PACKAGING
After all that hard work it is finally time to package the beautiful earrings. I love a good packaging moment and absolutely love the experience it can create!
Every item will come with a box and small bag to keep your items safe. Polymer clay items will include a proper care instructions card. Here at XOCHI we want the best experience for you so we have spent lots of time perfecting our packaging!
​
After that long process our earrings are finally ready for their new home! We hope you enjoy them as much as we loved creating them for you!
