Polymer clay - Hei Matau

Faux jade, silver plated wire, carving

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Maori talisman Hei Matau. Traditionally carved in the shape of a stylized fish hook. It is believed to bring good luck, peace, good health, prosperity and safe passage across water, especially important for Maori people.

To my mind the imitation came out quite well. The photo may not allow to feel the beads' 'naturalness', but that's how they look like in reality. The 'caps' on the top center bead - my first experience with wire, which I kind of liked. Wire is very much like clay - it's very pliable and allows much manipulation.
It's a pity this can't be worn as it is since I made two gross mistakes when putting it together, but I'm in no way discouraged by that since it's a good chance to give it another try :)

UPD:  after makeover:

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Polymer clay - Maori pattern

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This Maori pattern I borrowed from a Maori ritual. Tried to make an imitation of carved beads as instructed on Donna Kato's website with one small difference - mixed ordinary eye shadows into semi-transarent clay. Made the first two beads - and the rest followed naturally.

The story of how I put it together may be also worth telling (imho). I sat for more than 4 hours but didn't get halfway through. Took it all apart next morning an put it all back together in less than half an hour. That's what I call to sleep on it! And the thing came out quite nice.

Polymer clay - Manaia

For Maori the Manaia is the carrier of supernatural powers- it is the spititual guardian which protects the wearer from evil.
I have a Manaia pendant which was bought in Auckland and I wear it quite often. There is something special about the form... They say Manaia provides protection everywhere - land, sea, and air, which makes it a handy thing for a traveller :)

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Polymer clay - Autumn motive

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