Make polymer clay shimmer like dichroic glass—no glass kiln required. This free faux dichroic glass tutorial layers translucent clay, iridescent film, mica, and reflective effects to create luminous cabochons, ornaments, and jewelry components.
Materials and tools
- Translucent black or translucent clay for the base (Premo or Cernit)
- Translucent liquid clay
- Iridescent gift wrap film
- Iridescent flakes, iridescent glitter or chameleon mica powders
- UV resin
- The usual tools- clay roller, cutters, tissue blade, baking tile
Technique overview
Build thin layers of clay, reflective film, and translucent material so light moves through the piece. Shape the layered sheet into cabochons or jewelry components, cure it according to the clay manufacturer’s directions, and add UV resin if you want extra depth.
Example photographs
Translucent Dichroic Polymer with chameleon mica
Dichroic polymer with iridescent films
Glass or polymer? Translucent textured clay with chameleon flakes and UV resin
Testing colored films
Dichroic polymer with black clay and iridescent film
Dichroic polymer test with iridescent metallic film
Dichroic polymer with textured translucent clay and chameleon mica
Dichroic polymer with black clay and iridescent films
Dichroic polymer with iridescent metallic paper and UV resin
Iridescent crow ornament with my dichroic polymer technique
Dichroic polymer with silkscreened iridescent pink film over a clay base
Dichroic polymer with iridescent golden metallic paper and UV resin
Dichroic polymer pendant with silkscreened iridescent film over a clay base
Dichroic polymer crocodile ornament
Dichroic polymer with silkscreened iridescent golden metallic base in a bezel
Dichroic polymer pendant with silkscreened iridescent film over a clay base
Related artwork
See the dichroic polymer artwork story • Browse all polymer clay galleries
