In the photos below, we have an opportunity to see Helen Breil's Texture Plates featured in a wonderful overview of her work. Note how the textures add movement and depth to each piece. Powders and paints add high-lighting without sanding and buffing. Antiquing is sometimes used to further enhance the pattern. 

Most of these Texture Plates as well as her instructional booklet are available on the Helen Breil Designs  page. Not all of the designs are now available as some were limited edition. All currently offered plates are shown on the Helen Breil Designs page. A complete assortment of Pearl-Ex colours can be found on our  Powders page.

The images on this page are the exclusive property of the artist and may not be copied without her express permission.

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The Mosaic textures take centre stage in this necklace/bracelet set. Perfect Pearls mica powders were applied over the textured white clay tiles and cured on a slightly rounded surface. Then blue and green Pinata inks were applied in a random fashion. Varathane protects the surface.

This Christmas home decor project was inspired by Mona Kissel's project in the book Polymer Clay: Exploring New Techniques and New Materials by Georgia Sargeant and Celie Fago. This tea light holder features the Seasons Greetings design. Gold Pearl-Ex was applied over the textured gold clay and cured over the tea light glass holder to create some height in the middle. Varathane protects the Pearl-Ex. Chile Pepper Red Pinata Ink was applied over the middle section.

This bracelet features the Organic Weave design. Gold Pearl-Ex was applied over the textured gold clay tiles which were fired on a slightly rounded surface. Varathane was used to protect the Pearl-Ex. A very watered down black acrylic paint antiqued the piece. Then Chile Pepper Red Pinata Ink and a protective coat of varathane were applied. Beads were added to create an eye-catching focal point.

This tile bracelet is the Replication design. Perfect Pearls mica powders were applied over the textured white clay tiles which were fired on a slightly rounded surface. Further embellished with Chile Pepper Red Pinata Ink.

This mosaic-style vase features a large number of designs. Black acrylic paint was poured into a clear glass bottle to coat the surface and create the opaque black glass look (eliminating the need for grout). Perfect Pearls powders were applied over the textured white clay pieces and cured on the bottle. Then the pieces were removed and Baja Blue Pinata Ink was applied; followed with a protective coat of varathane. The pieces were replaced on the bottle with liquid clay. A focal point embellishment and some coloured wire add the finishing touches.

This tile bracelet featuring the Chameleon texture design was finished in gold and copper Pearl-Ex and then baked. After a light spray of varnish was applied, a slightly modified version of the antiquing technique was done. Black acrylic paint with a generous amount of water added (as a thinner) was applied and allowed to dry just to the point where it's no longer wet (don't wait too long). Then using a baby wipe dipped in Armorall, gently remove the paint from the top surface, leaving the paint in the crevices. You should find that you can control what you want to remove more easily this way, rather than removing the paint while still wet.

A set of striking tile bracelets featuring the Stained Glass texture design. Gold Pearl-Ex was applied over each textured tile and baked. After a light spray of varnish, black permanent marker is used on the ribs and Chile Pepper Red Pinata ink (thinned slightly with rubbing alcohol for more transparency) is applied over selected sections. A ball stylus was used to apply the ink in order to carefully control it's application in such a small area.

This necklace features the same technique described above for the bracelets. Cutters were used for the various shapes. Tiles/beads were baked on a paper towel inner roll to create a slightly curved shape.

This striking double strand necklace features "fold and cut" style beads made with the "Little Boxes" texture. Turquoise Pearl-Ex was applied over gray clay and antiqued with dark turquoise acrylic paint.

The very versatile "Little Boxes" texture is featured again in this striking fold and cut bead necklace. It is finished with Perfectly Pearl powder over white clay and has a beautifully matched button as a focal point.

These 6 unique lentil beads are finished in various shades of gold and copper Pearl-Ex over gold clay, antiqued with black acrylic paint. Textures used (from top left) are Fireworks, Floral Canvas, Organic Weave, Little Boxes, and both sides of Fraternal Twins. The finishing touch is a button displayed through a central cut-out.

These are very easy to make; great to string on buna for a pendant or alternately, wear as a pin.

These highly textured bracelets were made with Helen's "fold and cut" technique. They were custom made to fit her wrist and were shaped to be oval which eliminates spinning and makes them very comfortable to wear. The top bracelet features the "Craters" texture design. The bottom bracelet is a potential new texture design. Both feature various shades of blue/purple/green Pearl-Ex, antiqued with dark turquoise acrylic paint. See the 2006 Sept/Oct issue of Step-by-Step Beads magazine for Helen's instructional article on creating this style of bead (fold-&-cut technique).

Here's another example using the "fold and cut" technique featuring the "Little Boxes" texture. 

Evocative of an Egyptian theme, this set is finished using Sunset Gold Pearl-Ex antiqued with black acrylic paint and finished with a light coating of varathane spray to bring out a gentle shine.

There is enough flexibility in the necklace that a clasp is not needed.

Switchplate covered with Organic Weave; embellished with Antique Copper and Sunset Gold Pearl-Ex; antiqued with black acrylic paint.

Notebook adorned with Metropolitan; Helen custom blended Pearl-Ex powders to create a teal colour and then antiqued with black acrylic paint.
 

Another application for Organic Weave. This eyecatching pin was embellished with Spring Green and Yellow Pearl-Ex; antiqued with Liquidex Turquoise Dark.

This beautiful pendant features Fireworks with Pearl-Ex Sunset Gold and antiqued with black acrylic paint.

Wall Art Piece featuring the "Little Boxes" Texture Plate. Light grey polymer clay with pink and turquoise acrylic paints. Button and wire embellishments added.

Notebook – The gold/black section of this notebook cover is from a single texture sheet (a potential future design for Shades of Clay). Instructions on how to make this texture sheet can be found in Helen's instructional booklet. This notebook features Sunset Gold Pearl-Ex with black acrylic paint antiquing applied after baking.

Letter Opener - This letter opener is made with texture "Military Parade". Turquoise Pearl-Ex applied 1st, then a combination of Brilliant Yellow and Spring Green put just on the surface of one side of the handle. The reverse colour scheme on the other side.

Filligree Necklace - This stunning necklace features Helen's Fold and Cut beads made using texture "Filligree Dance". Sunset Gold Pearl-Ex was applied over black clay. Black acrylic paint antiquing was applied after baking. See the2006 Sept/Oct issue of Step-by-Step Beads magazine for Helen's instructional article on creating this style of bead (fold-&-cut technique).

Octopus Flower - This framed "Octopus Flower" features the texture "Craters". Turquoise Pearl-Ex applied 1st, then Flamingo Pink Pearl-Ex put just on top.

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