I love the look and feel of perfectly sanded polymer clay. I know how much time and effort it takes to sand to a perfect satin surface or take it all the way to shiny glass. I can do it, and sometimes I do. But not usually.
Usually I leave my fingerprints.
I like my fingerprints. They’re my signature – evidence that this clay was formed by human hands, my hands. The subtle texture says this piece was not manufactured. Someone made this by hand and got clay underneath her fingernails and paint smears on her jeans. Someone put time and effort and caring into this piece.
I once saw some very simple ceramic spoons that I still regret not buying. The artist had simply closed her hand around a snake of clay to create the spoon handles. The handles had knobs and ridges, lumps and bumps but they were beautiful. You would never be able to find another spoon exactly the same. They bore the imprint of their maker’s hands.
Somehow fingerprints make a piece more real to me.
I am new to polymer clay but had successfully make and sell a lot of beads. At first, I also concerned about my finger print but after talking with several people, I decide to leave them alone. So far, none of the customer complain about the finger print, some even appreciated them because those bead are made by hand. Reading your comment make me feel reasured nd I will continue my work as it is.
Ponsawan
Thanks Ponsawan. I think you’re right – it all depends on what you, and your customers like.And how you want your beads to look.