Polymer clays have become the most versatile and useful materials when it comes to crafting. Donna Kato, from Polyform Products, provides instruction for a few novel applications of these new craft clays.
Materials:
Sculpey III clay
pasta machine
existing form: glass vase, bowl, etc.
craft knife
Steps for Votive Candle:
Condition the clay by running it through a pasta machine, or by kneading it with your fingers. Roll out a sheet to fit around the glass votive candle holder. Since the clay will stick to the glass before it cures, it should be easy to work with. Donna suggests purchasing a microtome tissue slicer blade from a medical supply store for trimming away excess clay. Not only is the blade very long and sharp, but it is made without ridges that often catch on the clay. To fit the clay around the curved, bottom part of the vessel, slit the clay in several small places and push the ends together with your fingertips. Do not cover the bottom of the glass. To cure the clay, bake in a 275 degree oven. For interest, Donna added a push mold, clay image to the outside of the votive candle.
Steps for Balloon Vessel:
This method is very simple, and the results are impressive. Roll the clay into a ball. Flatten and make a well in the center with your fingertips. Slowly push the top in, while thinning the sides. As you mold the sides in this manner, the top of the vessel will become thinner and elongated. Pinch the top together to seal in the air. Continue shaping the vessel in your hands. Flatten the bottom and cut off the top. Bake in the oven at 275 degrees for 15 minutes for every 1/4" of thickness.
Is is best to decorate polymer clays with water-based paints and glazes since oil-based products may cause undesired chemical reactions.
Resources Creating With Polymer Clay: Designs, Techniques, & Projects
by Steven Ford, Leslie Dierks (ISBN: 093727495X)
Click
here to order this title.
Lark Books
Website:
www.larkbooks.comPolyform products
Polyform Products Inc.
Products available at craft and hobby stores.
Website:
www.sculpey.com
Sculpting Dolls in Cernit
by Marleen Engeler (ISBN: 0916809528)
Scott Publications
30595 Eight Mile Rd.
Livonia, MI 48152
USA
Phone: 248-477-6650
Toll Free Phone: 800-458-8237
URL:
scottpublications.com
Guests Donna Kato
Artist and owner of Prairie Craft Company
Website:
www.prairiecraft.com
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