Project designed by Maureen Carlson.
Materials:
three to six colors of FIMO Classic or FIMO Soft polymer clay
Mix Quick kneading medium
pasta machine
roller or brayer
Nublade Kato clay knife
tissue blade or craft blade
cutting and measuring template for polymer clay
FIMO Classic blending chart flyer
large clay tile or baking sheet
oven
oven thermometer and timer
Steps:
1. Choose colors of FIMO Classic or FIMO Soft polymer clay that match your color scheme.
2. Mix and condition the polymer clay, adding Mix Quick kneading medium as needed for softness.
3. Choose colors to represent the mountains, rain and sun. Roll a one-inch ball from each color.
4. Roll each ball into a six-inch rope.
5. Pinch the top of the ropes that represent the mountains and rain to form triangular ropes.
6. Cut both the mountain and rain ropes into two-inch-long pieces.
7. Place the three mountain pieces side by side (figure A).
8. Fill the space between the three mountains with two of the rain pieces (figure B).
9. Cut a two-inch chunk from the rope that represents the sun. Place the sun on top of the three mountains (figure C).
10. Pinch the mountains, rain and sun into a triangular rope.
11. Stretch the resulting rope to six inches long, retaining a wide triangular shape as you stretch it.
12. Trim the ends. Cut the triangular rope into three equal pieces (figure D).
13. Place the three pieces side by side to form a half-circle-shaped rope (figure E). Add a snake of yellow clay for the center of the flower (figure F).
14. Cut the half-circle rope in half to form two shorter pieces.
15. Reassemble the two short pieces to form a short rope. This forms a flower cane (figure G).
16. Use the resulting flower design as it is or roll and stretch it to reduce it in size (figure H).
17. To make a heart, press and flatten one long edge of the flower rope into a point. Cut the rope in half lengthwise. Put the two halves together to form a long heart-shaped rope (figure I).
Variations:
Cut slices from the flower- or heart-shaped ropes to use as pins, buttons or magnets (figure J).
Press slices to glass bottles, candle holders or switch plates to create designer pieces (figure K).
Cover paper, metal or ceramic shapes to create designer boxes or containers.
Design clay clothing for clay characters.
Cover a rock or marbles to create paper weights (figure L).
Tips:
- Contrast between colors is important in order for the different parts of the design to show.
- Color choice is all-important to these designs. A Color Blending chart is very helpful in mixing colors that complement each other and your decor.
- When practicing this design, choose colors that will make a pleasing color if all mixed together, such as blue, light blue and white, or blue, green and yellow.
- Skinner blend ropes or leftover clay that is multi-colored may work very well in this design, similar to the effect of calico or hand-dyed fabrics in a patchwork quilt.
Resources FIMO polymer clay, kneading medium, Nublade Kato clay blade, FIMO Classic blending chart
Classic blending chart - call or write for a blending chart flyer.
American Art Clay Co. Inc. (AMACO)
Website:
www.amaco.com
Family and Friends in Polymer Clay
by Maureen Carlson (ISBN: 0891349278)
Click
here to order this title.
F & W Publications
Website:
www.fwpublications.comHow to Make Clay Characters
by Maureen Carlson (ISBN: 0891347216)
Click
here to order this title.
F & W Publications
Website:
www.fwpublications.com Guests Maureen Carlson
Crafter, Wee Folk Creations
Website:
www.weefolk.com
or
Maureen Carlson's Center for Creative Arts
Website:
www.maureencarlson.com
Also in this Episode
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