Guest Karen Franklin offers the following tips for working with polymer clay canes such as Designer Squares.
When using the canes, the most obvious method is to slice a piece directly from the cane and apply to project. The other two methods involve enlarging the cane and reducing the cane. Always hand-warm the canes thoroughly for five minutes or more to ensure the cane is softened.
To Enlarge the Cane: - Slice a piece approximately 1/4" wide or larger, depending on the desired effect.
- Warm the slice between fingers to ensure it is soft, pressing slightly if necessary to even out your cut.
- Roll several times with a brayer, working in both directions on the slice. Turn the slice over and repeat.
- Place the slice horizontally into a pasta machine, increasing the size in one direction.
- Reset the pasta machine one notch lower and insert the slice vertically. This will increase cane size in the other direction.
- Insert the slice again, if needed, to increase additionally. Do not roll piece too thin because it will tear easily.
To Reduce the Cane: - Begin working cane between fingers from the center outward in opposite directions with each hand.
- Rotate cane one-quarter turn as you work.
- Use a brayer to roll sides of cane, rotating one-quarter turn as you work.
- Alternate working with hands and brayer until the cane is as small as desired. While working, make certain to go slowly and consistently so the design in the cane does not become distorted.
- Slice pieces as desired for project.
Guests Karen Franklin
Demonstrator, American Art Clay Co., Inc. (AMACO)
4717 West 16th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46222
Toll Free Phone: 800-374-1600
Website:
www.amaco.com
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