Years and years ago, I went through a phase where I'd done a little bit of sculpting and became convinced that it was a calling and I should do a butt ton more of it (several doll faces, animals, and random shapes, for those who are playing along at home). In accordance, I bought a butt ton of white polymer clay. (approx. 8lbs for those of you who aren't used to these measurements). I did some sculpting, but not as much as I seemed to believe I would. Nothing ever looked good enough for me to bake and set. I kept thinking maybe some different tools would help, but I couldn't bring myself to buy them. So, as sometimes happens, I set it aside and proceeded to move it to every. Single. House. cough includingacrossthecountrytwice cough
But Just Stash January brings out the "use it or toss it" side of my personality and so I turned a rueful eye toward this 8lb millstone and decided now was the time to try a thing. A very tiny thing. But a thing I vowed I would bake nonetheless. I decided the least pressure would be to make a card embellishment. I have been making a lot of cards, after all. And I decided since I'd never invested in any real tools, I would use the most basic things I have. Things you are bound to have hanging around your house, so you can try this too!
First, I made sure I had clean hands and all the surfaces I would touch to the clay were clean. I grabbed some wax paper (clay is sticky, but this helps give me a way to peel it off) and I put a piece of green paper underneath so I had more contrast (and could take better pics for you). Next, I pulled off a small nub, about the size of my thumb tip. I worked it until it warmed up some and got more malleable and ultimately shaped it into a ball.
I then grabbed a large medicine bottle (one I keep buttons in, to be precise) and flattened the piece of clay. Here's the great thing about this "tool": with the buttons in it, it has some weight. But the lid also helps make the piece evenly thick. First I rolled up and down with the lid on the left, then again with the lid on the right. Then side to side with the lid at the top, and again with the lid at the bottom.
Now I was ready to make an impression. I decided a hard rubber stamp I have would look lovely. You can really use whatever you want. Just make sure it will make a fairly clean impression and you can put enough gumption behind it to press it into the clay. Stamps, shells, buttons, coins: these are all good answers. Delicate lace: a much harder prospect.
Next I used a small smooth cap to cut a circle out of my favorite part of the impression. I pulled away the excess, and transferred it to an oven-safe glass plate that I only use for craft things so I could bake it according to package directions.
I would be lying if I said I wasn't a bit of a nervous hen while I baked it. I'm not sure exactly what I was concerned with, but literally nothing bad happened! Yay for me! When I pulled it out of the oven, it didn't look much different. I let it cool so I could paint it. Please note a couple of things at this point:
- It is possible to overbake clay. It will turn a brown color.
- Polymer clay is still bendy after being baked. Not wildly bendy, but there is some flex.
Once it cooled, I knew I could do almost anything to it. I sanded the edges slightly (although the thin outer circle could break right off). Then I just put a dot of pink acrylic paint on the circle, spread it around with a brush, and immediately wiped it off with paper towel. Another coat of pink, then one of silver acrylic and I know have this shimmery little lovely!
I can't believe I waited THIS LONG to do this! Now I'm starting to think of all the other things I can do with the clay! Farewell 8lb box of shame! Hello lighter box of potential!