|
|
|
October 2004 Idea of the Month Clay Charms
Here's a simple way to add clay charms as accents to your cards and layouts. I love these charms because I can use my stamps to create a charm that matches or coordinates with the design on my artwork. These projects use our new Makin's Clay TM, manufactured by Provo Craft. This no-bake clay is very easy to use... so easy that this project is a great one for kids!
Supplies: Stamps, inks and papers of your choice to create your artwork Makin's Clay TM (a new item in this year's catalog!) Rolling pin or rubber brayer Craft knife or clay shaping tools Re-inkers (optional)- for tinting the clay
Step 1:
Create your card or layout as desired. In the top photo, I've used Pansy Purple Close To My Heart Exclusive Inks TM and papers, along with the Flurries stamp set, vellum at the bottom of the card, and Amethyst My Accents TM beads strung on waxy flax. The bottom card was created using paper from the My Reflections TM Nature's Treasures scrapbook kit, a wire-rimmed paper tag, tan hemp, and the Spring Leaves stamp set. Note: I added texture to the green cardstock by stamping it with a leaf, and then swiping the edge of an ink pad across the whole thing in different directions.
Step 2: Create your Clay Charm
Pull off a bit of clay, roll into a ball, and place it on a smooth work surface (optional: place the clay between layers of wax paper). If desired, drop a few drops of re-inker onto the clay and carefully knead it in with your fingers to tint the clay (you might want to wear rubber gloves as you do this to avoid staining your fingers with ink). The clay in the bottom photo has been tinted to coordinate with my artwork. Use a rubber brayer or rolling pin to roll out the clay to at least 1/8". Don't roll it too thin, as I've found that the clay tends to curl as it dries if it has been rolled too thin.
Ink up your stamp and press slowly and firmly into the clay. Rock the stamp slightly if needed to make sure that all areas are impressed into the clay. Use a craft knife or clay shaping tool to trim away excess clay. Gently pry up the charm and move it to a plastic plate or wire rack to dry. Let the clay dry overnight before adhering it to your artwork with a strong adhesive.
IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT STAMPING INTO CLAY: Clay can be sticky! You can prevent it from sticking to your stamps and creating a mess by doing a couple things. First, make sure your clay is not too moist. If it comes out of the package too moist, just pull off a chunk and let it set for a few minutes and/or knead it. Second, you always want to ink up your stamp before pressing it into the clay. In the examples above, I've used a colored ink. If you want just the impression and no color, try inking up your stamp with a Versamark TM ink pad or with clear embossing ink.
Click Here to return to the Past Ideas page
©Linda Harrison 2004
|
|
|
