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Thursday, December 29, 2011

Fimo polymer clay textile ideas




Yesterday I spent the day making tutorials for fimo argyle, gingham and plaid!  I can't wait to work on different color combinations and variations.  I never know for sure which ones I'm going to like.  This is the most fun I've had with clay, and that's saying a lot!

To see the tutorial, visit my etsy shop!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

How to make a Polymer clay woven basket (fimo or sculpey)

Baskets are a lot easier than they look.  Still, like everything, they take practice.  Beginners have a hard time rolling the clay into smooth, even, snakes.  I tell the kids that the snake shouldn't look as though it has just eaten an elephant!  The third picture shows snakes that have simply been twisted together.  The strands have to be twisted slowly, evenly, and purposefully. Otherwise the twist will be concentrated in one section and will eventually break. The basket may look woven, but it is just coiled out of long twists.  It is not necessary for the twist to be all in one piece.

This is the same technique I use to make braided rugs.




Miniature fairy table setting with lace table cloth out of fimo polymer clay


Several years ago, I started teaching polymer clay classes. I never imagined I would be able to do something I love so much as a job! My delight was increased ten fold when my mom brought out some projects I had made in middle and high school. I had completely forgotten about them! Working with clay was my favorite pastime when I was younger.

This piece was my masterpiece.
*I made the wood to look real, and then carved a pattern in it.
*The leaves and lace were made with meticulous care. I would probably try to find an easier technique if I were to try this again. Since then I've discovered this simple and gorgeous leaf technique. And this technique for lace canes.
*I used gold powder, glitter, and glaze to add special effects.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Polymer clay on Glass Ornaments








It always amazes me when my students go above and beyond.  I gave my students glass ornaments to decorate in class.  The next week Lexie showed up with several ornaments.  To my surprise, she had placed miniature creations inside the glass balls.

To see other creations, visit my facebook page Polymer Clay Bakery.

For supplies and tutorials, visit my etsy shop.

Fimo polymer clay peppermint candy charm bracelet

This year my clay class at Trinity made charm bracelets!  I used a flathead pin and pushed it up through the bottom of the charm.  The head of the pin catches in the clay so that it won't fall out.  After I baked the charms, I used needle-nosed pliers to form the end of the pin into a loop.  We used this same technique to make creations into miniature ornaments.

See other creations on my facebook page, Polymer Clay Bakery

Monday, December 19, 2011

Polymer Clay Snowflake Canes (fimo or sculpey)

Check out this tutorial!


Ah!  Hahah!  This is all I've been doing recently.  It's way too much fun.  I can't even sleep at night because I'm thinking up new snowflake patterns.  I've finally been able to post the tutorial in my esty shop.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

How to make a Miniature Polymer Clay Braided Rug (Fimo or Sculpey)

This is a great use for mixed-up clay!  No matter how hard my students and I try not to mix up the clay, it always happens anyway.  I save it all in a bag until I have enough to make rugs.  

This is the same technique I use to make baskets.

Don't mix the clay any more than it already is.  The rolling and twisting will mix it up enough.  It still might all blend into one color if you're not careful.  I love this project because no two rugs ever turn out the same!

Intuitively, you would think that a braided rug has to be braided, but I think these look wonderful, and they are just twisted.  Twisting is much easier for my students, although they often get a kick out of the fact that clay can be braided just like hair.  Well, not just like hair... whether you're braiding or twisting, you have to go slow.  Parts of the clay will twist to tight, so you have to focus on each section of the twist, and gently place it the way you want it.




Again, the key word is GENTLY.  You can continue to stretch, roll and twist the rope of clay until it looks just the way you want it.  You have to decide if you want a tight or loose twist.  If you twist the clay too tightly, or press too hard as you roll it out, it becomes a smooth snake again, and your rope will be gone.  That's OK.  Just try again.  







Like Polymer Clay Bakery on Facebook, or find more tutorials in my etsy shop!

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Simple miniature gingerbread house ornament out of polymer clay (fimo or sculpey)

Made from this tutorial!





Find supplies and tutorials at my esty shop!