Dragon Wings Hand sculpted mold
Download the full tutorial here as a PDF to keep or add to your google drive.
]]>Jewelry making is a popular craft that allows you to create unique pieces that reflect your personal style. With ©magic transfer paper, you can easily transfer images onto polymer clay to make one-of-a-kind pendants, earrings, and bracelets. Here's how:
Creating personalized jewelry with magic image transfer paper is not only fun but also gives you the opportunity to express your individuality. You can gift these unique pieces to loved ones or even start a small business selling them on platforms like Etsy.
Mixed media art is all about combining different materials and techniques to create visually stunning and thought-provoking pieces. Magic image transfer paper is a valuable tool in the mixed media artist's arsenal, as it allows them to incorporate photographs, vintage images, and text into their work. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Canvas and magic image transfer paper are a match made in heaven. Start by selecting an interesting background for your canvas, whether it's a painted background, patterned paper, or a textured surface created with Gelli printing or mylar stencils. Cut out images from the magic image transfer paper and arrange them on the canvas, layering them with other elements like torn paper, fabric scraps, or found objects. Use gel medium or another adhesive (plain white Elmer's glue works great) to stick them down. Once the medium is dry, you can run some water over the transfer to wash away the paper pulp. Once everything is in place, apply a layer of sealant to protect your artwork.
Art journaling is a fantastic way to explore your creativity and express yourself. Incorporating magic image transfers into your art journal pages can add depth and interest to your compositions. Simply print out images onto the magic image transfer paper, cut them out, and adhere them to your page using gel medium. Once dry, rinse off the paper. You can write or draw on top of the transferred images to further enhance your journaling experience.
These are just a few examples of how you can use magic image transfer paper in your mixed media projects. The possibilities are truly endless, and the only limit is your imagination! Experiment with different techniques, materials, and themes to create artwork that speaks to you personally.
Who says art is limited to canvas? Magic image transfer paper enables you to transform ordinary household objects into unique pieces of art that reflect your creative vision. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
These are just a couple of ideas to get your creative juices flowing. With magic image transfer paper, you can transform ordinary objects into extraordinary works of art that reflect your personal style and taste.
As you can see, magic image transfer paper opens up a world of creative possibilities for artists and crafters. Whether you're a jewelry maker, mixed media artist, or home decor enthusiast, this product is sure to inspire and elevate your projects. So unleash your creativity and give magic image transfer paper a try. You'll be amazed at what you can achieve.
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In this free video, design team member Sherry creates a fun component necklace featuring two birds around a central sun, clay beads, and a lot of detail provided by mini stamps.
Find all of the tools you need individually, and save 10% on your purchase now through Weds Feb 21 with code: SPRINGDOVE
Amazon links to other supplies you may need:
Teflon baking sheet you can cut up
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Michele uses these CreateAlong products in this tutorial -
Sculpting Tools & Tool Wrangler
Share your Pixies in our Polymer Clay Tribe Facebook group and tag #createalong. PIN this tutorial and share it with others too!
]]>This polymer clay technique is always a hit, and you can use it to create so much more than clay earrings and jewelry. The color and the sparkle come right with the clay you use- be sure to pick any metallic Premo! color you like to try it.
Anastasia used our Fan Cutter set for its unique shape.
Read and download the tutorial here.
]]>To use with your polymer clay I recommend waiting a couple of days for all of the water content to be gone and the resin to be fully cured, and then coat the object with liquid clay to help your polymer sculpture adhere better.
You can find this interesting resin product here: Official Website Link: https://bit.ly/3FRpslx - Use Code: JDCraft to get 5% OFF Discount applies to all products. Buy two pieces to get an extra 15% off discount.
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See our secret trick to creating two sided polymer clay objects that magically stick to each other- without glue or baking mediums! This is so fun you are going to love creating this way.
Find our Christmas Collection of tools here.
]]>Dive into the colorful, squishy world of polymer clay. Whether you're a beginner or just looking for some fresh inspiration, we've got you covered. Here are the top 10 easy and fun polymer clay ideas to kickstart your creative journey!
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and let your imagination run wild! These ideas are just the beginning of your polymer clay adventure. So, gather your supplies, put on your creative cap, and start making magic!
Silkscreen, Glitter + Chalk Paint earrings
Cover a glass mug and see the pattern from the inside
Make a decorative ceiling fan chain pull
Make Faux Jasper stone into a pendant or clay earrings
Classy Faux-metal landscape pendant with gold and silver leaf
Easy Teabag String Holder with a dragon wing
Man and the Moon Light switch plate cover
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A Quick step-by-step guide on how to create stunning clay earrings. From selecting the right clay to adding intricate designs and finishing touches, we will cover everything you need to know to create unique and eye-catching earrings. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced crafter, this post will give you the knowledge and inspiration to create beautiful clay earrings that will impress everyone. Get ready to unleash your creativity and learn the secrets behind making stunning clay earrings!
Are you tired of wearing the same old earrings that everyone else has? Clay earrings are a fantastic way to express your unique style and stand out from the crowd. In this guide, we will show you how to create your own stunning clay earrings that will turn heads and spark conversations.
Why should you create your own clay earrings instead of buying them from a store? Well, for one, it allows you to unleash your creativity and design earrings that perfectly match your personal style. Plus, making your own earrings can be a fun and fulfilling hobby that allows you to showcase your artistic talents.
Gathering Supplies
Before you can start creating your clay earrings, you'll need to gather a few supplies. First and foremost, you'll need clay. There are various types of clay available, and we strongly suggest practicing with and using Premo, Souffle, Kato, Cernit, or Fimo Pro. Choose the type that suits your preferences and needs- for earrings you want strength and flexibility (in case they get mushed against a kiss, or stuck in hair!)
In addition to clay, you'll also need some tools to shape and mold the clay. This can include items like sculpting tools, molds, rolling pins, and cutters. And don't forget about findings! Findings are the components that attach the earrings to your earlobes, such as ear wires or posts.
Designing Your Earrings
The next step in creating stunning clay earrings is designing them. Think about the style you want to achieve. Do you prefer simple and minimalistic designs, or do you like bold and intricate patterns? Sketch out your design ideas on a piece of paper to visualize how they will look.
When selecting colors for your earrings, consider your personal preferences and the outfits you'll be wearing them with. Experiment with different color combinations to create visually stunning earrings that will catch everyone's attention.
Molding and Shaping
Now it's time to bring your design to life. Start by preparing the clay according to the manufacturer's instructions. This may involve conditioning the clay to make it soft and pliable.
If you prefer a uniform shape for your earrings, you can use molds or cutters to shape the clay. Alternatively, you can use hand shaping techniques to create unique and organic shapes. Don't be afraid to experiment and let your creativity guide you.
Baking and Curing
Once you're happy with the shape of your earrings, it's time to bake or cure them. Follow the instructions provided with your clay to set the oven temperature and timing for baking. It's ok to bake longer (many people bake for an hour) or to bake multiple times, for example if you are attaching more details.
Keep in mind that baking or curing times may vary depending on the type of clay you're using, so always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for best results.
Painting and Decorating
After the clay earrings are baked or cured, you can add even more color and personality. Choose the right paints for your project, such as acrylic paints.
Experiment with different painting techniques, such as brush strokes or sponging, to create unique and eye-catching designs. Additionally, consider adding some add-ons and embellishments, like rhinestones or beads, to make your earrings even more stunning.
Finishing Touches
To make your clay earrings look polished and professional, there are a few finishing touches you can add. Start by sanding the edges and buffing the earrings to smooth out any imperfections and create a smooth surface.
Next, apply a protective finish desired, to seal and protect the paint on your earrings. This will ensure that your earrings stay vibrant and beautiful for a long time. Finally, attach findings, such as ear wires or posts, to complete your earrings.
Troubleshooting and Tips
As with any craft, there may be some common mistakes you encounter along the way. One example is cracking or breaking of the clay. To avoid this, make sure to condition your clay properly, handle it gently, and ALWAYS bake for the appropriate time and temp (or longer.) MOST breakage problems occur because baking was not complete or at the wrong temperature. Get an over thermometer to make sure.
Additionally, we have some helpful tips and tricks to share. Try baking on a tile, the same tile you cut on- so that you have to move your clay pieces less. Don't 'clean' them with acetone. This is a solvent and breaks down the clay, the don't need to be "cleaned." What you should do is make them as perfect as possible before baking- because once you bake, your only choice is to clean it up.
Also, don't be afraid to experiment and try out different techniques to create unique and one-of-a-kind earrings.
Showcasing Your Creations
Once you've created your stunning clay earrings, it's time to showcase them and share your creations with the world. Take high-quality photographs of your earrings to capture their beauty and detail.
Consider promoting and selling your earrings online through platforms like Etsy or your own website. Social media can also be a powerful tool for showcasing your earrings and attracting potential customers.
Find Hair slide bun covers at this link
Hey there, crafty queens of creativity! Today, we're diving headfirst into a fun and trendy polymer clay project that's not only stylish but also functional. Ever wished you could add a touch of artistry to your hair buns? Well, you're in luck! In this step-by-step guide, we're going to show you how to make a fabulous polymer clay hair bun cover that's sure to turn heads.
**What You'll Need:**
- Polymer clay in your favorite colors
- Rolling pin or pasta machine
- Craft knife or clay blade
- Texture sheets or stamps
- Hairpin
- Oven for baking clay
- Hair slide cutter
- Varnish or glaze (optional)
**Step 1: Choose Your Colors**
Start by selecting your polymer clay colors- pick your favorites to match your style or outfit. Remember, the key to a stunning bun cover is creativity!
**Step 2: Roll Out the Clay**
Roll out your chosen clay colors into thin, even sheets using a rolling pin. You can mix colors or use solid sheets – it's all about expressing your unique style.
**Step 3: Add Texture**
Here's where you can get really creative. Use texture sheets or stamps from CreateAlong's amazing collection to give your clay a captivating texture. From intricate patterns to whimsical designs, the choice is yours.
**Step 4: Cut the Clay**
Now, take your hair slide cutter in the shape of your choice. We have several, with the holes all lined up for your hairpin!
**Step 5: Shape and Mold**
Gently drape the clay circle over your hand or a rounded object to give it a curved shape, similar to the curve of your bun. This ensures a snug fit over your hair.
**Step 6: Bake to Perfection**
Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on your polymer clay packaging. Place your bun cover on a baking sheet or foil and bake according to the instructions (usually around 15-30 minutes). Don't forget to let it cool completely before handling.
**Optional Step 7: Smooth and Shine**
If you desire a super smooth and shiny finish, you can sand your bun cover lightly with fine-grit sandpaper. Then, apply a coat of varnish or glaze for that extra sparkle.
**Step 8: Attach Your Bun Cover**
Slide a hairpin or hair comb through the back of your bun cover. This will allow you to easily secure it in your hair.
**Step 9: Rock Your Bun Cover**
Now comes the fun part – flaunt your gorgeous polymer clay hair bun cover! Whether you're headed to a special event or just want to add some pizzazz to your everyday style, your hair slide will be the talk of the town.
Voilà! You've created a stunning polymer clay hair bun cover that's as unique as you are. Thanks to CreateAlong's incredible range of polymer clay tools, your creative journey is bound to be a blast.
Remember, there's no limit to the colors and textures you can explore with polymer clay. So, let your imagination run wild, and let your hair bun be a canvas for your creativity. Happy crafting, queens! 🌈👑✨
What fun! The tools in this video were part of our August Create Along Box, a monthly collection of new tools and art supplies, which you can find at this link.
Get the Seahorse cutter
Get the Seahorse earring cutter set
Get the Fanta-Sea stencil
Be sure to click the YouTube below and follow Sherry for more tutorials!
]]>These earrings feature several finishing techniques- no sanding, making stud earrings, attaching without drilling holes, creating nice backs, and more!
And of course, my first time using The Create Template for a project. All in all it was not difficult to create a very cool quilted look even on the first try :)
Most important lesson learned: the next time I do this, I will put a thin stripe of a certain color between the random stripe layers. (a strong dark color, or light color, but it will be the SAME color.) This will hold the pattern together better and really show off the "quilted" look when you spin the pieces around and re-assemble them.
Get the Template: https://createalong.com/products/the-create-template-for-geometric-quilted-hexagon-triangle-diamond-patterns-on-clay-slabs-and-veneers
Get the cutter set: https://createalong.com/products/mod-drop-mirrored-scalene-triangle-puffy
Get the texture sponge:https://createalong.com/products/clay-texture-sponge-kit-for-polymer-clay-finishing-backs-of-art-earrings-and-jewelry
Get a Lucy Slicer: https://amzn.to/47zVmQj
Get earring posts: https://amzn.to/3P0KTpE
Get a cordless jewelry drill: https://amzn.to/45uYivK
]]>Simple Sheets leafing is an easy way to do this.
Our Donut Cutters make perfect earrings and pendants.
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To see more info click here.
Know you want it? Add to Cart here.
Jan Montarsi has been working with polymer clay for 15 years. An avid Polymer clay enthusiast and experimenter, . He has been published in multiple polymer clay magazines and has shared tutorials on YouTube. Known for Using Mica clays and extrusions, Jan obtains sparkling results. He also has some novel bail making ideas. A former IPCA Americas president and board member and member of his local Dayton Area Polymer Clay Guild and very active in the polymer clay community. Jan teaches private classes and workshops in person as well as online in several formats. Jan is the inventor of BlendAngles blending Templates as well As The Create Template. Jan Has taught in prior years of Create Along’s Polymer Clay Adventure. He has taught internationally As well as at regional retreats. Jan is currently is on the editing staff of Polymer Week Magazine.
Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZTsjxCPryhcr-Yik14MxTw
Personal FB page
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1799658219
String Theory Workshop Group on FB
]]>This is the simplest thing to answer, but one of the most often asked questions!
READ THE PACKAGE AND DO WHAT IT SAYS. This is the number one tip we can give you. The clay has chemicals and composition that are created in a factory by people who understand plastics- and the best way to properly cure it is to follow the directions. Don't make up your own time or follow advice from someone you just met on TikTok for "baking for HOURS at a low temperature." This is not good advice and your clay will fall apart later.
For our favorite clays from Sculpey, which are Premo and Soufflé, (Sculpey original and Sculpey III too) the bake time is 30 minutes per 1/4" of thickness, at 275 Farenheit. Simple- just bake it for half and hour in an oven you have TESTED so you know it is maintaining the temperature.
The most seen results from baking for too short of a time at too low a temp is that your clay will crack and fall apart.
Polymer clay is non-toxic. It is safe to bake in an oven that also makes food. It may create a "smell" and this is just from the off-gassing during cooking, it is not a toxic fume. There is a LOT of misinformation on the internet.
Some tips to take your baking further:
ALWAYS, every time, bake the whole piece for the recommended time and temperature. Do not "partial bake" and it's 100% ok to rebake your pieces multiple times.
You can "tent" your piece. This means put it under aluminum foil or a pan flipped over. Reasons to do this include trapping the smells, and protecting from the heat elements in the oven which cycle on and off. This is especially important if you use a small oven or toaster.
You can bury your piece in cornstarch. Bake for twice the time, so that the entire piece reaches and stays at the curing temperature. Reasons to do this include protecting light colors such as white, beige, and translucent.
You can support your large, curved, or delicate piece with fiber batting, cardboard, aluminum foil, silicone molds or pieces, balled up paper, anything that will go into the low temperature - none of these items will burn when properly placed on a baking sheet away from the oven elements.
You can bake on unglazed (not shiny) tile, silicone or teflon baking sheet, paper, card stock, index cards- this will protect the back of your piece from getting shiny which will happen on a glazed tile, metal bake pan, or glass surface.
THE "BEND TEST:"
SOME polymer clay will bend after being properly cured. Premo is one of them, Soufflé, Kato, Cernit, and Fimo Professional too. NOT ALL clays are meant to bend, so if you see someone doing the "bend test" online and they try to tell you "all clay should bend after baking" they are incorrect.
Do not do this test on fresh hot baked clay. Most brands will just completely fail during a hot bend test. Let it cool.
Do NOT bend test EVERY thing you bake. The purpose of this test is to make sure your oven is working properly, the clay you are using is coming out cured properly, etc. The only reason you want to even do this test is to confirm all your settings are correct for your clay. (It baffles us that people on videos are showing a bend test on every thing they pull out of the oven).
Mixing clay brands:
If two clay brands have a very wide spread between baking temps, I don't mix them. The clay needs to reach the full temperature for the full time. Most clay will scorch if you bake it too high, and it will come out uncured if you bake it too low. so if one bakes at 230 F and the other at 275 F, I would call them incompatible for mixing. A clay that bakes at 265 can survive the extra 10 degrees.
Bake mixed brands at the highest temp and longest time recommended on both packages.
The exception is Liquid Clays. Most need to reach 300F for a few minutes to cure. The best way to use them then is to bake the main clay for the appropriate time at temperature, then raise the temp to 300F for 10 minutes to finish it off, and watch carefully so it doesn't scorch. If you use liquid clay as a surface sealer, you may want to finish it off straight from the hot oven with a heat gun. This gives a gloss finish to the coating and makes it look like resin. This must be practiced as it takes some finesse to raise the temperature without burning the clay.
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Products used include our sponge texture kit, Sparkle and Spiral texture tips, and Bird Cat and Flower cutter set. Grab our Extreme Smooth and Sculpt tool or a colorful rolling rod too!
]]>If you would like to be notified when we list the Birdie 1 cutters to purchase on their own, click here to get on our newsletter list.
]]>Want to learn a couple of secret hacks and tools you can use to make crafting with polymer clay a little bit easier?
Here's one for working with mica, pigment powders, and glitters.
These powders can get messy and get all over everything including your hands, brushes, tools, and work surface.
My #1 favorite tool for removing the powder while working is a makeup brush cleaning mat. This quickly and easily "sucks up" the extra powder and makes it easy to do a quick color change. When I'm using my fingers to spread powder, I can just run them over the mat to remove the color from my fingertip. Same thing with a brush. Get one here.
My #2 favorite tool is a sticky beading mat! These are popular with people who use seed beads or diamond painting, but they work AMAZING for really cleaning those powders off your tools and fingers because they are super sticky AND you can wash them with water and soap hundreds of times, they will become sticky again. So they are not the same as using packing tape or paper towels (which you then throw away, making a lot of waste.) Get a set here.
If you want to see these tools in action, check out this Bargello with powders and glitters tutorial I did for our @polymerclaytv YouTube channel!
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She used our Prickly Pattern cactus silkscreen, but you can use any of our 100's of silk screen stencil patterns!
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Sublimation printing involves transferring a solid ink to a gas that permeates a coating without experiencing the liquid state- this requires pressure, heat, and a special base or coating to the product you wish to print in. That's why you can't just throw a white coffee mug in a press and print onto it- it has to be specially treated first.
We've researched this with polymer clay and also tried it out- unfortunately, the quick answer is no. The reason for that is polymer clay cures at 275F, or around that temperature. Sublimation products require a much higher temperature for curing. You can't cure the coating onto the clay during the cure process because they need two different temperatures.
Theoretically you can try, but the substrate (this is a coating you need to put on your item) that accepts the inks cures at 350F, which blackens polymer clay and turns it into a "lumpy black charred marshmallow" looking thing.
Then once the substrate is cured, the piece has to be heated again, under pressure, and for at least 5 minutes for the inks to penetrate the coating.
So the whole process is just not suited to polymer clay as a base.
If you want to sublimate onto a pendant or jewelry, we suggest you check out someplace that sells bisque- this is a ceramic that has been fired once and not glazed yet. Ceramic pieces are much better suited to sublimating. Have fun!
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Here are 5 tips to help when you find yourself in a creative rut:
Get out of your comfort zone. Try a new medium, explore a new technique, or experiment with a different style. Sometimes, trying something totally outside of your usual wheelhouse can open up new possibilities and spark your imagination.
Take a break. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your creativity is to step away from your work for a little while. Take a walk, read a book, or do something else that nourishes your soul. When you come back to your creative projects with fresh eyes and renewed energy, you might find that new ideas come more easily.
Collaborate with others. Working with others can bring new perspectives, fresh ideas, and unexpected twists to your creative process. Find a friend or colleague who shares your interests and see what you can create together.
Practice mindfulness. When you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, it can be tough to tap into your creative side. That's why it's important to take care of your mental and emotional well-being. Try meditation, deep breathing exercises, or other mindfulness practices to calm your mind and center your focus.
Embrace imperfection. It's easy to get caught up in the idea of perfection when you're creating something. But sometimes, the best thing you can do is to let go of that need for perfection and embrace the imperfect, messy, beautiful process of creating. Give yourself permission to make mistakes, take risks, and have fun with your projects.
We hope these tips help you to spark your creativity and find joy in your creative process. Happy creating, CreateAlong community! 🎨
]]>You can use any silkscreen for this project! Get the squeegee and this screen at the links.
Here kitty kitty cat silkscreen, and silkscreen rubber squeegee were used.
]]>Silkscreens, molds, and cutters are fun tools to aid in your polymer clay sculpting. Here you learn how to cover a glass stash jar to make a house for the fairies, and yes it can go outside!
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Here's the classic fairy door mold we used!
]]>Cindi uses these CreateAlong.com products in this tutorial:
Lisa Pavelka Butterfly Cutter Set
]]>Carla uses these CreateAlong cutters for these earrings:
Like this tutorial? PIN IT and share it with others!
]]>Not yet a subscriber to the CreateAlong Box? Don't miss the next one! Subscribe now!
Try them both and share your projects in our Polymer Clay Tribe Facebook Group and in our NEW Polymer Clay Community! And PIN THEM and share with others!
]]>Create Along with Rose McFadden and learn how to brush paint a lovely floral pattern to create a polymer clay slab.
Then, use any of our coordinated open clay cutter sets to make clay earrings, pendants, and more with your beautiful pattern! This is why CreateAlong focuses on cutters that are not "outline shapes" so that you can exercise more creativity with your own designs :) Find our drop and dangle shape sets here.
Find this Make it Monday tutorial HERE.
Find this Make it Monday tutorial HERE.
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