"Kind Words" Tiled Memory Frame Kit by Madeline Arendt

It's been enjoyable and interesting working with Makin's Clay® products.  The Makin's® Memory Frame Kit™ was at first a challenge to create something a little different from its original purpose.  With the ease and versatility of the clay, along with the tools and other products available, ideas can be many.

Materials:

Makin's Clay® Memory Frame Kit™
Makin's Clay® - Earth Tones
Makin's® Tools - Roller, Blade Knife
Makin's® Cutter Set - Squares
Makin's® Texture Plates - Brick, Connectors, Cobblestone, Sand, Abstract B, Scale,Woodgrain
Makin's® Cutting Mat
Beacon™ Premium Tacky Glue
Metallic Powders
Brush

Instructions:

NOTE:  Each color of clay from the Earth Tone assortment was rolled out first. Then each was pressed onto a different texture sheet before being cut using the three different sizes of the square cutters. Each color created 3 large squares, 5-6 medium squares, 6 small squares.  The process of rolling out the clay, adding texture and cutting may have to be repeated to make all the clay tiles needed.  The scraps left from each color was combined and extra clay square tiles were made.

Roll out the clay onto the white side of the mat to approximately 1/16" thickness.

Press the clay onto the texture sheet; remove.

Use square cutters and cut the clay into various sized squares.  (Refer to NOTE above).

Allow the textured, cut squares to dry 24 hours.

Trim or sand edges of squares if necessary.

Brush the squares lightly with metallic powders of choice



Arrange the smallest squares onto the outside front edge of the frame as desired.

Lightly sand the surface of the frame with fine grit sandpaper.  NOTE: I sanded away some of the black on the edges of the frame. Wipe the sanded area with a damp paper towel to remove any powder left from sanding.

Brush on a coat of the tacky glue onto the frame; coat the back side of each small square with glue also and press into place.  Continue with the remaining small clay squares.

Sand the four outer edges of the frame lightly and wipe with a damp paper towel before adding the remaining clay squares. 

Fold four of the largest squares in half, carefully crease them.  Glue them onto the frame at the four corners.

Arrange the medium size squares into the remaining area of the frame; five squares for the top and bottom, seven for each side.

Add photos to each side of the frame as shown in my project, or arrange as a shadowbox as shown on Makin's® packaging and insert a special momento or keepsake into the open space behind the plexiglass on one side.

Optional Ideas:  Sponge paint the frame before adding the clay squares.  Finish with a coat of water-based varnish.