"Birch Bark & Roses" Bottles of Hope by Madeline Arendt

"Birch Bark & Roses" Bottles of Hope

Designed by Madeline Arendt 

In this post I will be sharing my version of what are called "Bottles of Hope" using Makin's Clay®, air dry polymer clay, instead of traditional oven bake polymer clay used to create these bottles.  These bottles were made while spending time with my children in the northwoods of Wisconsin. It has become a tradition to head up north after Christmas Day and celebrate the New Year together and enjoy all the beauty of the winter season along with a variety of  outdoor activities.

Note - Here is a bit more information about what Bottles of Hope are - Makin's Clay® is proud to have our designers supporting this worthy effort through the creation of Bottles of Hope featuring Makin's Clay®.  

Bottles of Hope are small glass bottles covered with polymer clay and given to cancer patients. They symbolize a wish and a hope for health.  This project was started in 1999 by a Rhode Island cancer survivor and has spread internationally. Bottles are made by artists, students, survivors, seniors and many more who volunteer their time and love.   Learn more about this worthwhile project, see a gallery of many creative bottles and more here on their website. 

Materials:


Makin's Clay® - White, Greens/Black
Makin's Clay® - Cutting Mat
Makin's Clay® Professional Clay Tool Kit
Makin's Clay® Roller
Makin's Clay® Clay Cutters - Hearts
Bottles
Paint - Brown, Bronze
Brush
Paper Towel
Ribbon (optional)
Thin Jute Cord
Flower Embellishments
Beacon™ Premium Tacky Glue

Instructions:

•  Roll out about 1/2 of the white Makin's Clay® on the white (non-stick side) of the mat to about 1/8" thickness or less.  NOTE: If making more then one bottle remix cut clay with more of the white clay and repeat process.

• Lay the bottle onto the clay and wrap it around the bottle.  Place the clay so that the ends meet on the surface of the bottle.
  

• Trim the clay away from the top and bottom of the bottle with the cutting knife.  Cut and trim the overlapping clay evenly.

              

• Using the roller, smooth the cut edges.  Finish by smoothing with your fingers.

• Press texture into the clay before drying.  NOTE: I used found pieces of birch bark to press into the clay for texture. (Madeline - we think this is a really neat idea!!!) 
• 
• Mix green and black clay together in any proportion desired.  Roll the clay to form one or more bottle stoppers.  Allow them to dry 24 hours.  NOTE: Makin's Clay® will shrink slightly, so make the stoppers snug to fit the bottles.
• Roll out the mixed green clay to about 1/16" thickness and use the heart clay cutters to cut shapes. Use a toothpick to create a hole it the larger hearts. Use the cutting knife to cut out letters to spell HOPE from the green mixed clay.  Allow all pieces to dry 24 hours.
  
• Brush a thin coat of brown paint over the clay on the bottles and wipe off quickly.  Repeat the process if necessary.
• Paint the green pieces of clay with the bronze paint.  Dry brush the bronze paint onto the clay on the bottles.
• Glue the cut letters onto the front of the bottle.  Add a small heart if desired.
• Thread jute in the holes of the hearts and tie onto the bottles.
• Glue a flower embellishment or another desired embellishment to the top of the stopper.

NOTE: A soft decorative ribbon can be glued to the surface of the stopper before adding a top embellishment. 

For lots more ideas featuring Makin's Clay® visit the Pinterest Boards here for inspiration.