Initial Makin's® Clay Book

I think Makin's® Clay is one of the most versatile products....the possibilities for using it seem almost endless. 

I love notebooks of all kinds so I thought I would make a little one with a clay cover....

This is a quick and easy project and you can use Makin's® Texture Sheets or Rubber Stamps like I did....

I rolled out some white clay to about 1/8".

 

I placed my notebook on top of the clay and used the clay cutter to trim the clay to the size needed.

 

Then I glued the clay onto the cover, when doing this be sure to be generous with the glue and secure the edges securely....wipe excess with baby wipe if needed.

 

I used my EZ-De's 2" Flourish Alphabet Stamp Set to make the initial impression.  

Then I stamped around the initial with one of  my 2" Square Faux Quilting  Stamps from Unity Stamp Company.

 

Continue until you like the design.

 

Then I turned over the notebook to trim away the excess clay.

 

I used my Crafter's Ink from Clearsnap to add color to the clay....

 

I liked the multicolor effect up close but really did not like it from a distance.....

So I went over the colors again with just the Berry color which gave the entire notebook more depth....

A quick and easy Makin's® Clay project....give it a try!

Makin's Clay® Mixed-Media Topiary Class

Makin's Clay® attended the recent Craft and Hobby Association show in Anaheim, CA.  Along with sharing our products with attendees in our booth via product displays, project samples, and make & takes, we hosted a Mixed-Media Topiary Class.

Ann Butler & Cindi Bisson shared the broad range of applications of Makin's Clay® and Makin's Brand® products with attendees, while teaching them a new Graffiti Clay technique to decorate their topiary pots.

Our thanks to Smoothfoam, Darice, May Arts Ribbon, Beacon Adhesives, Earth Safe Finishes, Westcott, FM Brush, and KellyCraft Innovations for their support of our workshop by donating product.   Special thanks to Lisa Rojas for her assistance in setting up and cleaning up after the workshop.

Makin’s Clay® Mixed-Media “Graffiti” Topiary 

Sponsored by Makin’s Clay®

Designed by Ann Butler & Cindi Bisson 

Materials: 

Makin’s Clay® (www.makinsclay.com) 

Makin’s Brand® Clay Cutters, Clay Roller, Wavy Cutter 

Makin’s Professional® Ultimate Clay Extruder

Makin’s Professional® Ultimate Clay Machine® (optional) 

Smoothfoam™ Cubes, Balls (www.smoothfoam.com)

Darice® paper mache pot, Spanish moss (www.darice.com) 

EarthSafe Finishes Iridescents™ by Ann Butler Designs™ (www.earthsafefinishes.com) 

Ann Butler Designs™ EZ-De’s™ stamps & alphabet by KellyCraft™ (www.kellycraftinnovations.com) 

Beacon Adhesives® Tacky Glue (www.beaconadhesives.com) 

Westcott® Scissors (www.westcottbrand.com) 

May Arts® Ribbon (www.mayarts.com) 

FM paintbrush (www.fmbrush.com)

Wooden skewer, craft knife 

Instructions: 

Paint cube with Iridescents™ and let dry. 

Remove Makin’s Clay®  from packaging.  Place excess clay in zip-lock baggy with damp paper towel.  Roll clay to approximately 1/8” thick.

Stamp monogram 4 times onto rolled clay, allowing space around each letter to cut a square approximately 2 1/2” x 2 1/2”. 

Use wavy cutter to cut square around monograms.  

Paint letter indentation with Iridescents™.  

Mount monogram letters to four sides of cube using Beacon Adhesives glue. 

To create graffiti clay, roll clay to approximately 1/8” thick.  

Extrude thin strands of clay in 2-3 colors of choice using Makin’s Professional® Ultimate Clay Extruder.  Create a freeform design on the rolled clay with extruded pieces (flowers, swirls, letters, zig-zag, stripes, etc...) allowing some strands to overlap.  Press strands just enough to adhere to base clay.  Roll clay again (if using Ultimate Clay Machine®, begin by rolling on a 1, then on a 3, then on a 5) to embed the extruded strands into the base clay, creating a effect similar to graffiti on a wall. 

Cut piece of clay to cover sides of Darice paper mache pot, with about 1/2” folded to cover inside top rim of pot, and overlap on base of pot.  Mount, pressing base to flatten clay.  

Cut Smoothfoam™ ball in half, mount inside bottom of pot. 

Using a dab of glue at beginning and end, wrap skewer with May Arts® ribbon.  

Place skewer into ball, place cube onto top of skewer.

Add Spanish moss to cover base. 

Makin's Clay® Leaves Push Mold

By now you must realize my favorite Makin's Clay®  push mold is the "Leaves" one.  I use it for so many projects so I thought I would share a photo of the mold here for you.....

I used the "Leaves" push mold for the Makin's Clay® Napkin Rings and Candle Sleeve posted earlier this month.  I also used it to create the Fall Clay Wreath and Clay Mask in October.  This is just one of the many push molds that are available from Makin's Clay® so check out the great selection as they are all just as versatile as my favorite one!

Makin's® Clay Name Card Holder

This Name Card Holder was create for Makin's Clay by Dorothy Chan



It is a great use of many of the Makin's Brand Tools you can find complete instructions with step out photos here!

Candle Luminaries

The Makin's Clay® website is a great resource for projects featuring Makin's Clay® and Makin's Brand® Tools.  I love these candle luminaries which are shown with instructions on the Makin's Clay® Netherlands website - Even if you don't speak the language - the step-out photos guide you through her creative process - Cindi

http://www.makinsclay.com/Netherlands/dutch/pg/tech_detail/tech_detail_a11.html

Bluebird of Happiness Magnet or Pin

Spring is finally arriving around the country and what better way to celebrate than with a Bluebird of Happiness magnet or pin to brighten someone's day.   - Cindi Bisson

Materials:

120 gram Multi-Color pack of Makin’s Clay®
Makin’s Clay® Heart Cutters - #36007
Makin’s Clay® Dove Cutters - #38012
Makin’s Clay® Leaves Push Mold - #39001
Makin’s Clay® Texture Sheets Set D - #38004
Magnet or pin back
Makin’s Clay® Roller
Craft glue
Jacquard® Pearl-Ex Pigment Powder
Non-stick surface for rolling clay, small paintbrush, baby wipes, paper towels, small scissors, small ziplock bags for storage of unused clay with damp paper towel

Instructions:

Remove individually wrapped colors from multi-color pack of clay.    Open red clay.  Makin’s® is ready to use directly from the package - no conditioning necessary.  Cut large heart from textured clay using largest square cutter from set.  Set aside. 

On non-stick surface, use clay roller to roll red clay to approximately 1/8” thickness.   Place texture sheet over rolled clay.  Lightly press with hands or roller to transfer texture to clay.

Open green clay.  For leaf, gently press enough green clay directly into selected leaf on push mold. Remove leaf from mold.  Set aside.

Open blue clay.  For bluebird, on non-stick surface, use clay roller to roll blue clay to approximately 1/8” thickness.  Place “wood grain texture sheet horizontally over rolled clay, lightly press with hands or roller to transfer texture to rolled clay. Use cutter to make large dove from blue textured clay. 

Open red and yellow clay.  Creating custom colors is simple with Makin’s Clay®.  Two or more colors of clay blend together directly for a new shade, or paints can be added to alter colors.  Blend 1 small ball (approximately 1/4”) of each yellow and red clay to create orange.  

On non-stick surface, use clay roller to roll red clay to approximately 1/8” thickness.  Place “wood grain texture sheet horizontally over rolled clay, lightly press with hands or roller to transfer texture to rolled clay.   Use scissors to cut oval shape to fit over belly/chest area of bluebird.  Place directly onto bluebird.  Wet clay sticks to wet clay, no additional adhesive is required.  Roll tiny ball of yellow clay and add as eye to bird.

Use small paint brush to lightly dust heart and bluebird with Pearl-Ex pigment powder for added shimmer.  Layer pieces as desired, adhere with craft glue.  Mount magnet or pin back to back.  Let dry.

Stamped Clay Beads - Tutorial Video from Cindi Bisson featuring Makin's Clay®

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSxaYkEoVIo

Cindi Bisson is sharing a simple technique for creating unique stamped clay beads using Makin's Clay® and Makin's Brand® tools. Makin's Clay® is perfect for these beads as it remains lightweight and flexible when dry. Find out how to create your own stamped tube beads here in this episode of Creatively Crafty with Cindi Bisson -

Think Spring with Makin's® Clay

Check out this "Springtime" project created by Dorthy Chan......



It is absolutely adorable and complete instructions plus step out photos are available by clicking here on the Makin's ® Clay Web Site.

Sponsorship for UK Workshop

Makin's® Clay was happy to sponsor a workshop recently for Polymer Pamper Play in the UK.


Makin's® Bags filled with goodies were waiting for the students upon arrival



Pictured here are the students who attended the workshop.


The students are working on their projects.


Amanda Ellis and Nadege Honey were the happy winners of Makin's® Extruders!

Clay Buttons so easy!

Pictured above is a Mixed Media Art Quilt I created for a demo-nar I taught at the CHA Winter Show in January.  The buttons on the left side of the quilt were made from Makin's Clay® oh  so simply.....I rolled out white clay to about 1/4" thickness then used my new line of stamps from Unity Stamp Company to create an impression.  Then I used the Makin's® Circle Cutters to cut the to the size I wanted, I used a tooth pick to create the holes and let them dry.  After creating the ART Quilt I inked up the Makin's Clay® buttons and sewed them in place, they were the perfect accent to this ART Quilt.  Then use the Velcro® Brand Removable Picture Hangers to hang your ART Quilt if desired.

Makin's Clay® Memory Frames

Makin's Clay® has these great Memory Frames

which make a perfect gift....

While this project is not complete....

I want to show you how the process

and how Velcro Brand Adhesive makes it easy to finish

when the time is right!

There are several Memory Frames to choose from

for this one I choose the Double Turning Frame

Each kit comes with a package of 

Makin's® No Bake Polymer Clay

so that you are able to capture

a foot print, hand print or 

to create something for the frame.

I rolled out the clay.

I used footprint rubber stamps

to create temporary footprints

for the Memory Frame,

I will take the real foot impressions

when my grandson about 3 months old

and his feet are  a bit stonger

to be pressed for a good impression.

These are small so there is enough left over clay

to use for the real foot impressions,

just be sure to keep the left over clay in a 

zip lock bag to keep it from drying out. 

Let these dry completely 

which can take about 48 hours 

depending upon thickness.

Once dry I used Velcro Brand Press and Close Fasteners

on the back of the clay impressions.

and also on the fabric which I used as a backdrop

in the frame.   By using the Velcro 

it will be easy to change out the 

rubber stamped impressions for 

the real ones once they are made!

Here are two sides of the frame,

if you follow my blog you may recognize

that the lettering and background

match the curtains and boarder

I made for the nursery ...

The letters here were made from left over

Donald Duck pictures I had.

Here is another way the frame can look,

the picture side is not finished yet,

since it in a shadow box, I want to find

a small Donald Duck to put in there at the

bottom to go with the theme of 

the nursery.

Here is another way the frame can go,

of course the real footprints

will take up a bit more room than these

which will fill up this side of the shadow box better.

Here is another way the frame can go.

This photo shows how easy it is

for the frame to turn.

These make great gifts....

check them out!

Quick and Easy Clay Beads

Create chunky beads for jewelry easliy with Makin's Clay® by rolling clay into logs the thickness you want and placing a skewer (or large tapestry needle) through the center, let set for a couple hours and pull the skewer out, let clay dry completely.  Then apply inks in the colors of your choice and slice the logs into desired length to create your jewelry.....so quick and easy!

Makin's Clay® How to Video "Clay Pins"

Create quick and easy pins with Makin's Clay® see how easy with this how to video!

Blended Clay Flower Pot

My favorite technique with Makin's Clay® is my Blended Clay Technique as it can be used for so many things and always with wonderful results......

As you can see with this Flower Pot....again another quick and easy project with Makin's Clay®!

Be sure to share what your making with us on our Facebook Page we would love to see what your up to!

Springtime Headband

Headbands are so popular right now and the perfect accessory everyday.

This headband is made from 

Makin's ® No Bake Polymer Clay

As you can tell better from the above photo

the clay is blended; here you can see the 

pink to a shade of peach....

it is the same technique I used 

to make the Blended Postcards

pictured above...

directions for this technique can be found

by clicking here

I hope you enjoy this fun and easy Technique!

Remember March is

National Craft Month!

Take time to enjoy your favorite craft.

craft with friends, teach someone a craft

or learn a new craft;

you will be happy you did!

Makin's Clay® Coin Purse

Makin’s Clay® is truly the “ultimate” artists medium.  It can be used for jewelry, home décor, scrapbooking, fashion, and more.  Makin’s Clay® can be textured, molded, stamped, die cut, punched, cut with scissors, sanded, drilled, painted, sewn, and more.  Amazing colors can be created by blending clays, or by mixing in artist grade acrylic or oil paints, pigment powders, and more. One of the most unique properties of Makin’s Clay® is that it remains lightweight and flexible after drying.    Today we are sharing instructions for making a coin purse using Makin's Clay® and Makin's Brand® tools.

Designed by Cindi Bisson - Behind These Eyes™

Materials:

120g package Terra Cotta Makin’s Clay®
Makin’s Clay® – Ultimate Clay Machine TM #35054
Makin’s Clay® Cutter wheel & hand roller from Roller & Cutters Set TM #35001
Makin’s Clay® Sand Texture Sheet – Makin’s Texture Sheet Set A TM #38001
Makin’s® Pinking decorative edge scissors
Non-stick surface
Rubber stamps – Cat and verse stamps designed by Cindi Bisson
Stewart Superior Noir Black Palette inkpad
Earth Safe Finishes Copper Shimmer Opaque
Regular edge scissors
Paper trimmer
Embroidery needle
Fibers of choice
Crop-A-Dile punch or hand hole punching set
E-6000 Adhesive or any brand strong permanent adhesive
Black Sharpee marker or any brand black permanent marker with bullet tip
Krylon Matte Spray Finish
Magnetic closures
½” Wide faux “cheetah” print furry trim

Instructions:

Back of coin purse

Begin by using scissors to cut an approximately 2”x 3” piece of Makin’s Clay®.  This is approximately ½ a 120g package.   Remove from clear packaging.

Gently kneed in your hand to form a 5” tube of clay. 

Place 5” tube of clay onto Makin’s® Ultimate Clay Machine™ set on #5.  Roll clay through machine. 

Place rolled clay onto non-stick surface. 

Lay Makin’s® Texture Sheet™ over rolled sheet of clay.  (Sheets are double sided, debossed and embossed, just select which texture you want for this project).  Use Makin’s® Roller tool to gently apply pressure to Makin’s® Texture Sheet™ and transfer texture to clay. 

Gently lift one edge of texture sheet, while holding clay down with opposite hand, and peel off texture sheet.   Trim any excess clay around the transferred textured image using Makin’s® cutting tool.

Cut a 2nd piece of terra cotta Makin’s Clay® approximately 1” wide and roll into a 3-4” tube.   Adjust Makin’s® Ultimate Clay Machine™ to #6 and roll through clay.  Set on non-stick surface and allow to dry.

Allow rolled clay to dry for 12-24 hours.  24 Hours is recommended to assure clay is completely dry, but clay rolled this thin is workable in approximately 12 hours.

To create the coin purse, using a template if desired, or free cut, rectangular shape from dry sheet of textured clay using decorative edge scissors.  For this project, I used pinking edge scissors to cut a 4”x6” rectangle.

Fold down top (4”) edge of clay approximately 1” to create fold-over cover.  Fold bottom section of clay up to meet fold line for cover.

Fold flat again.  For added pizzazz and iridescence, use your fingertip or a paintbrush to apply a thin layer of Earth Safe Finishes Copper Shimmer Opaque over entire textured surface of clay.  Allow to dry for approximately 5 minutes.

Refold purse to closed position. Use smaller hole punch (3/16”) of a Crop-A-Dile to punch a row of holes along both outside edges of coin purse.   Holes should be approximately ¼” apart.

Thread an embroidery needle with fibers of choice.  Tie a small knot at one end of threaded fibers.   Begin on bottom hole on one side of coin purse, and using an over/under stitch, stitch side through punched holes.   Tie off using knot at end.  Repeat on 2nd edge. 

Ink stamps with permanent black ink.  Stamp onto smooth sheet of clay.  Allow to dry for approximately 1 minute.

Use scissors or paper trimmer to closely crop stamped images into square and rectangular shapes.  For this project, I used the pinking scissors on two edges for added interest. 

Using a black permanent marker, apply a thin black border around outside edges of stamped pieces. 

Using a strong permanent adhesive, mount stamped verse to folded over cover portion of coin purse.  Mount stamped cat image to left side of front of coin purse.  Allow to dry.

Cut strips of furry faux cheetah trim to same width as coin purse.  For added strength at fold lines, use E-6000 adhesive to mount strips of fur trim over fold lines.  Let dry.

To ensure your coin purse stays closed in your purse, use a strong permanent adhesive to add magnetic closures to the inside cover/flap.

If desired, spray finished project with a clear sealant such as Krylon Matte Spray.

Makin’s®  Push Molds are perfect to make embellishments for your coin purse or other artwork.  For

this pink coin purse, white and bright pink clays were blended using the Skinner Blend method, then rolled and textured.  The floral embellishments were made with the Makin’s® Florals (#39005) push mold.  Once dry, the finished flowers were coated with Earth Safe Finishes Shimmer Opaque.  Other embellishments such as covered chipboard accents, faux flowers, gemstones, and more also work well.  The monogram coin purse features 2 shades of clay blended, texturing, and Shimmer Opaque.  A covered chipboard monogram colored with alcohol inks, then sealed with a clear lacquer serves as the accent.  The third sample is blended clay, textured, also with Shimmer Opaque, with a faux flower embellishment.