See How to Make Rose Petal Using Creative Medium

by Kyriakos Pachadiroglou

See How to Make Rose Petal Using Creative Medium

Working with the Creative Medium on some of my crafting projects, I noticed how it shows when it gets dry on the craft mat. Combining the nonstick feature of Imagine’s Craft Mat with the elasticity of the Creative Medium, I thought it could create a new kind of project–rose petals! Leaving a thick coat of the Creative Medium on the Craft Mat, it gives you a material for dimensional creation. The roses crafted with it can be part of the decoration on a festive table, attached on gift boxes, gifted as they are, or be an inspiration to use on various craft projects. The Creative Medium can be also mixed with different inks to make multiple colors of flowers.

Skill: Advance
Time: 1 hour + drying time

Directions


Step 1

Use a palette knife to lay a thick layer of Creative Medium on the Craft Mat making circles. Let the Creative Medium dry well. For each rose, you will need 7 circles to create the petals.


Step 2

When the Creative Medium dries, remove the circles and start rolling one to make the center of the rose.


Step 3

Continue by attaching more circles forming them to petals. Note that you may need to trim around a bit the circles if the Creative Medium is not spread nicely on the craft mat.


Step 4

While you attach more petals, bend the edges a bit and hold them to keep the shape of the petal. The Creative Medium is sticky enough to keep the petals together with no need of extra glue.


Step 5

Press the branches on the VersaMark inkpad, cover with Imagine’s Embossing Powder in Gold and heat set.


Step 6

Cut small pieces of the florist brown tape and trim the edges to form triangles.


Step 7

Press lightly the branch in the rose, secure with hot glue and cover with the trimmed tape. Add more tape around them for a better presentation.


Step 8

Color the fabric roses with the VersaFine Clair Chanti ink pad and then distress them with the irRESISTible Pico Embellisher in Gold. When they dry, glue them on the branches.

 

Supplies

Imagine
Other
  • Thin branches
  • Faux/fabric rose leaves
  • Florist brown tape
  • Scissors
  • Hot glue gun

Learn to Make a Pendant from Clay

by Iris Rodriguez

Learn to Make a Pendant from Clay

Making your own jewelry can be so rewarding. You get to make fun and exciting creations, express yourself and make a statement. Making beads out of polymer clay is a great way to get started or simply experiment and see if you like it. The beads can be stamped, colored, and even embossed. For this project, I made a round, dome-shaped bead, stamped it and embossed with silver embossing powder.

Skill: Intermediate
Time: 30 minutes + baking time according to clay manufacturer instructions

Directions


Step 1

Set out your mat. Ceramic, glass or special mats like Polyform’s Sculpey Make ‘N Bake Mat surfaces work best when working with clay.


Step 2

Begin by conditioning the clay with a clay roller, or pasta machine. When first taking the clay out of the package, roll the clay a few times in order to soften it. If it cracks when running it through the pasta machine or roller; this means that it’s not conditioned. So continue to condition. If using a pasta machine, roll one sheet of clay to the third thickest setting. If using a roller, aim for 1/16 inch thickness. Place stamp over the clay, press firmly into the clay with your fingers or clay roller.


Step 3

Remove stamp. Ensure you get a deep indentation so that you have good dimension.


Step 4

Using the Premo Sculpey Circle cutters, cut out the clay. Use the second largest cutter from the set.


Step 5

Prepare the pendant for baking. In order to get a dome shape, place the clay over a rounded object, like a burned out light bulb or the round edge of a ceramic bowl. Bake the clay according to the manufacturer’s instructions on the package.


Step 6

While the clay is baking, prepare the bail. Using the Premo Sculpey Circle cutters, cut out a circle. Use the second smallest cutter from the set. Then use the smallest cutter and cut out tiny slices off on opposite sides of each other.


Step 7

After the clay cures, roll out a small sheet of clay to the 4th thickest setting in the pasta machine. Spread a little bit of liquid clay on the back of the bead. The liquid clay adheres the clay to each other. Adhere the newly rolled out sheet of clay. Cut out the excess with a precision knife. Texture the back. This is in case, the bead flips while you are wearing it and it will still look fabulous. Add a couple of drops of liquid clay to the bail and adhere to the bead. Before doing so, lay down a piece of wire, so that it bakes with an opening. This is where the cord will go through. Bake the bead according to the manufacturer’s instructions on the package.


Step 8

Ink the raised areas with the VersaMark ink. Add embossing powder in Silver. The clay tends to attract the embossing powder so it will want to go into the non-inked area. Use a liner brush to remove the embossing powder from the crevices.


Step 9

Heat set the embossing powder, just like you would on paper. The clay will tend to get a little soft with the heat. Let cool off, do not touch and risk distorting it. The clay will harden again. Seal the bead with Sculpey Gloss Glaze. It is very important to seal the clay. It protects the embossing powder and clay. Add the leather or cotton cord and clasp. Now you have a necklace to add to your wardrobe.

Supplies

Imagine
Other
  • Polyform – Sculpey Souffle Clay in Poppy Seed, Gloss Glaze, Graduated Cutter Circle Set
  • Lightbulb
  • Rubber Stamp
  • Leather or Cotton Cord
  • Jewelry Hardware: jump ring, clasp, needle nose pliers
  • Ceramic tile, crafting glass, or Sculpey Work ‘N Bake Clay Mat

Create a Happy Birthday Card with Fireworks Craft Spray

by Elina Stromberg

Create a Happy Birthday Card with Fireworks Craft Spray

Heat embossing is a fun way to add dimension, texture, and shimmer to just about any paper craft project. With this technique, you can easily give an elegant look to stamped images, sentiments, or backgrounds. In heat embossing images are stamped using an embossing ink i.e. ink that is slow drying and enough sticky to hold the embossing powder. Then embossing powder is sprinkled over the stamped image, the excess is tapped off, and a heat gun is used for melting the embossing powder. Watching the powder melt into a stunning image is like magic on paper!

Today I’m showing you an alternative way to include embossed elements on your project. In this technique you will not be using stamps and embossing ink but die-cut patterns and two-sided tape. Let me show you how:

Skill: Beginner
Time: 1 hour

Directions


Step 1

Cut the card front to the desired size. Die-cut the image you want to heat emboss. You can use various types of dies: background patterns, sentiments, single floral elements, swirls – basically any design will work. Cover the back of the die-cut card front with two-sided tape, and place on a solid color background paper.


Step 2

Place the card over scrap paper. Pour embossing powder over the die-cut image, completely covering it. Lift and gently tap the card for the extra powder to fall to scrap paper. Return extra powder to the jar.


Step 3

Heat the image with the heat gun. The glue on the two-sided tape will partly melt, too, giving the embossed finish a special grainy and textured look.


Step 4

Cut card front to size. Pour a drop of Fireworks spray paint on craft mat and use as the watercolor to color the card. You can paint over the embossed areas as melted embossing powder will resist watercolor. Mat card on the card base. Stamp sentiment. Using the same technique, I also made two small ATC cards. I think they look pretty cool, too!

Supplies

Imagine

Other

  • Sizzix – Pattern dies
  • Two-sided tape
  • Heat gun
  • Stampin’Up – ‘Birthday Blossoms’ Sentiment stamp
  • Studio Calico – Phrase stickers
  • Watercolor paper
  • White card base
  • Cardstock – dark pink, black

Learn How To Make Three Unique Bowls

by Iris Rodriguez

Learn How To Make Three Unique Bowls

Ink is not just for paper. You can use it on fabric, metal and more specifically Polyform clay. You can use inks to transform polymer clay projects into a wide variety of pieces. Use ink to simply color your clays projects, use with stamps to add designs, or blend it into the clay to create a new color clay. For this project, I create three different bowls using Sculpey Souffle clay with VesaMagic Dew Drop and StazOn inks and demonstrate several techniques when using inks. Hope I pique your interest and give these projects a try.

Skill: Advanced
Time: 1 hour per bowl; baking time according to clay manufacturer instructions

Directions

Making the Round Yellow and Purple Bowl


Step 1

Ceramic, glass or specially made mat like Polyform’s Sculpey Make ‘n Bake Mat surfaces work best when working with clay.


Step 2

Before starting, determine bowl size. Use a template or a real bowl as a guide. This will help to determine how much clay you will need. For this bowl, use the Canary Sculpey Souffle clay.
Begin by conditioning the clay with a clay roller, or pasta machine. When first taking the clay out of the package, roll the clay a few times in order to soften it. If it cracks when running it through the pasta machine or roller; this means that it’s not conditioned. So continue to condition. If using a pasta machine, roll out two sheets of clay to the third thickest setting. If using a roller, aim for ~¼ inch thickness. Ensure that the sheet is big enough for desired bowl size. Place one sheet over the other sheet, roll the clay roller over the sheets; this allows them to stick together and avoids bubbles.


Step 3

Place a long string in a random fashion on top of the clay.


Step 4

Squish the string with an acrylic block or tile. Avoid using your fingers to push in the string, as you’ll get fingerprints and finger indentations on the clay.


Step 5

Pounce the Purple Hydrangea VersaMagic Dew Drop ink.


Step 6

Remove the string.


Step 7

Place a bowl or template over the clay, cut the excess clay.


Step 8

Smooth out the outer edge (or what will be the bowl’s rim) with your fingers or clay tool. Color the outer edge with the Purple Hydrangea VersaMagic Dew Drop ink.


Step 9

Place the clay bowl into a real bowl and bake according to the manufacturer’s instructions on the package. The clay bowl will take on the shape of the real bowl.


Step 10

Seal the clay bowl with Polyform Sculpey Gloss Glaze.


Making the Square Teal and Red Bowl


Step 1

Following the same instructions in Step 2 above. Determine bowl size. For this bowl blend 2/3 Sea Glass Sculpey Souffle clay and 1/3 Igloo Sculpey Souffle, to lighten it up a little. Roll out one sheet to the third thickest setting or ~1/16 inch if using a clay roller.


Step 2

Ink a large background stamp or clay texture stamp with Claret StazOn ink.


Step 3

Stamp into the clay. Press firmly with your fingers. Cut out holes with a cutter or use the cap of a pen.


Step 4

Following the same instructions in Step 2. Roll out one sheet of the Cherry Pie Sculpey Souffle clay to the third thickest setting or ~1/16 inch if using a clay roller. Place the Cherry Pie clay sheet under the Sea Glass sheet. Roll the clay roller over the sheets; this allows them to stick together and avoids bubbles.


Step 5

Cut the excess clay. Place the clay bowl into a real bowl and bake according to the manufacturer’s instructions on the package. The clay bowl will take on the shape of the real bowl.


Making the Oval Blue and Green Bowl


Step 1

Following the same instructions in Step 2. For this bowl use the Igloo Sculpey Souffle clay. Roll out two sheets to the third thickest setting or ~1/4 inch if using a clay roller. Place one sheet over the other sheet, roll the clay roller over the sheets; this allows them to stick together and avoids bubbles. Pounce on the Spanish Olive and Aegean Blue VersaMagic DewDrop inks onto a rubber stamp.


Step 2

Stamp into the clay. Press firmly with your fingers.


Step 3

Add interest to the edges with some markings. For this bowl, I inked a wooden clay tool with the Aegean Blue VersaMagic Dew Drop ink and pressed it onto the edges.


Step 4

For this bowl, I wanted a sort of uneven edges. I placed the clay bowl in a real bowl and lined the sides with aluminum foil, giving it ruffled like shape. Bake according to the manufacturer’s instructions on the package. The clay bowl will take on the shape of the real bowl. Dealing with backs of the bowls. I like to stamp textures or images stamp to backs of them, but not add color. It is very important to seal the bowls. Sculpey’s Gloss Glaze works great for sealing the bowls. Sealing clay projects helps to protect the ink and clay, makes it look lively and purposely finished.

Supplies

Imagine
Other
  • Polyform – Sculpey Souffle Clay – Sea Glass, Igloo, Canary, Cherry Pie
  • Polyform – Sculpey Essential Tool Kit
  • Polyform – Sculpey Gloss Glaze
  • Ceramic or Glass Bowls
  • Rubber Stamps
  • Ceramic tile, crafting glass, or Sculpey Work ‘n Bake Clay Mat
  • Hemp string
  • Exacto knife

Create a Beautiful Marbled Effect with Waffle Flower Stamps

by Roni Johnson

Create a Beautiful Marbled Effect with Waffle Flower Stamps

Red Sangria…brings to mind a deep rich red with swirls of light and dark from the various fruits floating in its depths. When I found out that’s what the color of the month was for August I instantly knew I wanted to try to re-create that luscious color kaleidoscope. I think that this faux marble technique is just the ticket. In this project, I have created Artist Trading Coins and a holiday or Christmas card. This inky marbled paper background can be used in multiple papercraft projects.

Skill: Intermediate
Time: 30-60 minutes + Dry Time

Directions


Step 1

For this technique to work you must use bristol cardstock. Regular cardstock will soak up the ink too fast and won’t create the depth and texture needed for this technique to be a success. Add a few drops of Rose Pink All Purpose Ink into a mini squeeze bottle with a microtip. Add one drop of Ink Potion No.9 solution to the bottle. Give it a quick shake to mix it up.


Step 2

Apply several drops of the mixture onto a piece of bristol cardstock; smoosh the ink around with an acrylic stamping block and let dry.


Step 3

Add one or two drops of Thistle All-Purpose Ink to the existing mix and give it a shake to integrate the new color.


Step 4

Sprinkle several dots of the current mixture over the cardstock and smoosh it with the block; allow inks to dry.


Step 5

Next, add 2 drops of Red Delicious All-Purpose Ink to the mix and shake.


Step 6

Sprinkle dots of the mix over the cardstock; smoosh and let dry.


Step 7

Continue to add 2 drops of Poppy Red All-Purpose Ink; mix, sprinkle & smoosh. Then add 2 drops of Wisteria All-Purpose Ink, mix, sprinkle & smoosh. Each layer of ink you add will create more and more depth of color and “texture”. Finally, add one drop of Real Black All-Purpose Ink to the remaining ink mixture and sprinkle just a few drops over the piece; smoosh with the acrylic block and let dry.


Step 8

Arrange marble stamps on a stamping press and ink with Golden Glitz Delicata Ink. Close the press and stamp the inked panel. Repeat as necessary to get a good image.


Step 9

Reposition the inked panel and stamp until the entire panel has been stamped with the marble texture stamps. You will be left with a beautiful deep rich red sangria marbled cardstock ready to spice up any project.

Once you have created this beautiful inky backdrop then get creative on collage themes like this in the photo above. I cut out the image of a woman and the word “queen” to make this piece.

For this holiday card, I have used the inky paper to create two panels that open in a double door style card.

Supplies

Imagine
Other
  • Bristol Cardstock
  • Acrylic Block
  • Waffle Flower – Layering Marble Stamp Set
  • Joy Clair – Rustic Christmas, Rustic Sentiments
  • Cardstock – Black, White
  • Southern Blackberry Design – collage images
  • Queen’s Dresser Drawers – Collage images
  • Dymo Label Maker
  • Mica
  • Vintage Ephemera
  • Misti Stamping Tool

Learn to Create a Mixed Media Halloween Project

by Kassy Tousignant

Learn to Create a Mixed Media Halloween Project

I admit Halloween is my favorite holiday.  I couldn’t let this year pass by without making at least one project!  Let me just tell you that the irresistible colored texture spray in Love Letter makes THE BEST blood splatter for all of your Halloween decorating needs.  From stamping a great skull background in VersaFine Clair to creating interesting and wonderful texture and color with Creative Medium and the iRESISTible line, you have everything you need to create excellent mixed media projects.

Skill: Advanced
Time:

Directions

 

Supplies

Imagine
Other
  • Gold thread
  • Clear glass glitter
  • Prima – black gesso, paper flowers, resin frame, clay moulds
  • Tim Holtz – Burlap canvas board, metal owl and spider
  • Carabelle Studio – skull background stamp
  • Used tea bag
  • Daler Rowney – white gesso