Paper Clay
Compliments of Else Tennessen
instructions for making paper clay:
Preparation - you need: paperclay (sold in craft stores), colorbox ink pad, rolling pin (or equivalent) knife, small dish of water, rubber or carved stamp, wood glaze, markers, liquitex hi gloss acrylic medium.
Step one - roll out paperclay to 1/4 inch thickness (i've gone down to 1/8 ", but it's tricky). you can roll out this stuff onto wax paper, with wax paper between clay and roller. make sure you knead it first.
Step two - stamp your image, pressing firming but gently, after inking stamp with a well-inked colorbox pad.
Step three - using a knife, trim around your design. after trimming, smooth out the edges of your piece using your finger dipped in water. don't over-wet.
Step four - bake according to package instructions. i use a toaster oven, checking the piece every 5 minutes or so. when it is dry looking and no longer squashy, it's done. remove from oven and let cool. if the piece seems damp after cooling, it is not completely baked. this is okay; simply let it air-dry overnight.
Step five - when completely dry, stain the piece with wood glaze. i use the kind sold in the bottled craft acrylic paint section of michaels. when the glaze is dry, color your details with markers. tombows work great.
Step six - after the markers and glaze are completely dry, varnish with the liquitex acrylic medium. then use the piece and enjoy!
Note: this paper clay piece in the image is approximately 3/16" thick.
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by Else Tennessen
