Polymer Tags

Hi Everyone
My mini project this week is a polymer gift tag. I've made these tags a few times and they add a lovely touch to a gift or used as a label tag. I'm hoping to use the idea to make label tags for a planned jewellery workshop. I'm not sure exactly what I want the tag to say but I think it could be the title of the workshop project ? I will play around with a few words and decide on the size of the tag I need.
I have some metal letter stamps which I use for the job and the size of the letters combined with the length of the words will dictate the size of my tag. I find short words work well - the tags can get much too big with longer words and phrases.



I came across this particular version of the polymer tag on Pinterest and it comes with a great tutorial. I've added it to my Tutorial Board on Pinterest. The lettering stamps are smaller which allows for more flexibility in the tutorial. However, I'm stuck with what I've got so I will work with it.

Here is a link to tutorial Check out details


I want to make some round versions in a range of colours - I've added a few words to the round shape above to illustrate my idea. The words I've included are probably too many and my thinking will be to add a paper version as above and find a great word for the polymer tag - something inspirational. The heart shaped tag would come in handy if you need to send a Valentine gift - maybe I need one myself !!

Have a great weekend, thanks for reading.

Imitation Game

Hi Everyone
Thursday's are about my Imitation Game series and the current project is making beads inspired by some lovely work from Jayne Flannigan as well as a dress fabric by Victoria Beckham (see below).



I've done very little clay work towards my project this week (other commitments taken over) but I've sourced the colours and mixed the clay. I've also decided on the individual shapes of the beads and that the first item will definitely be a necklace. I'm using the circle and half circle shapes as my starting point.

I need to experiment with the thickness of the beads and how I want to thread through the beads. However, I will use a navy silk bow to tie the necklace at the neck, I've been waiting for a project that would incorporate the fabric bow idea for some time. I think, I'll try out a number of sizes for the necklace. I'm a little wary of very large beads but think in this piece that's what's required - not sure at this stage - how large to go ?

I know I want to use a crisp cut line for the clay which will require a cutter and I suspect the size of my cutters will determine the size of the beads. I've been thinking about using a large aspirin style bead or making a hollow lentil bead. My experiments will need to direct me. I've dedicated an hour of my day so will move things on later.

Thanks for reading.

Making Moulds (1)

Hi Everyone
Wednesday's are reserved for my technique/tools spot and today, Im making small silicon moulds for polymer clay charms.
I have a commission job to make some small charms for a kids sale in a few weeks and am playing around with some new ideas.
I've seen a great little cupcake charm which would be good for the job. I've settled on that as my starting idea.



My final item needs to be very small (smaller than the version Im using as inspiration) and will attach to a short silver chain. I did consider buying a mould for the job but couldn't find one small enough. My solution is to make an original and create a mould for the base of the tiny cupcake. It's more difficult than you imagine ! However, I always find the hard way !

I wanted to create a little cupcake case shape and make a few to choose the best. I'm still not totally happy with my shape so may change the original. The silicon mould is a 2 part mix job - very simply mix the 2 separate coloured substances and mould around the shape. The whole thing is very quick and works great. However, I made the mistake of trying to pack as many trial cupcake bases into the silicon as I could and have managed to squish the shapes inside the mould. The replica bases have come out slightly damaged and I need to make another mould. I will make just one mould this time and resist lots of fiddling. Most of the issues in this project are to do with the size. However, I will get there !

Here are a few photos of the mould development and original shapes.


After the silicon had set, I needed to trim the edges of the mould spaces; it's a fiddly job but necessary to get the new shape out of the mould without distorting the shape.
The pink shape is the new base and as you can see - it's OK but there are some imperfections and the whole point is to make a precise shape (quickly) I did wonder if the indent lines on the base would show ? - they do show but I'm wondering if they should be more fluted and swirl around the base ? I will try another shape and compare.


The development of the cupcake is limited (so far) - with only half the cake (almost) developed. I will work on the project later today and share the results in the next instalment. I will be using another tool for the next bit, so great to share again.

Thanks for reading.

Introducing Bella

Hi Everyone
Today, Bella has arrived on the blog and has signed up to the Making Stuff Project (go back to the last few Tuesday's to get more information on my Making Stuff Project).

Bella is a virtual student maker on the programme. She will embark on her first making project today and has chosen the Doughnut Necklace Project. She was attracted to this particular project by seeing examples of final necklace options (linked to the project information). Each necklace uses the same bead development but with different finishing styles and threading options.



This necklace is an introduction level project which should take around 3 hours to complete. I will be describing how Bella manages her way through the project. I hope to follow her progress and capture each detail in order to share her experiences - good and bad.

The first stage is to get the project details and acquire the equipment and materials. Here is a little background about Bella and her specific circumstances. Bella lives in a rural village and attends a High School in the market town of Morpeth, Northumberland. She has seen an opportunity to get involved in the Making Project via the school website and thinks the project could help develop some new skills. Her daily timetable is full of exam subjects and there are no spare regular blocks of time to get involved in craft and making. However, the Making Stuff idea is to allow for flexibility and provide the support and resources necessary for each individual maker. Her plan is to get hold of the first project and manage herself through the project. If she needs extra support there will be access to online videos as well as photo tutorials. There is also a drop in support surgery on Tuesday's in the school X Room Workshops. A Facebook page is planned to support the project and will be a great place to share ideas and provide peer support.
Bella has ordered her Doughnut Project Kit as well as a Basic Tool Kit and a Curing Kit via thepapersac shop. She will pick up her order next Tuesday from the X Room Workshop.

Next Tuesday, I will be there to share the contents of her order as she opens it up.

Thanks for reading

Make Art Monday

Hi Everyone
Another weekend over (big sigh !) and we had a great time this weekend. It was a family birthday weekend - lots of very special meals and a few lovely days out with lots of little treats. I bought a watercolour painting class as a present (whole day and I got to go too ! ) on Friday - lovely. A class of very nice people and a tasty lunch. I was well out of my comfort zone !
Here is my effort.



Watercolour is not my thing and I do tend to struggle, however, I did enjoy the class and the whole day. I'm going to make one or two changes to the painting today - as my Make Art Monday piece. The lower brown hills in front of the high mountains need some attention. I won't do too much as its a 'place/stage' in my watercolour development but I would have changed the hills if time had permitted on the day.

Thanks for reading.