Tuesday, September 25, 2012

More Textures Using Trim

I got side tracked again, I signed up for a Journal Cover Swap so I spent the weekend working on the journal cover.  Finally came up with something I like.... wish I could show it to you but it will have to wait until after the swap.

Here is what I want to show you... how to use trim to create fun textures in clay.  I have tons of trim, I made pillows in a former life....

Click on the photos for a closer look.



First I conditioned the clay and ran it through the pasta machine on #1 setting.

I placed a strip of trim on the clay and ran i through the pasta machine. at first I was spritzing the clay with water for a release but discovered it wasn't needed.


Gently pull the trim from the clay.


I used my straight blade on one side and my wavy blade to trim off the excess clay on the other side. .


I highlighted the raised areas with PearlEx powder. .


The PearlEx gives it a nice shine ... no sanding needed.


Two samples from a narrow zigzag trim.


I used another woven trim for this one.


I used the pasta cutter that came with the pasta machine to trim the side, I like the sawtooth effect.  



I fit the strips that I trimmed with the wavy blade together.... kinda interesting... I might make a pendant with theses... and it would give me something to blog about tomorrow. 


All done..... thanks for stopping by. 


11 comments:

  1. I love this idea for textures! If I wasn't broke I think I'd run off to the nearest fabric shop for a few bits. I was distracted too with the journal cover swap. My cover is completed and now to focus on a commissioned piece that I have been procrastinating on for months. Commisions steal my muse and take her far far away.

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    1. Hi Vanessa,

      I have tons of trim and would be happy to send you some.... just email your address .

      BJ

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  2. These are fun, BJ... you will have me hunting through my poor, neglected notion drawers for suitable "impressibles" from my previous life as a seamstress!

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    1. Yip, notion drawers are a treasury trove of cool bits and pieces to use for texture.... vintage lace, seam binding, rickrack, embossed ribbon etc. Buttons made great textures too.

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  3. Your posts on tools have given me all sorts of ideas. Thanks so much for posting them.

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  4. You are so clever. I'm on my way to clay camp and now I have to stop at Joann's on the way there and buy more stuff. You are too awesome. If your ears are burning the next five days it's because we will all be talking about you.

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  5. BJ: What with the trims, the pasta cutter, the wavy blade....and the way the pieces all fit together, well, I'm in awe of your "eye" and creativity. Such cool things!

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  6. Hi BJ
    I just loooove this post, it is so inspiring! I happen to love lace and trim but I don't even sew! I took a 2 polymer classes recently (one was just a quick 90-minute class) over the weekend and I'd love to learn more. This is all new to me!
    May I ask what type of oven you use to cure the clay? I'm wondering if the Amaco is okay or if I should get something better....

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  7. Hi Cindy,
    I am happy you enjoyed the post.

    Welcome to the wonderful world of polymer clay. It's a versatile medium with endless possibilities. I learn something new everyday. I love using trim, lace and ribbons for texture..... I have lots of vintage lace and doilies, they make cool texture too.

    I have a Oster toaster oven, I've had it for several years and will probably replace it soon with a better quality convection oven as it doesn't always hold the heat the way it should. Recently the folks on Polymer Clay Central had a discussion on ovens and they all agreed that the Amaco oven is a waste of money. It is cheaply made and doesn't work well. Hope that helps, if you need additional info just ask. BJ



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  8. You are welcome, I appreciate the kind words.

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