Mixed Media Journal

Hello all!  I am excited to be posting my first ever blog entry for the Creative Paperclay Design Team.  I am having a great time with this product and finding that it works well with other mediums that are available in my studio (clay, powders, paint, paper, rubber stamps, glitter, markers...I could go on & on).

Last week I attended (as a teacher and demonstrator) a polymer clay retreat in Florida called OrlanClay Fandango.  What a perfect venue to work with the Paperclay!  Many of the ladies were interested to see what could be done with Creative Paperclay, a product that many had never seen before, so I was happy to be able to introduce them to the possibilities.   One thing that seemed to amaze them was the way I mixed color into the off-white clay to color it rather than paint it afterwards!  You can see the mixed media project that wowed them below:

 

Mixed Media Journal

Materials: Creative Paperclay, Prismacolor markers, acrylic roller, small glass surface, texture sheet, Pearl Ex powder, rubber stamp, Ancient Page ink, "The Ultimate" Glue, polymer clay flowers, blank journal, acrylic paint

Step 1: Paint the cover of your journal with acrylic paint.  Set aside to dry.

Step 2: Roll a 1 1/2"-2" ball of Creative Paperclay.  Flatten slightly and dab with chosen color of marker (Note: I used Prismacolor markers, but any brand will work).  Fold sides of clay over color and mix in.  Additional color can be added until the desired color is achieved. 

Step 3:  Use the acrylic roller to flatten colored clay on glass surface.  Be sure to create a large enough piece for your rubber stamp. 

Step 4: Roll another ball of Paperclay slightly larger than the first.  Flatten with the acrylic roller (on glass surface) making sure it is larger than the colored sheet.  Press texture sheet onto the clay and remove.  If desired, Carefully rub a bit of Pearl ex powder over the raised texture.  Cut edges straight if desired.  Tap the corners to curve slightly.

  Step 5: Allow the pieces to dry thoroughly...or (if you are like me and are impatient) bake your pieces at 275 degrees for 10 minutes, flip the pieces over and continue baking for 10 more minutes. Let cool before continuing. (Note: If the sheets of clay curl during baking process they can be flatten by placing a weight on top)

Step 6: Use Ancient Page ink and rubber stamp of choice to stamp the colored sheet of clay.  Be sure to press firmly or the stamped image may distort (Note: I have to admit I stamped this one twice because I DID NOT  press firmly enough the first time!  that is okay...you have 2 sides to the sheet :-)

Step 7: Smear a bit of "The Ultimate" glue on the back of your textured sheet of clay.  Position and press firmly onto the painted journal.  Smear glue onto the back of the colored clay sheet.  Position and press firmly onto the textured sheet.  Glue polymer clay components into place (Note: If you don't have polymer clay components buttons, sequins, or any findings will do to decorate the cover).  Bank edges of cover (if you have them) can be detailed with spirals, dots, squiggles, etc. using the Prismacolor markers.

Step 8:  If desired, ribbons can be added to the spiral edge with additional clay flowers, beads, sequins, etc tied onto the ends. 

Until next time, Clay on!