Worry Box with Stars

I can't believe that this is my last post as 

a designer for Creative Paperclay ®.  The last two terms have been a time

for me to grow creatively using a new medium. I hope that you have dug out your 40% off coupons, and bought a package of Creative Paperclay ® at your local craft store.  

Whether a novice or professional, this product will add interest to projects from paper crafting, sculptures, to home decor and jewelry!

Today, I'd like to show you a fun project that will be perfect for worry warts...

and yes, I tend to fall into this category from time to time!

Supply List:

Creative Paperclay ®

gesso

tools as needed

Glue Dots ® adhesive

ribbon

papers as needed

brads

cord

acrylic paint

A few months ago, I had a bit of Creative Paperclay ® left over. 

I wasn't going to use it any time soon and I didn't it to dry out.

So, I rolled it out and cut out star shapes...and stored them for some future use.

If you need a more in depth tutorial about rolling, cutting, and sealing, Click to this CPC Blog Post.

Today, I painted my stars with gold acrylic craft paint.  

I painted the bottom and sides first. Then, a nice coat on the top.

A certain Dollar Spot sells these adorable mail boxes, from time to time.

And apparently I buy a few of these from time to time to time to time...but I digress.

I thought it would make a great Worry Box.

What is a Worry Box?

Well, you write down your worry...you stick in the box...

and you just let life move on...without losing energy on silly fretting. 

I have read that it's great for younger kids too.

Parents can sneak in and read their kids' fears...if their child isn't coming forward on their own.

I like the idea of putting the worry into a box...and moving on.

But...on to the project...

I used papers to decorate and embellish the plain white mail box.

Pop Up  Glue Dots ® are strong and make a GREAT adhesive for these star embellishments.

Back View...

Yes, I was tempted to add even more bling...but I refrained,

for now!  lol

Inside, I typed up a quote from Corrie ten Boom, a woman who lived through World War II, and tried to help others as best as she could, despite danger to herself and her loved ones.

 “Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength- carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” -- Corrie ten Boom

Then, I stamped stars on matted 3 x 4 inch cards, where I can write my worries down. 

But, I have a sister who admires Corrie ten Boom, and probably has enough worries (hehe)

to fill this mail box, I'll be giving it to her at Thanksgiving!

Thanks so much for visiting the Creative Paperclay ® Blog today.

Dawn Mercedes, of Sunnyside Up 

(Where I will continue to create with this fantastic product!  I hope you'll visit me!)

Dawnmercedes' October Tip!

Here's a tip for you from me...

All about SANDING!!!

Your project is done...but you might want to check out the surface of your piece.  Do you want a smooth looking finish?


One idea is to try to smooth your Creative Paperclay ® design before it starts to dry.
Use you fingers to mold and model that product!


Another idea...smooth it out as it is in process of drying and still a bit pliable.
I would recommend using a damp paper towel.  The water will smooth bumps and hills out, so wipe carefully!  Too much water, and your piece will be too wet and may lose its shape.


After your design is dry, use fine sand paper to sand your piece get your desired smooth finish.

Thanks for visiting us this week!

Dawn Mercedes, of Sunnyside Up

Plan your support!

Earlier this month, I showed you how to create initials out of Creative Paperclay ®.

Easy as it seems, there does need to be some planning on these letters.

Because the A's cross bar is "higher" than the diagonal lines, I created smaller pieces of clay to support it.

One went along the cross bar, while the other two were supporting the curly ends.

Other Letters or clay shapes may also need this sort of planning.

So, think ahead! Creative Paperclay ® not only shines on top...but it can be a supporting role underneath too!

Thanks for visiting us today,

Dawn Mercedes, of Sunnyside Up

Mark it with an A!

Creative Paperclay ® can be used to personalize your room.

Today, I'm going to show you how to create an initial out of this modeling airdry clay.

Once you get started, you will see many possibilities!

Supplies:

Creative Paperclay ®

Papers and dew drops from the Robin's Nest

Glue Dots ®

acrylic paint

gesso

brushes/tools

embellishments as you see fit

a shadow box

A few weeks ago I was just playing around with the Creative Paperclay ®.  What better way, that to make snakes!  Yeppers...go old fashioned clay snakes! But as I was musing and working with it, I realized I could use these long thin lines to create initials. 

*Be sure to roll out extra lines in case you make a mistake.

*Work on a piece of plastic wrap or on a plastic frisbee so that you can pick up your modeling clay easily

to flip it as it is drying.

*Think about what sort of font will be appropriate for the style/theme of shadow box.

Here, I created an A with lots of curls and swirls, because I am making a shadow box

for a little tweener girl!  Let it dry.  Seal it with Gesso.

Paint with acrylic paint. You  will want to give it a few coats.

One trick I use when I am painting is to paint the bottom first. 

Then, paint the edges and sides once that bottom is dry.  That way, you won't have your piece sticking

to your work surface. 

After it was dry, I sealed it with Mod Podge. 

Again, back first, then front.

Then comes time for the fun and bling and embellishment!

I used various sizes of Glue Dots ® to adhere the dew drops to the primas, and 

the primas to my shadow box.

Remember, more layers can me more interest!

Glue the Creative Paperclay ® Initial on top of the shadow box.

Remember to think about the edges of your shadow box as well!

There is going to be one happy girl once she receives this pink and green and zebra striped 

shadow box...with her initial!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Dawn Mercedes, of Sunnyside Up

Blue Bird

I have a very small collection of blue birds.

Since it is so rare that a new one is added, I thought I would use some Creative Paperclay ® 

to create my own addition.

Supplies:

Creative Paperclay ®

paper towel

sandpaper

gesso

mod podge

sponge brush

paint brush

acrylic paint

additional decorations

1.  First, I balled up some paper towels for the body of my bird.

Then I formed Creative Paperclay ® around it into the shape of a bird.

2.  Let dry. Remember this takes some time. I tend to cover it loosely with plastic for a day or so.

Then I take it off so it can dry completely. This helps cut back on cracking and breaks.

3.  Then, sand your piece.

4. Next I seal it with Gesso. I like having a seal before I decorate my pieces.

5.  Using acrylic paints, I mixed a pretty blue color up.  When you are mixing your own color, make more than enough to cover your piece in case you need touch ups and second coats.

6.  Use Mod Podge to seal your design.  Again, feel free to apply a couple of coats.

 7.  Don't stop there.  Why not add accent baubles or frilly designs in paint pen?

I was thinking about doing that.  But I loved the simple shape...and so I stopped. 

This is my new favorite part of my Blue Bird Collection.

Though, I now want to make a few more and over embellish them!

What can you make out of Creative Paperclay ® to add to your collectables?

Thanks for visiting us today. 

Tweet!

Dawn Mercedes, of Sunnyside Up

DawnMercedes' August tip!

Here are some tips on how to save left over Creative Paperclay ®!

Supplies:

water bottle

Cling Wrap

Clear Packing tape

ziplock bags

a wad of left over Creative Paperclay ® or Delight ©

1.  I tend to take small amounts out of the packaging at a time so the bulk of my Creative Paperclay ® still in the packaging.

2.  Knead left over clay together to ensure that there are no air bubbles left inside the wad.

If the wad seems dry, I will spritz it with water as I knead it to give it more moisture before storing.

3. Tuck it back inside the original packaging.  Use clear packing tape to close up the thick plastic.

4.  Wrap entire package in cling wrap.

4. Place this package inside of a ziplock bag. You  may want to double bag it.

**Remember for each layer, squeeze out the extra air.**

But I suppose THE BEST WAY ..

is to just use it all up. 

That way, the next time you design, you can start with a fresh package!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Dawn Mercedes, of Sunnyside Up

DawnMercedes' July Tip

 Here are a few tips for sealing and painting your Creative Paperclay ® projects!

1.  Be sure to let your project dry completely before painting or sealing.

2.  Use light weigh sand paper to knock off any imperfections.

3.  SEAL BEFORE you paint. 

If not, your project will become limp from the water in your acrylic paints.

4.  On painting...I like painting the back side first. Just to cover it up. 

Then, I go to the front side.  All the dribble will be on the back, in the end.

5.  Be sure to seal to keep your project projected.  

Think about the style of your project.

What would look better: a matte finish or a gloss finish, or a high gloss finish?

In order to project your Creative Paperclay (R) project every step of the way, be sure to think about the finish of your project.

Thanks so much for checking us out today!

Dawn Mercedes, of Sunnyside Up

Fairy stepping stones

Have you seen the delightful fairy gardens out there?  

They are so playful and imaginative!

My brother in law built a box for my mom to create her very own fairy habitat.

So, she asked me to whip up some stepping stones.

I found this fairy fire pit at a local store for my mom's fairy garden.

Supplies:

Creative Paperclay ®

rolling pin

shape cutter/cookie cutter

stamps to decorate your stones

sand paper

brushes

acrylic paints

gesso

Mod Podge or other sealants

ink

daubers

1.  Roll out your Creative Paperclay ® into a very thin sheet.

2.  I used a circle playdough cutter to cut out my stepping stones. They are about the size of a 50 cent piece...1.25 inches in diameter.

3.  Press a rubber stamp into the clay before it is dry to impress an image.

Here I used some Kanji stamps that mean:  tranquility, wisdom, love, harmony.

4.  Let them dry and then lightly sand them.

5.  I sealed them with gesso before painting them.

6. Paint them with your desired acrylic paint color.

Two coats!

7.  Then, I used ink and daubers to distress the edges. One ink color was a blue grey color and the other was black.

8.  Since this is going into a garden, seal your stones very well!!

Several coats!!

Here is my set of stones.  Remember to make more than you think you need!

I was making them for my mother, but then my DD said that she needed some too!

I wonder how many new fairies are coming to live with us this summer!

Thanks for skipping by today!

Dawn Mercedes, of Sunnyside Up

Fairy Door

For years, I have wanted a fairy door. 

Hey, I would welcome a fairy for every room of my house. Years ago, my kids would leave notes for all sorts of fairies:  The Pokemon fairy, the gum fairy, the mint fairy.  Yes, those fairies were busy trading cards and leaving treats! 

This week, I decided to create a fairy door!

 Supplies:
Creative Paperclay ®
wood texture stamp (I used Woodgrain from StarvingArtistamps)
rolling pin
various tools for cutting your paperclay
sponges/brushes to apply paint and a finish
acrylic paints
sand paper
Gesso
Mod Podge
embellishments as you wish
adhesive to glue down your embellishments

1. Roll out your Creative Paperclay ® to about 1/4 inch. You will want to keep this width even throughout.  

2.  Use a texture stamp and make an impression into your Creative Paperclay®.

3.  Create a template for your door...or cut it out free hand!

I used a rolling playdough tool, that easily and smoothly cut out my shape.

(Shown in the next picture.)

4.  Because I wanted mine to be a wooden door, I used my rolling tool to create faux planks of wood.

Just be sure to keep your touch light or you will slice your door!!

5.  After it is dry, seal your door. I used gesso b/c that is what I had on hand.

6. Paint your door using acrylic paints.

Think about where your fairy is going to live. Do you want the door to stand out, or blend in with the colors of your home?

7.  I used several browns and caramel colors to create this look of real wood grain!

8.  Now...add a door knocker, a door handle, and any other special touches.

Maybe a few sweet treats will entice a fairy or two to visit your house!

I used Removable Glue Dots © for my door knocker. B/c I think my fairy is going to want to change her door decorations!

Thanks so much for fluttering by today!

Please come back early  in July for a tutorial on those fairy garden stones!  

Dawn Mercedes, of Sunnyside Up

Dawnmercedes' June Tip...

Let's talk a bit about adhesive/glue.  

Nothing is worse than creating a piece of art work out of Creative Paperclay ®, and when you go to glue it to something else/onto another piece of dry Paperclay, your piece doesn't stick or is damaged!

Recently, I used adhesive on two Creative Paperclay ® products.

I found that a hot glue gun and glue dots did not work to secure this shell sculpture.

The hot glue peeled off and tore off some of the paint/modge podge finish.  

(Luckily, it is on the underside...Shhhh.)  Glue dots were not strong enough.

I made some thin embellishments for paper crafting that I needed to 

secure on a card base.

For both of these projects, I found that two liquid glues worked well for my needs.

Helmar's 450 Quick Dry Adhesive

and

UHU's Twist & Glue

Both dry fairly quickly, but you still have some wiggle room time to set

your Creative Paperclay ® pieces at just the right place.  I really like how both of these products

adhere different combinations of materials together.

While a glue gun might seem quick, take the time to play around with other adhesives to see what works best for your designs.  You may also want to practice on pieces that are not intended for a work of art! 

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! 

Hope your day is enjoyable!!

Dawn Mercedes, of Sunnyside Up

Dawnmercedes' May Tip

I learned this tip the "hard way."  

When I was creating these organic balloons earlier in the month, I didn't make any extras.  

One of my balloons deflated before the Creative Paperclay © was dried...

and the shape lost its form.

TIP:

If you are creating a project that involves repeated forms or shapes,

make a few extras.  Planning ahead for "just in case" will keep your artistic endeavors running smoothly!

Thanks for stopping by today!!

Dawn Mercedes, of Sunnyside Up

Organic balloons

I thought I'd make an organic art piece, with repetitive shapes,

using Creative Paperclay © as my medium.

Supplies:

Creative Paperclay ©

waterballons

mat, rolling pin

plastic wrap

Finishing supplies:

Matte and Gloss Mod Podge

brushes/sponges

acrylic paint 

Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive

1.  First, roll out your Creative Paperclay © into a thin slab.

2.  Wrap your balloon as pictured.

If you want a larger piece, try using larger balloons.

3.  Wrap with plastic wrap and smooth and shape your paperclay to the balloons.  

4.  Unwrap...set out.

Patiently wait for it to dry.

**Note, my every trusty frisbee!!**

5.  When the paperclay is dry, cut the balloons with a pair of scissors.

Then...it's up to you to arrange and decorate them!

I wanted mine to have a contrast of rough and smooth.

This inside of each form was painted with gold acrylic paint...two coats.

The outside was painted in blues and creams.

After the paint had dried, I coated the inside with Gloss Mod Podge...two coats.

Then the outside was coated in Matt Mod Podge...again two coats!

I then stacked my forms in a tripod shape with the 4th, and smallest, on top.

I found that Helmar's 450 Quick Dry Adhesive worked best in securing my sculpture.

I found a large glass platter...lined it with Spanish Moss.

I am planning on burning tea lights in side...or getting the battery operated tea lights!

Thanks so much for coming and commenting on my Organic Art piece.

I thought that it would look sea-like. But with the grasses, it's more egg like.

What do you think?

Dawn Mercedes, of Sunnyside Up!