Holiday Spinners

The year has gone by so quickly!  I am getting ready to celebrate the holidays and so happy to be back in Arizona where I belong.  Don't have my tree up yet but decided to try making some ornaments to hang in the windows or wherever they seem to fit.

If you'd like to try creating some of your own, you will need -
Delight™ air dry modeling compound
pattern
scrap piece of board or cardboard, about 4" x 8"
acrylic paints
a fishing swivel
plain paper
white glue
rolling pin
plastic wrap
masking tape
pliers
monofilament or thread
round toothpick
craft knife
decorative bead or beads, as desired

Here is the pattern I designed for this project:
if you click on the image it should take you to a page where you can print it.

Print the pattern, but out the semicircular shape with the tabs.  Use the guide at the edge to mark 2 pairs of parallel lines onto cardboard, then mark line perpendicular to those at approximately 2" intervals, as shown.

Roll clay out to 1/16" thickness.  place circular pattern cutout lightly on clay and trace around it with a craft knife.  Gently lift out the cut out piece and place it onto the cardboard, aligning the top tab with the top line as shown.  Press the tab portion onto the cardboard just enough to make it stick, then add a piece of tape to hold it in place.

Now carefully lift up the bottom edge and turn it to the other side, creating a twist in the piece.  Align it with the marks on the cardboard, press and tape into place.

Repeat the process for the next piece -

you will need two for each ornament (or, you can try adding one or more extras onto a single ornament if you like).
Set the clay curves aside to dry.

Remove the clip on the fishing swivel, if there is one, and use pliers to pinch one of the end loops on the swivel to make it smaller than the ball in the center, as shown.

Cut a strip of paper the width of the top tabbed section on the pattern and about 1" to 1 1/2" long.  Roll the strip around a toothpick, then place the swivel inside and tighten or loosen the strip so that it fits snugly onto the swivel.  Glue the paper roll into a tube, but do NOT glue it to the swivel.  Make another paper tube for the bottom tab.

Prepare the string for your ornament by putting a stop bead on the end.
cut a strip of paper the same size or just slightly smaller than the hole in your bead.

Fold the paper in half, tie the end of a length of monofilament around the paper (12" to 14" of monofilament should be more than enough - it's better to have it longer than you need it at this point, so you have room for tying off the ends later).  Fold the paper in half again, keeping the monofilament in the fold.  Pull both ends of the monofilament up through the bead, put glue on both sides of the paper and pull it up into the bead to hold the monofilament snugly.  (clip off the ends of the paper if it is sticking out below the bottom of the bead.  Trim the extra "tail" off the monofilament so you have a single strand coming from the top of the bead.

When the clay pieces are dry, trim the tabs off in line with the marks on the cardboard.  Glue a paper tube to each end of the curved clay as shown, making sure that the tubes are in line with each other.

When the glue is dry, attach another clay twist to the other side.

It should appear to be a figure eight when looking through the lined-up tubes from the top or bottom of the ornament.

Allow the glue to dry, then paint as desired.

To string the ornament, put the monofilament with the bead on the end that you prepared earlier up through the bottom tube.  If desired, add a center bead in the center of the ornament by either knotting the monofilament where you want the bead to sit and gluing the bead in place, or by wrapping a piece of tape around the line and securing the bead to it with glue.

Thread the monofilament through the top tube of the ornament, through the bottom (squished) end of the swivel, then back through the top tube of the ornament.  Pull the swivel snugly into the tube, then make a knot in the monofilament to hold it in place.

Hang it up and blow on it gently to watch it spin, or place in a breezy doorway or window.

I hope each of you have Marvelously Happy Holidays, whichever ones you celebrate!

Thanks for joining me here again!  As always, play, experiment, and have fun!

Tori

Find me on Facebook, or peruse & ponder pics with me on Pinterest

Hooliday Gift Tags

Hello, it's Ann here today with an early Holiday Season How to for you.  I hope you like my Hooting Owl Tags!

So these tags are made from Creative Paperclay®.   First you roll out some of the Creative Paperclay® on a non stick surface.

Then using a template that you can make or already have, trace and cut the clay.

Let each clay tag dry thoroughly.

Using any stamp and some ink, stamp on the desired image and saying.  Let dry.

Colour the image with colouring pencils.  If you would like you can use some dimensional paint for the pom pom and fluffy brim of the hat.

To make these tags hangable just make holes at the top with a regular paper hole punch.

Cover the tag with clear glitter, and add chunky gold glitter to the edges.

Now you have some really cute tags to use on gifts and that can be used as ornaments.

I hope that you are inspired to make some handmade gifts this year.

Thank you for stopping by.  Please visit my blog at : http://annmakes.blogspot.com to see more of my projects.

The supplies used in this project:
Creative paperclay®
Pretty Pearls 3D Paint by Craft Medley
Faber Castell Art Grip Colouring Pencils
Stamps Owl For You BMC 0025 from Spiced Sunshine Stamps
Tag Template from Arnold Grummer
Stamping Ink in Black from Ranger
Chunky Glitter Glue in Gold Craft Medley
Golde Crochet yarn (my stash)

Giving Thanks All Year Long

Hello again, friends, I'm thankful that you could join us on the blog!  Naturally, when thinking about my project for this month the holiday came to mind, but I also wanted to create something that could be used throughout the year as a reminder that I have many things to be thankful for every day!  Some time ago I read an article about writing out notes of thanks and then keeping them in a jar to be read on Thanksgiving.  I liked the idea, but my thoughts were that I wouldn't do it if the paper and pens weren't easily accessible or if it was inconvenient.  When I saw a "cigar box" type of container at the craft store, I knew just how I could use it for this project and combine the paper, pencils, and container in one!

To make a "thanks giving" box like this one you will need:

a cigar-type box with clasp/closure
craft knife
Kraft paper or similar brown packing paper
Delight™ Air Dry Modeling Compound
sandpaper
acrylic paints; golden brown, spice tan, burnt umber & burnt sienna
gesso
white glue
corrugated cardboard
a paper cutter is helpful, but not necessary
brown marker or pencils
optional: stamp & ink
pattern

Click here for PDF pattern

Start by removing the clasp hardware from the box, then measure and cut an opening 2 1/2" x 1/4" in the center front (what will now be the top of the box).   Next cut one piece of corrugated cardboard to the outline of the pattern, place the cardboard on the front of the box and mark where you would like divisions for the paper slips and pens.  Cut 5/8" strips of corrugated cardboard and glue to the box as shown, matching the height of your marks.

Test fit the front piece of cardboard, but don't glue it on yet.

Cover the front piece of cardboard with gesso and set aside to dry.  While you're waiting for the glue and gesso to dry, prepare your brown paper strips.  Cut the paper to various widths and lengths from about 1/2" x 2" to 1 1/2" x 3"  When the glue and gesso are dry on the box and cardboard, apply paper strips to cover the entire box, and the inside of the cardboard piece, overlapping the top edge and leaving some of the strips on the section pieces sticking out as shown.

Glue front piece on and cover with more paper strips.  Be careful when covering the panel on the back of the box to make sure that is doesn't get glued shut.

Draw or print the words you'd like to include and glue those to the box as well.  To make the words I chose, I printed them out, then traced them onto the Kraft paper with a brown marker, then cut them out in strips and glued them to the box.

Mix paint with about 1/3 package of modeling compound to make a color closely resembling the color of your brown paper.  In my case, it was mostly spice tan, with a little bit of burnt umber and burnt sienna, and golden brown mixed in.

Roll the clay out to approx. 1/8" thickness between 2 pieces of plastic wrap or plastic bag.  To transfer the texture, place the bag on top of the box and roll slightly.
Cut off excess around clay, set the extra aside in an airtight container, and allow the clay to dry flat.

When the clay is dry, transfer the pattern and cut out lettering.  Glue letters to the box front, sand edges and/or add more colored clay as necessary to fit them to the box.

I chose to fill in some of the areas between the words with a small decorative stamp and brown ink that matched the marker.  Add some pens or pencils and some paper to the box sections and you're done!

Thank You for joining me again!

I'd love for you to join me for more projects & art adventures on my personal blog

Find me on Facebook, or peruse & ponder pics with me on Pinterest

December First Friday Fan Day with Rachel Whetzel

Happy Holidays, Creatives!! Rachel Whetzel here! It's First Friday Fan Day, and we appreciate you sharing all your creations using Creative PaperClay® with us! This will  be my last First Friday Fan Day post for a while, as I'm taking a break from working as a Designer for Creative PaperClay®.

I hope you hop over to the links I'm sharing with you today, and let your fellow Creative PaperClay® lovers know you saw what they shared too!

FACEBOOK

Tori shared some FUN techniques for creating custom napkin rings! 

Hazel shared her first experience with Creative PaperClay®, and she is hooked! 

PINTEREST

These adorable Mermaids just melt my heart! 

And this Angel too!! 

Of course, it wouldn't be a true Christmas Season without a round little Santa to share! 

WORLD WIDE WEB

The Holiday Queen has TOO MANY adorable projects to share... just VISIT HER BLOG, and take your pick!! 

Elvie's Studio created some whimsical characters inspired by water color paintings!! 

HELP OTHERS FIND YOU!!

Use the hashtag #CreativePaperclay on all your social networks. Be sure, when using Facebook, that you make your posts and images using the Creative PaperClay® hashtag are set to public, otherwise, people won't be able to find them. You can also share your projects to the Creative PaperClay® FACEBOOK PAGE. 

START SHARING NOW!!

Thanks for reading! I have loved every second of my two years here as a Designer for Creative PaperClay® and I hope to be able to return in the future!! In the mean time, if you'd like to keep up with me, and see more of what I'm up to and keep up with me, I'd also love it if you'd visit MY BLOG and Subscribe! You can also find me on FACEBOOK!

Holiday Faux cake Home decor using Creative PaperClay® by LuLu Lancaster Part 1

Hello and Happy impending Holidays! 

Recently I discovered the wonders of the styrofoam aisle at the craft store. 

Many years ago I was a cake decorator in a very busy bakery. One of the fun things about being a decorator was making the dummy cakes. We used Royal Icing and made them as extravagant as we could. After all we wanted to show the range of cakes available ;) I have often thought about making a dummy cake for my home during the Holidays. Something fun that wouldn't get gobbled up in 30 minutes after a days work, also something that could stay out all month long. 

Here I will show you how to create a faux cake for your home using clay. This is pretty long so I will split it into two projects. 

For Part 1 

You will need 

a 8" styrofoam round 

2 packages of Creative PaperClay

water and parchment paper

a cardboard cake round, larger than your styrofoam

a cake spatula

a clay roller

acrylic gesso

a plastic cake bag

decorator tips if you like ;)

1 package of clay will cover your round

start by rolling it out onto the parchment paper.

make it larger than the round.

place the round on top of the sheet of clay

placing your hand under the parchment paper invert your round 

then place on the table and remove the paper

your round will look like this

strait using your fingers and water to bring the edges down onto the round.

roll the edges of the round to get an even amount of clay on the sides.

using a cake spatula dipped in water start smoothing your round

Once you have your cake to the desired smoothness it is time to mix "frosting"

In a good size cup or bowl take a bit of clay and add gesso, there is no specific measurement. Just keep adding clay and gesso mixing as you go. The more you mix the more it will get the consistency of frosting.

Once you have the clay at a frosting consistency you can add it to your decorating bag. You can use tips or cut the tip off and use it like that.

Decorate your round, 

I find it easier to not allow the round to dry out to much. Your decorations will stick better to a semi wet surface. 

For this project just do a top and bottom border. 

If you find your having trouble with the clay coming out of the tip you may not have enough gesso to clay ratio.

Here is the basic round 

Thank you for following along!

Until next time :) 

LuLu

LuLusAppleDolls

Peep Easter Basket, by Diane MacNaughtan

Hello creative friends,
 Diane here with a fun Spring / Easter project! I was so excited to jump into Spring creating and this little Peep basket got me even more excited for the warmer weather, green grasses and the sweet smell of flowers.

Remembering my childhood years at Easter time always makes me smile.  One year in particular, I received a little chick basket. I loved that basket and after the candy was devoured, I kept my little treasures in it.
 So, I was inspired to create a few Peep baskets this year in hopes to bring a little bit of happy to other little ones and older ones..

This was very easy to create.. It may look like many steps, but I wanted many pics. This is a great project to do multiples at a time.
If you want a larger view, click on the pictures.

Here's the supply list

1. creative paperclay
2. 4" paper Mache egg ( Hobby Lobby, Michaels)
3.tin foil
4. crepe paper, ribbon
5. pipe cleaner 
6. Paint; FolkArt-Raw Sienna,Straw, Pueblo.  Apple barrel-Whit,Black,Pale Daffodil
7. Matte Varnish or Polyurethane spray sealer
8.measuring tape
9.colored pencil
10.paint brushes and water
11.sculpting tools, straight pin
12. sharp knife or xacto
13. needle and thread
14.artist chalk or pastels
15. Candy for your basket
16, glitter (optional)


Let's get started!!!!

1. The Armature 
   With tin foil, I made a neck 1/2" tall. Then a ball about 11/2"             round. 
    Next, take your paper mache' egg and cut out a section to create       your basket. This is how you do it..The section to cut out is 21/2"     wide at the top, 2"          in length, and 11/2" at the bottom. Mark     and cut with sharp knife    or Xacto. 

 
 With the paper mache piece you cut out, cut length wise right           down the middle. 
Now you will have 2 pieces. The slightly long curved side will be     the top of your wing. you want to cut the bottom corner off, like       shown in the middle pic. Now set the wings aside for a moment.

Next, at the wide end of your egg mark a dot and one dot for the     opposite side. Pierce with the point of the xacto or sharp Knife.                                                            
    

Using hot glue, attach the neck to the wide part of the egg, then the tin foil ball to the top of the neck.

2. Adding Clay  
    Roll your clay out. Wet your egg and cover the paper mache             egg. Press and move the clay adding more if needed, then smooth     out.

Cut a 11/2" round cardboard disc and place it at the bottom of the basket. Turn your basket right side up and move disc around until you like the way the basket is sitting, then turn it back over,cover with clay and smooth. Using a little water as needed.

3. Facial Features
 Cover the head and neck with clay and blend into the body.
 Roll out 2 little balls for the cheeks add to the face and smooth in.  Then repeat for the chin, using a smaller ball of clay. Smooth to    make a nice contour.

Now that the little face is shaped we will  put in the features starting with the eye sockets.
With a flat sculpting tool, push the flat tip down at the top of the cheek, then press  in, and pull upward.
Then in the center of the socket you just made, use your ball tool, wet it then make a eye by pressing in making a circular motion.

The beak and eyebrows are next.. Take a piece of clay and form a triangle. Wet the end and position on the face, then blend the beak into the face. 
With a straight pin, draw a couple of eyebrows into the clay, then move down to the beak. Add your lines to make a smile and bring a line right around the beak. Take your flat tool and just kinda work the beak open a bit. Use your paint brush and water to smooth the lines and open the beak up more and define it.

To create a little tuft of hair take a piece of clay and pinch it into a little triangle,blend in and shape with your wet brush.

Before we go any further we need to give the little peep some baking time. Place the little fellow in the oven at 175 degrees for about 1/2 hour. Just enough to dry the face a bit so you don't mess up your masterpiece while going to the next step.

4. Giving it wings
Roll out your clay and cover the wings. Add water to the chicks body where the wings will be placed. Attach, adding clay if needed. blend in to body ,smooth out. 
Using the straight pin, add lines, follow up by smoothing the lines with a wet paintbrush.

Create the rim of the basket by rolling a long snake. Wet around the opening of basket with water and apply your clay. Wet the clay you just added and press gently to adhere. The top of the zigzag towards the basket opening, roll just the tip of the clay zigzag over and onto the inside of the basket to make sure it adheres well. You can define your basket rim with your wet brush.

Return the Peep Basket to the 175 degree oven for about an hour or until thoroughly dry.

5. Painting the Basket
Ready to paint! I wanted my peep baskets to have the vintage look, so I gave it a light sanding, then gave it two good coats of Raw Sienna, I also did the inside of the basket.
Then I applied Straw by FolkArt over the entire basket. I applied this using the dry brush technique, though I didn't dry my brush to much, leaving  just a bit of paint on the brush . The idea is to leave some of the Raw Sienna showing through in the cracks and crevices to give an aged look.
Next, I applied Pale Daffodil by Apple Barrel over the basket using the same dry brush method.
A tiny bit of white for the eyesockets ,then black for the eyes.
Pueblo by FolkArt for the beak.

After the painting was complete, I gave the basket a couple of coats of a matte sealer.

 

6. Finishing Touches
Create a collar using crepe paper with a gathering stitch. Attach around the neck and fluff. 
I added a bow and flower.

For the handle take your pipe cleaner from the outside going in, run one end of pipe cleaner inside the basket and roll into like a coiled snake, hot glue to the inside of basket. Repeat on the opposite side.

And Wallah! You just made a darlin' little basket for gift giving or for your Spring decor.

Thanks so much for stopping by The Creative Paperclay Blog to 
read  my tutorial. I sure hope you'll give it a try. As always, if you have any questions or if you loved the tutorial, I'd love to hear from you, just leave me a comment.

~Diane
dianiemacdesigns.blogspot.com