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- Terrific textured
reliefs can be created instantly by pressing modeling material
into Shade-Tex® Rubbing Plates. The featured project was
made with polymer clay-like Sculpey® or Fimo®, but a
wide variety of modeling compounds can be used to create interesting
3-D plaques. Try organic clay, Model Magic®, Paper Clay®,
and even handmade paper for pressing into Shade-Tex® Rubbing
Plates. This is an ideal project for students K-12 and can easily
be adapted to meet your needs.
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- Materials:
- 1/2 lb. Polymer
clay
Shade-Tex® Rubbing Plates, Cultural and Nature Two Sets
Scrap paper or card stock
Brayer or rolling pin
- Paring knife
Pigment ink or acrylic paint
Toaster oven, oven thermometer, hot pads, aluminum foil lined-pan
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- Optional finishing
materials:
Wooden sign board
Rubber stamp alphabet set
Paintbrush
E-6000 Glue or other epoxy
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- Prepare The Clay
- 1.) Roll the clay to approximately
1/4" thickness. If you have a pasta machine, simply pass
the clay through at the widest setting. Fold the slab and pass
it through again. Prepare the clay to create one tile at a time.
- 2.) Place the slab of clay
on a piece of scrap paper or card stock. This will keep it from
sticking to the work surface.
- 3.) Sprinkle droplets of
water over the clay. Smooth the water across the clay with fingers.
The water will act as a release agent between the clay and the
Shade-Tex® Rubbing Plate.
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- Add Texture
to Clay
1.) Select your first texture. Place it on top of the clay. Using
a brayer or rolling pin, roll over the rubbing plate with sufficient
pressure to emboss the clay surface.
2.) When you are satisfied with the embossing, remove the rubbing
plate by lifting from one corner.
- Prepare Tiles
1.) Cut your tiles to the
desired shape. Set clay scraps aside, and allow water to dry
off before reusing the clay.
- 2.) Bevel the edges of the
tile by lightly pressing with fingers. Repeat steps for each
texture/season.
- 3.) Place all of the finished
tiles on your work surface. With the pigment inks and a paint
brush define the designs to your liking. You can also use acrylic
paint to decorate your tiles.
- Bake
1.) Place the tiles in the
foil-lined pan and bake at 275° for 20 minutes.
- 2.) Cool.
- 3.) Glaze. You can use Sculpey
Gloss Glaze® on polymer clay or other compatible glaze for
your particular modeling material.
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- Putting it all Together
1.) The "welcome"
tile can be created by using rubber stamp alphabet letters and
a pigment ink pad.
- 2.) Paint your board and
allow it to dry.
- 3.) Glue tiles in place.
Show off the finished piece indoors or outdoors. For long life
it should be protected from direct sunlight and weather elements.
Note:
- The color in
this piece was achieved by painting tinted Liquid Sculpey®
over the embossed tiles.
- Acrylic paint
is a low cost alternative.
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