Vid #65: Craft foils and metal leafs used in poly clay projects produce similar affects… but these 2 metallic crafting materials are quite different from each other:
The metal foils such as the Jones Tones craft foils have a unique metally look, but they are actually made of plastic. On the other hand, leafing products such as the Mona Lisa Variegated Metal Leaf are in fact made of real metals.
Sometimes cheaper alternative compositions of metals are used to imitate the more expensive ones in the leafing products. Aluminum as a substitute for Silver is a good example. These metallic compositions whether they are aluminum, silver or gold, are rolled into incredibly thin sheets (thinner than tissue paper), called metal leaf.
Because these leaf sheets are metal based, they do not stretch very much. By applying the non-stretchy Mona Lisa Leaf to a sheet of polymer clay and then stretching out the clay with an acrylic roller, the metal layer splits and cracks quickly, leaving a very cool crackled effect.
On the other hand, when you apply the plastic-based Jones Tones foil to a polymer clay sheet, the cracking is much finer and less dramatic. This is because plastic is much more stretchy than real metal.
Last week I sent out a free video tutorial to everyone subscribed to my Email Guest List. In that video (Gold Leaf Polymer Clay vs Gold Foil) I provided an introduction to the Jones Tones Foil and Mona Lisa Leaf products.
This weeks free tutorial video will continue on the topic, showing you how to apply both of these products to polymer clay. Get on the Polymer Clay Tutor Guest List so that you don’t miss out.
>> Polymer Clay Tutorials <<
The full version of the “Metal Leafs-Foils“ preview video shown above, is available for purchase at my Polymer Clay Bead Making Videos Library in the Volume-004 Back Issue Package.
In this “Using Metal Leafs & Foils” tutorial video I show:
- How to apply ‘Jones Tones Foil Paper’ and ‘Mona Lisa Metal Leaf’ to sheets of polymer clay.
- How to the crackle finishes differs between metal leaf and foils.
- Problems that occur when using Renaissance Foil on polymer clay.
- How to protect your Polymer Clay Beads after adding metallic leafs and foil products.
OH this looks like it will be fun!!!
Hey Cindy!
I love your site so far…I have been trying to follow along in a backwards sort of way. I have dabbled in Polymer Clay…but it has been a while since I actually made anything!!! However I have a need to get back into it and just happened along on your site…it is really fun!!!
thanks for sharing!!!
I do have a question, how do I access the VIP area that has the first part about foils that was sent out last week…is there a way to see that video? I have subscribed to your newsletter so I will be getting the second part…LOL
Thanks!
K
Hi K, I’m glad you are enjoying the site. Makes me feel good to hear you say that. In regards to your VIP question. I currently have as many "tutor-ee’s" as I can handle in the backstage area right now. For anyone interested in being added to the waiting list, just post a comment here on this page or send me an email.
In regards to back issues of the video newsletter, the first set of 8 videos will be available for purchase when Volume 1 fills up. You can see the back issue titles here: Polymer Clay Video Newsletter
BTW, all that’s required to receive future tutorial videos at no cost is to subscribe to my Polymer Clay Tutor Guest List… (and K I see that’s exactly what you have done. You’ll be glad you did :)
Oh wow how cool! This was a really neat video! I for one prefer the look of the metal leaf to the Jones Tones so this was a good money saving point for me! :)
I enjoyed this video and would like to see a finished bead using the leaf or foil.
@Keri: Thanks! I like the look of the leaf better too, but there are many different options with the Jones Tones that are very cool… like the holographic foil!
@denby: Thank you for your comment. I have made a video or two on making beads with the metal leaf that will be in the video newsletter in a few weeks so stay tuned!
Cindy’s last blog post..Mosaic Crafts for Polymer Clay Artists – Mixed Media Projects
Thank you so much!!! I am really enjoying your free videos. I wait for them to come each week :) I would buy the whole course it I had the money to do so. Thank you so much for your goodness, and for your videos that provide a great way to learn more about working with polymer clay.
Sincerely,
Cindy
PS I would love to see more videos on making pendants using foils and powders and stamps. Thanks again! Cindy
Cindy, Thanks for the tutorials. I have only used the leaf so the other foils was good to know.
@Cindy: Great name BTW! Thank you for the comments, nothing feels better than hearing you can’t wait for the videos! I may publish some info about making pendants with the foil down the road, so keep your eyes open!
@Linda: Thank you. Jones Tones Foils can be an interesting addition to your craft supplies… there are just so many options, from glitter, to iridescent to holographic!
Cindy Lietz’s last blog article..Buffing Polymer Clay Beads
I just got this email from Alli:
"i really like this i am a beginner at polymer clay and i would like to know if you use glase thank you’ ALLI ROX AND U KNO IT "
Thanks Alli! You do Rock!! As far as using a glaze, I prefer to use Future Floor Finish or Varathane for sealing the Jones Tones Foils or the Mona Lisa Metal Leafs. I really don’t like any of the glazes made by Fimo or Sculpey meant for using on polymer clay because I think they look too plasticky! Here’s a link to an article with more info:
Polymer Clay Finishes
thanks for all the good information- I’ve had trouble trying to get jones foils to adhere- will now give it another “shot”. Keep up the good work
Dear Cindy: I have found all your videos to be very helpful.
Your presentations are clear and you are pleasing to listen to. Thanks for helping us out with sharing your knowledge. Keep up the good work! Bless you
! miss priss
Thank you Cindy for the lesson of foil on clay. Very interesting. Can’t wait to try it.
Pat Olive
@jj: Thanks! The trick with the Jones Tones foils is to make sure you’re creating enough heat to bond the foil to the clay. So make sure you burnish for enough time.
@zoe: Thank you very much miss priss! I am glad to share what I know!
@Pat: You’re welcome Pat. I’d love to see what you end up making!
Cindy’s last post..Avril Lavigne Necklace | Crossbone Beads | Polymer Clay Etsy Ideas
Hi Cindy,
I was wondering where I can get the Jones Tones foils. I looked in Michaels and I couldn’t find it. The sales person told me it might be available in the US Michaels stores but the stores here carry different items.
I’m looking forward to watching the video on the raku technique
Cheryl
Hi Cheryl,
The link by my name will take you to an article where I referenced where you can purchased Jones Tones Foils at Amazon.
looking for acrylic backes foil do you carry this or can you tell me where to find it.
The product you’re looking for is called Jones Tones Foils. Click the link by my name for an article that contains info on the product and a link where you can buy it. (Under heading Metal Foil.)
I just received my order of Mona Lisa metal foils from MisterArt.com. I think the prices were great: six 5 1/2 square sheets of verigated for $4.73. I also purchased the Gold Leaf Kit which contains adhesive and top coat along with 25 sheets of 5 1/2 square sheets of ‘Gold’ leaf for $9.48.
LisaPavelka.com has some great foils at reasonable prices. I like the variety available in each package. They run $5.90 for six (6) 4.75″ X 8.5″ sheets. Each sheet is a different color or pattern.
I have no personal connection with either of these companies. Just wanted to pass along what I had found. May we all have a Happy New Year ‘playing’ with leaf and foil.