Polymer Clay is an Ideal Media For Using In Creative Mixed Media Projects:
Most crafts these days seem to cross over from one medium to the next. In fact this Mixed Media approach to art has become extremely popular lately.
Finding multiple uses for your crafting tools and supplies makes a lot of sense too. Being able to use these things for more than a single purpose helps to justify the initial investment or cost outlay.
Polymer clay is a prime example of a medium that crosses over very well from craft to craft. Here’s just some of the materials and techniques that can be used with polymer clay:
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** For an example of combining polymer clay with metal, have a look at a post I wrote the other day… about combining metal scrapbooking embellishments and polymer cane slices to make a Number Jewelry Necklace for my daughter.
For other creative ideas using scrapbooking supplies in your polymer clay projects, here’s 4 more articles to check out:
- Polymer Clay Projects Using Tim Holtz Ideology Scrapbooking Supplies
- Scrapbooking Tools for Polymer Clay Projects | Spellbinders Die Cut
- Using Alcohol Ink With Polymer Clay And Other Craft Supplies
- Pearl Ex Powdered Pigments Perfect For Making Polymer Clay Beads
I’m a One Stroke decorative painter and one of the reasons I picked up polymer clay was to make pendants to paint on. I couldn’t find what I wanted at the stores, and what I did find was way too expensive.
I’ve also seen some articles and TV shows on putting pictures on polymer clay. In fact, that’s how I found you, Cindy…I googled how to do it and the link brought me to your blog.
My impetus to learn how to effectively use polymer clay came from my interest in multi-media collage. It’s wonderful that polymer clay is so versatile. My hope in learning different methods of using polymer clay is to be able to create handmade, unique embellishments. As a photographer, I wanted to learn how to transfer photos to polymer clay. I would also like to learn to make molds of objects so I can create replicas in polymer clay. However, a bonus is that I’ve been inspired to make some handmade pieces for my new interest in making my own jewelry!
@Joyce: Those sound like wonderful ideas! Click the link by my name for a post on baking flat pendants. They would be good for painting on.
@Karen: Polymer clay really is amazingly versatile. You will be able to do all those things you are referring to. If you need to find information on this blog about any of those things, type the keywords into the search box at the top of the left hand side of this page. There is info on photo transfers, mold making and mixed media projects. Glad to have you here. Thanks for your comment!
This is such a great idea, the problem is that I spot soooo many good ideas on the internet I simply haven’t got time to try them all! This is one of the best though!
Thanks Sally! I hope you do try it, it’s really fun to make!
I’m making a collage of textured tiles of varying sizes (square, rectangular shapes) and not sure what surface to attach them to (wood board, foam board???) for hanging or what glue to use. Ultimate goal is a framed collage of assorted textured tiles, painted and accented with mica powder then framed result hung on wall. And, should I leave thin spaces between tiles or lay tightly side by side? If spaced, what should I use as a filler? Have you done a “how to” video on tile collages? I’ve searched but nothing found so far. Thank you so much for your help should you decide to respond.
Hi Elizabeth, I don’t have a tutorial on framed tile collages, but it definitely is a project that you could create on your own. Since polymer clay is very light you could add it to foam board or wood. For glue you could use Weldbond, Gorilla glue or even hot glue. In regards to spacing close together or with a gap, that would strictly be up to you and your aesthetic. If you did place a gap you could grout your “tiles” with unsanded grout (so the sand doesn’t scratch the clay tiles)but if I was going to do that I would glue the tiles to wood rather than foam core because the weight of the grout and the water in it, might not be good for foam core. Hope that helps!
You amaze me! I’m impressed that you responded and with a thorough explanation. Truly a professional! I have caught on pretty fast and having quite a time experimenting. I’ve got the skinner technique down but really like your tear drop method much better, easier for sure. Also, I found that making this collage of tiles (mosaic) has been a great experience in learning how to be creative with all the tools and making my own designs. I followed your cork/button stamp idea, endless designs.
Should my little project be presentable, I’ll send you a picture. I retired a couple years ago and sat around reading every day for two years thinking that was all there was to retirement: just sit and wait to die. Well, the arts and craft world crept into my world and I haven’t stopped since. It all started with Rub N Buff and then chalk paint and repainting everything in our house, and then making lazy susans, wreaths out of magnolia leaves and NOW polymer clay! This has to be my favorite. It’s been a whirlwind of possibilities and fun. I’ve been an athlete all my life and always hoped and prayed I would find a hobby or anything that allowed me to relax and be static for at least 1 hour. I believe I’ve been answered.
Again, thank you for your helpful suggestions!
You are very welcome Elizabeth! Feel free to send photos even if it doesn’t turn out as you planned. Learning is progress… no matter the outcome! :)