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  The
ability to create long lengths of uniform shapes from polymer
clay helps with the cane making process. A simple
chequered cane can be accomplished from the square shaped
disc. Using 2 in black and 2 in white, the square
extruded shapes can be pushed together (as in the image,
right), reduced and then sliced to decorate beads and other
items. More complex designs can be built up using the
other discs, the image, left shows how the triangle can be
used. See our page Making
a Polymer Clay Cane Using an Extruder to see a cane made
using the cross shaped disc. |
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The Makin's extruders make light work of
extruding clay. The clay is placed inside the barrel and the
handle is turned to push the plunger along the length of the
barrel to force the clay through the chosen
disc. This particular extruder has been developed for use with
metal clay as it includes an end cap and a water crystal to
keep the clay moist for longer. |
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If you're going to extrude polymer clay, you
need to make sure it is fully warmed up and conditioned before
putting it into the extruder. If you are extruding Art Clay
Silver clay, do not handle it any more than necessary as this
will make the binder evaporate and dry out the clay. |
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Select a disc from any of the 10 supplied and
placed it in the end cap before screwing it back in place. |
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As the handle is turned, the extruded clay comes out in a uniform
shape. If the clay hasn't been sufficiently softened it will
come out with small cracks along its length, this may be an
effect you wish to achieve. |
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In this photograph, a different disc has been
added to the clay extruder. |
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Here the extruded clay from the previous photograph has been
plaited together. The ends of the plait can be joined together
to make a bangle or it can be used to embellish a photo frame
or greetings card. |
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Two different coloured clays (pink and blue) were placed in
the barrel and they have been blended together as the handle
is turned and the clay forced through the disc. The results
were surprising. This fine extruded clay can be used for so
many things including jewellery, embellishment, paper crafts
and OOAK doll making. |
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George Weil sells a large selection
modelling
tools for clays and there are also a choice of
extruders
and disc sets. |