We thought you may like to see how the gutta outliner butterfly turned out. The clear outliner, which acts as a barrier, was applied by following the lines traced with the autofade pen. The moisture from the outliner makes the ink from the autofade pen start to disappear. It is important to make sure that […]
02
Nov
Nov
Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is the cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide, an inorganic metal oxide mainly used in ceramic materials. Diamond vs CZ The CZ gemstone has more light dispersion (fire) and is heavier than a diamond. Although a real diamond is about 500 times harder than a Cubic Zirconia, they are relatively hard compared […]
11
Nov
Nov
When buying fabric you may occasionally come across the term Prepared for Dyeing or PFD. This means that no starches, sizing or finishes have been used on the fabric. These treatments, including optical whiteners, will interfere with the absorption and therefore the effectiveness of dye. Although your fabric has been sold as ‘dressing free’ it […]
05
Dec
Dec
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 […]
07
Dec
Dec
Evidence that wool has been used for clothing exists at The British Museum as far back as the Iron Age (800 BC – AD 50). There are a selection of combs carved from animal bone probably used to prepare the fibres and stone whorls which were used to weight the hand spindle. The wooden tools […]
16
Dec
Dec
The malleable polymer clay can be shaped or moulded using a number of methods. A simple way to create consistent shapes is to use a cutter and rolling strips (or CD cases as in the example below). The polymer clay is first conditioned by holding and working it. The heat from your hands makes the […]
06
Jan
Jan
I was trying to recreate Sue Heaser’s perfectly worked spiral cane when I started to make these beads out of left over polymer clay. However, a lack of practice and patience resulted in a skew-whiff pink and white version which I decided to use regardless. The black and white ‘spiral’ cane was deliberately made to […]
13
Jan
Jan
Work Smart and Plan Take care when working with Art Clay Silver to get the most out of it with little waste. Here are some tips: Plan your project before you start. Work out how to make the item as efficiently as possible, calculating quantities and measurements. Do not expose the clay to air until […]
16
Jan
Jan
Our MD, Ian Bowers was delighted to receive this email today: ‘A very delayed note to say thank you for the natural dye kit you donated to the All Wales Event – Guilds in Wales – I was the recipient of the kit and had been saying that there wasn’t a lot of choice of […]
25
Jan
Jan
The simple design for this handmade card can be used for Valentines Day or any other romantic occasion. Polymer clay is very lightweight when it is rolled out thinly and once baked it remains robust and durable. Step 1 Break off a lump of red clay and knead it until soft and flexible. Do the […]