Polymer Clay Keepsake Memory Book

Steps 1-2

Steps:

1. Scan six photographs into the computer. Resize the scanned images so they will fit a 4" x 4" square of clay.

2. Print the pictures on computer photo paper.

Note: Consult the liquid polymer clay manufacturer's specifications on the type of photo paper and computer printer to use for best photo transfer results.

Step 3

3. Color the pictures with colored pencils and gel pens as desired. This looks nice with black-and-white and sepia photographs. Be careful not to scratch the pictures.

Steps 4-5

4. Cut out the pictures using a craft knife or scissors leaving a 1/4-inch border around each photo.

5. Place a picture on each of six 4" x 4" ceramic tiles. Tape the edges of the pictures around the border with cellophane tape.

Steps 6-8

6. Coat the pictures with a thin layer of liquid clay applied with a foam brush.

7. Let the tiles sit on an even surface for five minutes to make sure the clay is evenly applied. If there are any air bubbles, pop them with a pin or toothpick.

8. Place the ceramic tiles on an aluminum covered baking sheet and bake the tiles for 15 minutes at the manufacturer's suggested temperature until the liquid clay is clear. Allow the tiles to cool completely. Add another layer of liquid clay and bake again. Let the photos cool.

Step 11

9. Remove the photos from the tiles. Place them face up in a container of water to soak.

10. Remove the pictures from the water and peel the polymer clay off the paper backing.

11. Use your fingers dipped in water to carefully rub away any lingering paper using a circular motion. Be careful not to scrub off the ink that has transferred from the picture to the clay.

Steps 12-14

12. Condition translucent clay in a pasta machine. Roll a clay sheet to a #4 thickness.

13. Using a cardboard template and a slicing blade, cut six 4" x 4" sheets of translucent polymer clay and place one sheet on each of six ceramic tiles. Trim the pictures and press one picture, clay side up and ink side down, on top of each sheet of transparent clay. Use a brayer to adhere the pictures to the clay sheets and to squeeze out air bubbles.

14. Place the tiles on an aluminum-covered baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes at the manufacturer's suggested temperature. Let cool completely on the tiles.

Steps 15-16

15. To make the covers, cut two sheets of polymer clay (can be any color) rolled on the thickest setting of the pasta machine to 5" x 5". Trim and place the sheets on 6-inch square ceramic tiles on a baking surface.

16. Paint the clay sheets with acrylic paints and silkscreen patterns. After using a screen, place it in a vat of warm water immediately to keep the paint from clogging the holes. Note: Clean it completely with a natural sponge.

Note: Doilies, lace or stencils may be substituted for silk screens.

Steps 17-19

17. Sprinkle a square with embossing powder and melt it with a heat gun.

18. Keep layering the paint and the embossing powder until you have an ancient textured appearance. Repeat for each square.

19. Coat the squares evenly with a thin layer of liquid clay. Bake the clay squares in the oven for 30 minutes at the manufacturer's suggested temperature. Let cool completely.

Step 20

20. To make the inside memory book covers run desired color of conditioned clay through the pasta machine on a #4 setting with a texture sheet. Cut the clay into two 5" x 5" squares and two 4" x 4" squares.

21. Bake the clay squares on a baking sheet in the oven for 30 minutes at the temperature suggested by the manufacturer. Remove from the oven and let cool.