Faux Cinnabar and Jade Tin

Materials

1/2 blocks Kato Polyclay: red, brown, green, translucent, pearl
Stamp Oasis Chinese lantern stamp
Kemper medium large flower cutter #PCIF
Lisa Pavelka's Hi-Temp brush-on Polybonder
round or oval metal pill box
Hammerhead 2-part, 5-minute epoxy
Ateco 1-3/4" round circle cutter *
paint palette with rounded cavities
ball-tip stylus
ArmorAll or STP Son-of-a-Gun automotive protectant spray
clay blade
craft knife
needle tool
toothpick
small piece of plastic food wrap
clay-dedicated pasta machine
800-grit automotive wet/dry sandpaper
work/baking surface (12" or 8" square smooth ceramic tile)
baby wipes

* Cutter size may vary depending on the size and shape pillbox you are covering.

Steps:

1. Condition all clay thoroughly before using, starting with the lightest colors first. Knead for 1 to 2 minutes, or cut a block into four or five slices and run through a pasta machine on the largest setting several times until very soft and pliable.

2. Mix jade by adding a small pinch of green clay to a large ball of translucent clay. Blend clays together until the color is uniform and set aside. For darker jade, add more green.

4. Press a 1/2-inch ball of cinnabar clay into one of the paint palette's cavities (figures A and B).

5. Roll out a 2" x 2" sheet of cinnabar clay on the fourth-largest setting of the pasta machine. Spray the cinnabar sheet with a small amount of automotive protectant spray and spread over clay with your fingers. Stamp the clay using very firm pressure for a deep impression (figure C).

6. Press the stamped clay over the cinnabar clay dome made using the paint palette. Shape the sheet to conform to the dome's contours.

7. Cover the clay dome with a piece of plastic food wrap. Center the circle cutter over the plastic covered clay and cut down through it (figure D). Remove the plastic wrap and excess clay (figure E).

8. Brush some hi-temp Polybonder glue over the lid of the pillbox.

9. Roll out the jade clay on the fourth largest setting of the pasta machine. Place the plastic food wrap over this sheet. Punch through the plastic-covered clay using the flower cutter. This creates a rounded look on the flower petals. Make approximately 12 flowers (more if needed) (figure F). Remove the plastic wrap. Make lines between each petal using the needle tool.

10. Attach the flowers around the edge of the cinnabar dome using the Polybonder glue (figure G). Depending on the size and shape pillbox you are working with, these flowers may be left intact or hang slightly over the sides. Trim overhanging flowers only as needed.

11. Press a small hole in the center of each jade flower with the ball tip stylus (figure H). Roll tiny balls of pearl clay and press into the center of each flower (figure I). Stipple the pearl centers with a toothpick for texture and to adhere the pearl clay to the flowers.

12. Bake the pillbox at 275 F degree for 45 minutes. Note: Using other brands of polymer clay may result in discoloration due to darkening while baking.

13. Carefully slide the clay blade under the baked and cooled clay to remove it from the pillbox. Glue the clay and the insert back in place using the epoxy. Allow to cure a full 24 hours before using.

Optional: Wet sand the baked clay with 800-grit automotive grade wet/dry sandpaper and buff on a muslin wheel or with a piece of denim for a glossy appearance.