Paper Clay Tiled Box

A fun and bubbly Sara found a way to combine her love of mosaic tile and paper clay in this stylish and unique accessory box.

Materials:

air-dry clay
unfinished box for 4-1/4" tiles
craft knife
4-1/4" square template
stamps, beads, etc. to press in clay
acrylic paint
paint brushes
pigment ink stamps
pigment powder
wood stain
sealer
felt
glue
sandpaper

1. Roll out the paper clay with a rolling pin to the desired thickness, about 1/4 inch thick. Then using the template, cut a square.

2. After the square is cut, dust your "stamps" (handmade stamps, beads, and foam stamps) (figure A) and press them into the clay. When you are done, the clay will have spread some, so use your template to make sure it is still a 4-1/2-inch square.

3. Cut the tiles into 16 pieces (figure B), a four by four grid (four rows of four pieces each). Let the tiles dry.

4. Using acrylic paints, paint the recessed stamped areas (figure C). Let dry.

5. Paint the raised surfaces with pigment ink, and cover with pigment powder (figure D), making sure you coat the sides of the tiles as well.

6. After painting, spray the tiles with a sealer. Let dry.

7. Decorate the box while the tiles are drying. Sand the box, and then coat it with pigment inks to match the tiles. Cover with a stain to seal and give the inks a richer look.

8. Glue the tiles onto the surface of the box when everything is dry.

Tip: Line the inside of the box with felt to give it a finished look and/or if you want to use it for jewelry.

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