Guest Emi Fukushima transforms polymer clay into a unique, embellished imitation ivory box, complete with lid.
Materials
two, two-ounce blocks white Fimo clay
two, two-ounce blocks beige Fimo clay
four, two-ounce blocks Art translucent or transparent clay
one tube burnt umber acrylic paint
old toothbrush
carving tool
400- and 600-grit wet/dry sandpaper
rolling pin
smooth work surface
buffer
manual pasta maker (optional)
Steps:
Conditioning the Clay
Polymer clay must be conditioned prior to use. Keeping each color separate, begin conditioning Fimo by squeezing it on all sides. The clay is very responsive to pressure, and will take on an elastic feel. Roll it into a ball, then a snake. Fold it back on itself and roll a snake again. Repeat a few times then roll a cylinder. Cut 1/8-inch thick slices from the cylinder and roll through the pasta machine on a thin setting. Roll each slice and integrate into the whole. Continue until all the slices are integrated and the sheet feels supple and elastic.
Faux Ivory Box
- After clay has been conditioned, flatten it with a rolling pin or pasta maker to approximately 1/16 inch thickness.
- Stack each layer of clay, alternating the three colors (figure A).
- Flatten the stack with a rolling pin. Stretch the clay and make as thin as possible (figure B).
- Cut the pile in half and re-stack. Repeat until thin striations of clay appear.
- Form a square block with the clay (figure C).
- Decide on the size of the box and thickness of its walls.
- Slice the striated block of clay into seven pieces of equal thickness--four pieces for the box sides, one piece for the box bottom and two pieces for the lid (figure D).
- Decorate the four side pieces using rubber stamps, coins, cane slices, etc.
- Bevel the edges and miter the corners of the four side pieces (figure E).
- Using scraps of clay, add feet to the piece of clay intended as the box bottom.
- To make the lid, place the two lid pieces of clay side by side and cut to size.
- Using scraps of clay, make handles for the lid (figure F).
- Bake the box at 265 degrees for one hour.
- Once cool, carve and etch distress marks using a carving tool.
- Rub burnt umber acrylic paint all over the box, inside and out, using an old toothbrush to push paint into grooves and hard-to-reach crevices (figure G). Let dry.
- Rub off excess paint using wet/dry sandpaper, leaving paint in grooves.
- Buff using buffer.
Resources American Art Clay Co., Inc.
American Art Clay Co. Inc. (AMACO)
Website:
www.amaco.com
Guests Emi Fukushima
Artist, Creations by Emi
Website:
creationsbyemi.com
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