Project designed by Chris Gluck.
Materials:
mirror
Wire Art 24 gauge poly-coated wire
Sculpey III polymer clay in assorted colors (two blocks minimum, depending on mirror size)
WireForm 3.2 mm wire mesh or aluminum window screen
scissors
rolling pin
flexible clay cutter
dowels, craft-sticks, pencils for making wire coils
black marker
scrap paper
push pin or opened paperclip
baking sheet
aluminum foil
cardboard - about the same thickness as the mirror
Steps:
1. Draw a template of the frame shape to surround the mirror on scrap paper. Add 1/2 inch to overlap the mirror edge.
2. Lay wire mesh onto the paper template and trace the design with a black marker (figure A).
3. Cut the frame shape out of the wire mesh with scissors.
4. Roll a thin background color of polymer clay and cover the wire mesh, folding over the inner and outer edges.
5. Roll "snakes" of polymer clay that are the same thickness as the mirror.
6. Lay the mirror on the back side of the frame temporarily. Use the clay snakes to outline the mirror (figure B). This form on the back of the frame will be used to hold the mirror in place after baking. Make holes through the sides of the snakes with the push pin or paper clip. These holes will be used to thread wire behind the mirror to hold it in place after baking (figure C).
7. Make a cardboard template covered with foil to place behind the frame. Put the mirror aside and flip the frame over to work on the front side.
8. Decorate the front of the frame with clay polka dots, swirls, spirals or any patterns desired (figure D).
9. Make wire coils on a dowel, craft stick or pencil, and attach a ball of polymer clay to the ends. Stick the coils into the frame, making sure to keep close contact of clay and wire so that it will bond when baked (figure E).
10. Bake on a foil-lined baking sheet with the foil-covered cardboard template still in place. Bake at 275 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch the last few minutes closely so that the wire does not melt too far. Do not bake the mirror. Let cool.
11. Use wire to attach the mirror to the frame and make a loop for hanging.
Resources modeling wire mesh - WireForm
American Art Clay Co. Inc. (AMACO)
Website:
www.amaco.com
24 gauge poly-coated wire - Wire Art
Duncan Enterprises
Website:
www.duncancrafts.com
Sculpey III polymer clay
Polyform Products Inc.
Products available at craft and hobby stores.
Website:
www.sculpey.com
Guests Chris Gluck
Designer, Wire Art Inc. / Duncan Enterprises
5673 E. Shields Ave.
Fresno, CA 93727
Toll Free Phone: 800-438-6226
Website:
www.duncancrafts.com
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