Polymer Clay Button Tutorial |
|
These buttons are fun and easy to make. I have had good success with Sculpey Premo clay, but the directions work for any brand of polymer clay.
Step 1: condition/knead the clay until it's pliable and smooth
Step 2: roll it out or use a pasta machine to make it flat, about 3/16 of an inch thick. For my pasta machine, this is twice the thickest setting, I fold it in half and roll lightly with a roller when it comes out of the machine
Step 3: cut out shapes with mini cookie cutters or a knife. You can also make shapes by hand.
Step 4: emboss the shapes using a rubber stamp, I like the clear acrylic ones. Press firmly, but not so hard that you squish it, that takes some trial and error
Step 5: poke holes, I use the end of a narrow paintbrush handle. Pick up the button and push the paintbrush handle against your finger, and twist it, to make sure it goes all the way through.
Step 6: brush with 1-3 colors of Pearl Ex powders if you want a metallic look
Step 7: bake according to manufacturer's instructions.
Step 8: spray or brush a clear finish on to seal the powders, this is optional if you didn't use the powder.
As far as I know, they are not washable, but I haven't tried it.
Here are a few pictures of ways that I have used these buttons:
Step 1: condition/knead the clay until it's pliable and smooth
Step 2: roll it out or use a pasta machine to make it flat, about 3/16 of an inch thick. For my pasta machine, this is twice the thickest setting, I fold it in half and roll lightly with a roller when it comes out of the machine
Step 3: cut out shapes with mini cookie cutters or a knife. You can also make shapes by hand.
Step 4: emboss the shapes using a rubber stamp, I like the clear acrylic ones. Press firmly, but not so hard that you squish it, that takes some trial and error
Step 5: poke holes, I use the end of a narrow paintbrush handle. Pick up the button and push the paintbrush handle against your finger, and twist it, to make sure it goes all the way through.
Step 6: brush with 1-3 colors of Pearl Ex powders if you want a metallic look
Step 7: bake according to manufacturer's instructions.
Step 8: spray or brush a clear finish on to seal the powders, this is optional if you didn't use the powder.
As far as I know, they are not washable, but I haven't tried it.
Here are a few pictures of ways that I have used these buttons:
|
|
|
|
|
Click here for patterns to make quilted greeting cards and wall hangings!
