Nearly all card making enthusiasts can say that they have experimented with a variety of crafting mediums. Very few however would have considered incorporating polymer clay into their card making ideas.

After discussing the subject with other card makers I came to the conclusion and would even go so far as to say that most were put off by the fact that polymer clay had been used for embellishing the card even though they still loved the design. However I do believe that crafters would be happier to incorporate clay into their handmade card designs once they were more familiar with the concept.

Polymer clay is a very versatile material primarily used for modelling. It is generally sold in blocks of solid colours which harden when baked in the oven. The most common brands of polymer clay used for card making is Fimo and Sculpey.

Fimo comes in two different forms, Fimo soft and Fimo classic. Although both forms work well together I would recommend using Fimo soft if you are a beginner.

Polymer clay works best once it has softened up. You can do this by kneading the clay until it becomes soft and easy to mould. This process also helps to distribute the properties of the clay.

It is important when using polymer clay for your card making ideas that you do not use excessive amounts, as whilst it is not a heavy material you may find that using a huge amount on a single card may cause it to topple over or bend. It is also worth remembering that sometimes the most stylish designs are often the most simplistic.

Getting Started

Before you begin creating and designing a card idea from polymer clay here are a few points that are worth considering.

•    Ensure that your work surface and area as well as your hands are clean, baby wipes and kitchen towels are also handy to have around to keep things clean.

•    When it comes to baking the clay, make sure the baking tray surface is flat and non stick.

•    Use an oven thermometer to make sure your oven is at the correct temperature.

Step 1- Roll out your white Fimo using a rolling pin

 

Step 2 – I have used a standard pastry cutter to make the base shape of the flower, sheep and cloud, however you may be able to do this free hand depending on how talented you are.

  

Step 3 – Using black polymer clay you now need to make the shape for the sheep’s head as well as two small tubes that will be the legs, together with two tear drop shapes for the ears. It is a good idea to wash you hands before using a different colour as you can spread the colours making the white look dirty.

Once the sheep’s head is done you will need a small round yellow sun and a centre for the flower

Step 4 – Once all the pieces are shaped you can now begin putting them together

Step 5 – Following the manufacturer’s instructions it is now time to cook the clay.

Step 6 – While your clay is cooking cut three squares from green and blue paper and attach them to your card.

Step 7 – Use peel off stickers, rub ons or print wording onto the card from a printer. Matt and layer the wording and attach it to your card

Step 8 – Use strong double sided tape or glue to attach your polymer clay embellishments to your card.

You should now have a great handmade card using polymer clay!  Using different materials for you card making ideas is always worth experimenting with and in particular using clay is good fun when involving children.

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: craft ideas, embossing, card designs, card making ideas