Fall Leaf Ornaments

I decided to get out the polymer clay again (here's what I did with it the first time) and do a little project for Fall. I actually started two projects at the same time, so here's the first one: Fall Leaf Ornaments.

I decided to use these as ornaments for my Thanksgiving tree, but these could just as easily become necklaces, gift tags or (if you leave off the hole for stringing) brooches.

I pulled out my new leaf shaped cookie cutters (mini and regular sized). I wish I had checked to make sure that all of the clay was good. The burgundy clay I'm working above was terribly dry. It really gave my fingers a workout. None of the other packages were as stiff, thank goodness.  It still worked though. I used 4 tongue depressors to control the thickness of the clay while I rolled. Then I used a toothpick to draw in the design and put in the hole for stringing.

I also have some small letter stamps that I put to use.

Once the clay was all cut out and ready, I put them in the oven (per package directions) to harden.

After the leaves cooled, I pulled out some acrylic paint and a paint brush. I painted each shape, allowed it to mostly dry and then took a damp cloth and rubbed off the excess paint from the surface. Then I strung each leaf with some yarn.

I probably will need to make a few more leaves to fill out the tree, but these four definitely add some personality to the branches.   Next week I'll show you what I was doing with the larger leaves.

Have a Happy Day and a Great Weekend, too.

~MJ

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Foam Printing

I've always been fascinated by block printing. So, I was really inspired when I saw this idea (from Pinterest, of course) for foam printing. Jellybean and I decided to experiment with this new medium.  Buddy did not participate as he has little to no interest in paint. It's a tad too messy for his taste.

We went to town on a stack of foam plates from the dollar store.  I used water based acrylic paint and Jellybean used finger paints.  We found that neither were thick/tacky enough for a perfect result, but they worked in a pinch. A printmaking ink like one from Speedball would work better. We both used a sharpened pencil to draw with. After a little experimentation, I found it a little easier to work with a letter opener that I had on hand.

I'm finding that Jellybean has a real artistic flare.  She felt that her print needed...something more...

Now that's a piece of art worthy of the refrigerator! Beautiful!

Our experiment was a really good jumping off point. I plan to explore this art form a little more once I have my hands on a higher quality ink.  I'll have to see where that goes.  

Have a Happy Day!

~MJ

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