Titles set the stage for any scrapbook layout. You want something that is eye-catching and works well with your page elements. Polymer clay is the perfect way to create customized word art that will add dimension and enhance the story you want to tell. While there are a variety of supplies and tools on the market designed to create polymer clay pieces, you can use a few basic tools found within your own supplies to start creating your own custom word art.
Supplies
Oven bake clay, like Sculpey
A sharp knife or craft knife
Letter stencils
Decorative stencils( optional)
Acrylic paint and brushes
Gel medium( optional)
Permanent markers such as Bic Mark-its
Parchment paper
Rolling pin or can of soup
Glossy Accents ( Optional)
Polymer clays come in a variety of colors. You are more than welcome to choose whatever color suits you, however, I personally prefer to buy white or semi-translucent clay( which has a light beige color). It’s available in larger blocks which makes it more economical for me. It’s also much easier to customize with paint and markers.
Though most polymer clays are listed as non-toxic, I personally prefer to keep a baking pan and set of tools specifically for use with the clay.
Step One Cut a sheet of parchment paper to protect your counter tops. Unbaked clay may stain some surfaces. The clay may be quite hard when it first comes out of the package. You can soften it by working it with your hands. I find it easiest to work with small pieces at a time and then combine them together to form one large piece.
Step Two Once you have enough clay softened for your title, roll the clay into a long hot dog shape and begin to flatten it out. I use a can of soup but you can also use a rolling pin.
Step Three Use a knife to trim off any uneven edges. You will be left with a rectangular shape. The edges will have a sharp look. If you don’t care for it, gently take your fingers and round the edges and corners.
Step Four Trace the title word using a letter stencil and a knife. If you feel confident, you can do this step free hand.
Step Five Cut the letters slowly and carefully from the clay. As you proceed, you can rotate the wax paper to make cutting easier. You want to make small cuts and remove small sections from the clay. If part of the letter tears, you can easily repair it with a little clay or by gently pinching the torn spots back into place. Smooth down any rough edges with your fingers.
Step Six Working on the parchment paper allows you to easily lift your word art and place it onto the baking sheet. Follow the package instructions to bake the clay.
Step Seven Now that the clay has cooled, you can paint it in your desired color. Lighter and neutral shades work best if you wish to add a design. It might take several coats of paint to achieve the desired coverage. Minimize cracking by waiting between coats and using a high quality paint.
Step Eight If you would like a design on your word art, use a stencil or draw one free hand.
Step Nine Use paint or a permanent marker to fill in the design.
Step Ten (Optional) Use a dark paint or marker to color the inner portion of each letter. I like the defined look it gives. You might also like to use paint or marker in the same color as the cardstock that you will adhere to the back of the word art.
Step Eleven Adhere a piece of cardstock to the back of your word art piece.
Step Twelve (optional) If you prefer a glossy finish, use gel medium to cover the entire piece. Note: some markers or paints may bleed with the use of the gel medium.
Step Thirteen (Optional) add glossy accents to fill the letters
Step Fourteen Create your layout using your newly made word art.
I find polymer clay to be an affordable way for me to embellish my scrapbook layouts. It’s easy to create custom titles and embellishments that are sure to draw the viewer right into your page.
Cartoons by Christy Strickler Supplies Patterned Paper: Rusty Pickler; Die Cuts: Scenic Route; Markers: Bic Mark-it’s; Stencil: Crafter’s Workshop; Gel Medlium: Liquitex;Clay: Sculpey; Other: Glossy Accents
Additional Resources
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