I made a few of my own last week and used short pieces of aluminum pipe as a core I wrapped the clay around. What I learned during the process is to make the design nice and deep. I found if I lightly dusted my clay with cornstarch I didn't have the distortion when I pulled the item I was using to imprint into the clay off. I raided my collection of relief buttons for designs to add. Mostly I just used certain bits of the buttons I really liked that design part of. I had a ton of trouble making lines until I decided not to try to freehand them using my toothpick tool and used a small piece of thin rope. Having the rope look turned out really neat. I also found if I rocked my buttons, etc back and forth then side to side gently I got a more even imprint. Mine are still pretty.. ok, really wonky but it's a lot of fun coming up with different designs.. even if they don't all end up working out. Like you said.. worst case is you smooth the clay and start over.
Oh, good idea to use metal pipe! Yes, it does take some experimenting and trial to get the best impressions, but it's a fun and very satisfying process. :-) I'd love to see what you've made, feel free to share in my Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/KeepsakeCraftsCreate
That was my first thought, Jane. But then I remembered the troubles I had in a recent project baking clay on wooden birdhouses. The bubbling and lifting was aggravating, so I decided to think of another way.
That's a good idea, Joyce! I was also thinking it would be good to make the core longer so you can hold onto it while decorating. You could cut off the excess after baking, or leave it as a grip as you said.
You always come up with such good ideas!!! Thanks and keep em coming.. I love this one. I recently bought some acrylic rollers that are awesome... BUT.. they were $15.00 EACH!!! Hahaha, I like your idea better!!
Hahaha, great minds think alike! I was working on something similar! I'll postpone it for a month or two. Awesome tutorial! You know I absolutely love all your stuff
What do you think about doing the design with the clay flat and then putting it on the roller? Of course, you'd probably have to go over it again but you might have more control over how deep you make the impressions.
I think it would be very difficult to get it on the roller neatly and without air bubbles without destroying the texture. It’s certainly worth giving a try, though, you might come up with a better technique!
I was wondering if you could use a cotton thread instead of a needle tool to make the lattice pattern. Maybe by wrapping it around the clay in the desired pattern, then rolling with acrylic block to embed the thread and to get an even depth, then carefully removing the thread. Do you think that would work?
I'd be concerned about a varnish peeling or flaking. Instead, just coat the roller with Armor All, the wipe off the excess. It will be non-stick for a long time!
There's a link to a nice set of acrylic blocks at the blog post that accompanies this video. That post is linked in the upper right of the video and in the description box.
I made a few of my own last week and used short pieces of aluminum pipe as a core I wrapped the clay around. What I learned during the process is to make the design nice and deep. I found if I lightly dusted my clay with cornstarch I didn't have the distortion when I pulled the item I was using to imprint into the clay off. I raided my collection of relief buttons for designs to add. Mostly I just used certain bits of the buttons I really liked that design part of. I had a ton of trouble making lines until I decided not to try to freehand them using my toothpick tool and used a small piece of thin rope. Having the rope look turned out really neat. I also found if I rocked my buttons, etc back and forth then side to side gently I got a more even imprint. Mine are still pretty.. ok, really wonky but it's a lot of fun coming up with different designs.. even if they don't all end up working out. Like you said.. worst case is you smooth the clay and start over.
Oh, good idea to use metal pipe! Yes, it does take some experimenting and trial to get the best impressions, but it's a fun and very satisfying process. :-)
I'd love to see what you've made, feel free to share in my Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/KeepsakeCraftsCreate
@@SandyHuntress I'll have my friend take some pictures and post them to your fb. I really suck at taking pictures. lol
Great way to save money and get the designs you want. Thank you Sandy.
You are welcome! :-D
I’m glad you discussed dowels as I was headed in that direction. TY!
That was my first thought, Jane. But then I remembered the troubles I had in a recent project baking clay on wooden birdhouses. The bubbling and lifting was aggravating, so I decided to think of another way.
Fabulous idea! I really like the lattice one - it kind of plays with your mind the way it revolves around the tool, lol!!! Thank you for sharing!! 💜
YAY!!! Friday. How cool is this??? VERY.. thank you so much Sandy for the great tutorial and amazing ideas for new tools to use for polymer clay
Glad you like the idea, Minky! I'm excited to try even more variations on this theme. :-)
Another brilliant how-to! Thanks Sandy.. I’m going to make one now and will make the core longer so I can more easily grip and roll 👏👏
That's a good idea, Joyce! I was also thinking it would be good to make the core longer so you can hold onto it while decorating. You could cut off the excess after baking, or leave it as a grip as you said.
Awesome idea, Sandy!! love it, love it!!
Thanks, Michelle, glad you like it. Happy creating!
You always come up with such good ideas!!! Thanks and keep em coming.. I love this one. I recently bought some acrylic rollers that are awesome... BUT.. they were $15.00 EACH!!! Hahaha, I like your idea better!!
i love buying tools too 😊
😃
Hahaha, great minds think alike! I was working on something similar! I'll postpone it for a month or two. Awesome tutorial! You know I absolutely love all your stuff
Thanks, Day! Happy creating :-D
Same to you, Sandy!
Very smart
Thank you 😊
What do you think about doing the design with the clay flat and then putting it on the roller? Of course, you'd probably have to go over it again but you might have more control over how deep you make the impressions.
I think it would be very difficult to get it on the roller neatly and without air bubbles without destroying the texture. It’s certainly worth giving a try, though, you might come up with a better technique!
sehr schön
Thank you 😊
Very clever ! I love this idea tfs
Thanks, Susan, glad you like it!
I was wondering if you could use a cotton thread instead of a needle tool to make the lattice pattern. Maybe by wrapping it around the clay in the desired pattern, then rolling with acrylic block to embed the thread and to get an even depth, then carefully removing the thread. Do you think that would work?
Give it a go and let us know.
I like the way you think! That sounds like a great way to get a more even pattern.
Nice technique! Thanks!
You are welcome! Happy creating 🙂
Great idea, thanks for sharing.
Glad you like it, Deana. Happy creating!
very cool!
Does the roller ever stick to the clay slab you're imprinting? Is it better to glaze the roller or is it fine to use once baked?
I'd be concerned about a varnish peeling or flaking. Instead, just coat the roller with Armor All, the wipe off the excess. It will be non-stick for a long time!
Where can I find acrylic block been looking for one I have round roller but not flat one
There's a link to a nice set of acrylic blocks at the blog post that accompanies this video. That post is linked in the upper right of the video and in the description box.
Y do u need a core. Would I b able to just make a cane and pattern that and bake it
I’m not making canes, I am making a roller and it needs to be solid so you can press firmly and emboss the pattern.