Gift Box / Keepsake Box

This, like some I've made, is not as elaborate.  But it does have the  phrase on the inside of the lid and the foam lining inside the box.
The wording may be a rub on, it may be a sticker, it may be a transfer...depends on how you want to apply them and what you find that you like.

This one has three Swarovski crystals on the lid and gold metallic clay inlaid to resemble a gold vein.  This would be a nice box to use for giving jewelry -- earrings, bracelet, necklace, ring...

Covering a tin can be difficult if you don't "think it through." Just be sure to cover the bottom or the lid first -- don't try to do both or you won't have a place to hold the tin while you're working on it.  Cure one, then move on to the other.  Just be aware of how much time the clay that was applied first will end up in the oven.  You don't want to "over-bake" a portion of it.   You also don't want the clay too thick as it will end up being pretty heavy, but too thin a sheet of clay for coverage will most definitely give you headaches due to air bubbles. Also, the thicker the clay, the easier it is to sand if you plan to. The other tricky thing is you can't cover the entire bottom portion of the tin as the lid has to fit over the top portion of the bottom.  So, the  clay has to "stop" just at the right place...otherwise you will see either the silver from the tin or the lid won't shut.  I recommend covering and curing the lid first, then closing the lid and applying the clay to the bottom using the cured lid as a guide.  Just remember, after you've closed the lid and started covering the bottom, it won't easily be opened again until the clay on the bottom is cured.
You may come up with a better way of doing it, but so far, that's what's worked for me.

Gift & Keepsake Box

Again...my apologies for the crude pictures, but I have been so very busy getting ready for the Flea Market that I haven't had the time to spend on decent photographs.  BUT hopefully many of these will sell at the Flea Market and I won't be listing them online for sale.

This tin isn't as elaborate as some I've made, but I kind of liked the simplicity of it -- particularly with the phrases.

These make great keepsake boxes or gift boxes.  They are hinged-lid tins (like the kind the mints come in, but I ordered them from a supplier, so they were never used for mints). I cover them in clay and embellish them and then put some inserts inside - foam craft sheets cut to size.

These need to be planned out somewhat or else you won't have any way to hold the tin while you cover it! Cover the top first while holding it by the bottom.  You can close the lid or leave it open.  Cure the clay.   Then cover the bottom using the closed lid as a guide. You don't want to cover the bottom completely on the sides or the lid won't close.  You'll also have to cut out around the hinges on the lid and bottom so the lid has room to open.  You can either make the clay real thin below the hinges or cut it away completely.  Just test it before you cure or your clay will break off when you open the box after curing.  Just remember the clay on the lid will be in the oven twice!  (or more depending on how you layer it.)  Don't overbake!  It will crack for sure! 

I like the ball feet on the bottom, but it doesn't have to have feet or it can have a different style other than ball feet.

A great gift box to make for a special gift -- and it doesn't need wrapping.  You could tie it up in tissue paper or netting or just put it under the tree (unless you have dogs...they like to eat the clay!!!  This is NOT good! Very bad for the puppies! And it doesn't leave the box looking very nice either!)  Just a tip.

This particular box would make a great gift box for a wedding gift from groom to bride, etc.

Dicey Seasoning

Small Salt & Pepper Shakers are good for people who love games or have game night!  They are made like dice - black for pepper, white for salt.  These were inexpensive and came in a box of 12.  I keep the small shakers in different areas of the kitchen - table, counter, by the stove...so I used an extra set I had for clay.

Due to their size, they are a little difficult to cover as there is little area to hold while you cover. I recommend using a firmer clay.  The softer clay holds fingerprints and as you have to hold it where it's already covered at times, keeping the fingerprints out will drive you nutty!  A larger set may have been a better idea for covering, but the square shape lent to dice...so I took my 'chances!'  :-)

They are glass, so they are safe to put the salt and pepper in. I would, however, probably not recommend the dishwasher -- just wiping with a cloth and some mild soap, then rinse and dry to clean.

NEW!

New "Jeannie" Bottle!

This project took many hours as it had to be cured periodically as I went.  Applying the top coat when it was finished was time consuming also as the top coat only needed to be applied to the clay, not the glass.  I'd say I put 15 hours into this project easily.  

I applied glass mosaic pieces after the clay was cured for a jeweled touch. 

I think I like it...I may do another!    

Let me know what you think...

Polymer Clay 101 (cont.)

This is an example of a glass jar covered in clay.  The wooden lid has a rubber ring for a tight fit.  The decorative "button" on the lid was cured then glued in place.  The lid could have been covered as the rubber ring can be removed.  Many glass jars with glass lids (canister type jars, etc.) have the harder plastic attached to the lid piece to make the jar airtight.  These can often be removed as well if you want to cover the glass lid. Be sure you are able to remove the plastic ring and replace it prior to covering with clay!

I especially like covering glass jars, bottles, vases, etc. as the clay clings nicely to the glass (as stated before), as portions of the glass can be left uncovered for interest (especially if the glass is colored rather than clear), stained glass paints can be incorporated onto the piece nicely, and the colors of the clay can be seen through the glass from the inside.  Also, a glass jar can be used to store wrapped candies and such after the inside has been cleaned as opposed to a clay-only container. Although I don't recommend any container with clay applied be used in direct contact with food.  I would use a decorative bowl to hold fruit or something as long as the inside of the bowl was not covered with clay -- only the outside.

One thing I have not tested, however...if any item covered in clay would hold up in the dishwasher.  If anyone reading has tested this, I would love to know the results!

More to come...