Embossing Folders and Polymer Clay Buttons

I have been so busy with some big (well, big for me anyway) custom orders the past few weeks that I haven't had time to play. But all of that changed yesterday. I finally had an afternoon free to do what I wanted to do.

I bought an embossing folder some time ago and was really itching to use it. Wait? What? An embossing folder? Yep, you heard right. An embossing folder. Now you may ask, "What the heck is an embossing folder?" Well, let me explain...

Spellbinders - Flowers and Leaves embossing folder

Embossing folders are just that. A plastic folder you use to emboss a design onto paper, usually card stock, to make cards and such. They have a design on each side, negatives of each other, that match up perfectly when its closed.

This is a paper that I embossed with my folder.

Now if you are a card maker these folders are great tools to have around. But just because I don't craft with paper doesn't mean I can't have fun playing with them. So here's what I did with mine.

I made buttons!

I used my paper embossing folder to make buttons!

For these buttons I used the side of the folder that gave a raised design.

I used the other side of the folder for these buttons. The design is stamped into the clay.

Experimenting with some different effects. Plus, there are so many other possibilities!

If you are interested in trying this for yourself the only thing to remember to do is to use some sort of a release. I sprayed a little water on the folder before pressing the clay into it. You could probably use cornstarch, baby powder or baking soda too. But I found that a little spritz of water was all that was needed. And don't actually close the folder onto your clay, the way you would paper. Just use one side at a time. If you have any questions feel free to ask in the comments below.

I'm really loving the look of these buttons. And I'm going to be on the look out for more embossing folders with different designs. Sounds like an excuse to go to the craft store!

The Stamp of an "Original"

Everyone knows that artists sign their work. Sometimes it's on the bottom of the picture for all to see. Sometimes an artist chooses to hide their signature somewhere in the painting. Sometimes it can even be found on the back of their work. But no matter how or where it's located, a signature is bound to be there. The same holds true for fine china and pottery too. Just look at the bottom of a cookie jar to find out if you have a real McCoy.

Now I feel uncomfortable calling myself an artist. But I have been told that I need to sign my work. I have tried writing my name in the clay before it is cured but it just doesn't feel right to me.  So I decided I would put my own stamp on it. I am a do-it-yourself kind of person. I hate to buy something if I can make it myself for less. So I decided to make a stamp the best way I knew how. By using alphabet noodles!

First I picked out the letters. Since Flowertown Originals seemed a bit too long, I decided to go with just the initials, FTO.

Next I grabbed a piece of scrap clay, flattened it out and embedded the noodles. I removed the pasta with a needle and it was ready for curing.

Once it was cooled, I gave it a light coating of baby powder (to make in non-stick), took another piece of scrap clay and pushed it down onto the cured piece.  I trimmed it smaller and put it in the oven.

Since it was so small, I made a handle (covered in one of my canes of course) and attached the two. Back to the oven.....

Now I have my very own stamp and will be able to "sign" my work. It's my stamp of approval and let's everyone know that they are getting an Original. I kinda like that! Next I want to make my own signature cane to put on some of my smaller things. I'll have to think about that one a while longer.  But right now I think I will go and make a pot of Alphabet soup.

Until next time.... put a smile on!