Monday 1 September 2008

Vintage Christmas

Sorry, I know it's still a bit early for Christmas projects but I had this idea in mind since first seeing this set of stamps (Winter Vintage Signage) and I managed to grab some time over the weekend to have a go.

Instant vintage appeal with modern materials!

I rolled thin sheets of polymer clay and stamped the images into it with Brilliance ink. I chose Sculpey Premo as it's a very durable clay so even though they're thin (I used a pasta maker on Number 1 to roll my sheets) the ornaments should stand up to being bumped around in a storage box for most of the year!

I stamped the designs first and then used a stamp positioner to stamp the frame around them. The stamps sink into the clay slightly (so don't press too hard!) and give a slightly carved or engraved feeling to the words and images.

The clay is soft enough that it's very easy to trim to shape with a craft blade, just trim a little outside the edge of the frame. If you're going to have a go at this, I recommend making holes for your jump rings or wire before you bake as it's not easy to make them later (yes, ask me how I know *rolls eyes*). If you're using an oven you use for food, it's best to make a 'tent' of foil over your polymer clay pieces as they bake, just to make sure you don't get any vapours from the clay condensing on your baking surfaces later.

I used Copic markers to add touches of colour to the ornaments and then sponged Timber Brown Stazon ink around the edges and very lightly in the centres to tone down the white clay and give them a bit more of a vintage look.

I used jump rings and some wire to make hangers so that I can hang them from my Christmas tree or maybe even a bare wintery branch in a vase.

TFL!

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Stamps: Winter Vintage Signage (Cornish Heritage Farms)

Ink: Graphite Black Brilliance, Timber Brown Stazon (both by Tsukineko)

Other: Sculpey Premo Polymer Clay - white, Copic markers, jump rings and wire (jewellery supplies)

18 comments:

Andrea said...

these are simply adorable, all great designs

Karen said...

These are gorgeous Joanne X

hazel said...

very stylish Joanne

Lesley Langdon said...

Ah I was wondering how you stained the clay - Timber Brown Staz-on!! I have all the necessary supplies - thanks for this awesome project and for sharing your genious!

Di said...

These are gorgeous Joanne, absolutely fantastic!

Anonymous said...

Really gorgeous Joanne - I love them!

Janice said...

These are fantastic Joanne. They look like they are printed 'tin' signs -which I expect was your idea!

cookcreateread said...

Joanne these are gorgeous! Lovely and vintagey!

Anonymous said...

WOW WOW WOW these are FAB !!!!!!!!! xx jo xx

Anonymous said...

These are really gorgeous Joanne. I love the December 25th rejoice one. Well done.

Traceyr :)

Anonymous said...

Goodie, some more highly original Joanne creations. I can see these amazing little plaques being used for just about every "occasion" throughout the year. Thanks for yet another inspirational posting.

Marion

Kathy said...

Wow! These are stunning Joanne. What a wonderful idea and a fab result - they are really special

Anonymous said...

Hello Joanne,
I'm new to your blog and love your work! These are a hit and can't wait to try them -- I have a pasta machine and have never used it, but this will be my inspiration to get cracking on it!! Thanks for sharing your fantastic work.

Ellen said...

brilliant they are so attractive


I blame you for my credit crunch!

Jackie said...

As I said on CBC, they are absolutely fab Joanne. I haven't been to CHF for ages, I might take a peep later ;))

Marisa said...

Wow, you are on a roll with your Christmas stuff Joanne. Love what you have made here. Maybe I should give it a try. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful idea for Christmas.

Marisa

Unknown said...

these are great,what a good idea!

Lisa Silver said...

Joanne - These have to be THE most clever thing I've seen!!! I love them all and know they will look amazing on your tree this year!

Hugs,
lise