Instructions
- Refer to photo section for visual details on each step below.
- With ClayCreate you are able to create your own hairclips using oven-baked polymer clay.
- With this kit, you’re able to create 4 different shapes of hair clips.
- Choose solid colors or make patterns, and then layer them and fill the included mold to create to create your own unique hair clip designs.
Getting Started
- Start with a clean, flat workspace. This is especially important with polymer clay, as the clay will easily pick up any debris, and it’s not easy to remove it.
- An easy way to ensure a clean workspace is to lay down a piece of parchment paper. This will give you a clean work surface to workon and will make clean up a breeze.
- Lay out the contents of this craft kit so that you have everything you need within easy reach.
Working the clay
- Decide on what color combinations you’re going to use for your creations, and start manipulating the clay.
TIP: Make sure your hands are clean between colors so you don’t transfer one color onto the next.
- You can use the colors as they come, or you can mix and match the colors to create patterns, colors, and effects.
- One of the easiest ways to create color effects and new colors is to take a piece of and roll it out to create a long thin noodle shape. Repeat with additional colors, then combine the different color noodles together, and gently twist them together, bend them, shape them. The more you do this, the more blended and layered they become.
- To create a marbled effect, mix them just a little. To create a brand new solid color, mix them a lot.
Tip: Warm clay is easier to handle, mix and shape. Warm up the clay by taking a small piece and massaging it with your hands. Pull, stretch and squeeze the clay, and it will become more supple and easier to handle.
- Shape the clay to the approximate shape and size of the molds before you press it into the molds.
Fill the mold
- Make sure the mold tray is clean and free from any dust or debris before filling it with clay.
- As you fill the mold, keep in mind that the design is upside down.
- The bottom of the mold is actually the top of your finished creation. This is important to know which colors show up on top.
- As you fill the mold, make sure to really press the clay into every corner of the mold to avoid gaps on the finished creation.
- If the mold you’re using has different depths to it, start by filling the lowest levels of the mold first.
- Do not overfill the mold, but ensure that the mold is completely full, and flat across the top.
Baking the clay
HAVE AN ADULT HELP YOU OPERATE THE OVEN!
- Pre-heat an oven to 240F (115c). DO NOT USE A MICROWAVE OVEN.
- Line a flat, oven-safe, tray with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Remove your creations from the mold.
TIP: To remove the creations from the molds, gently spread
the mold open around the edges, and push from underneath as you do. Place your creations flat on the lined tray, and bake in the oven for about 10 minutes. (Remember, the top of the mold is the bottom of the design. Make sure you have the back side down – the side you are going to glue onto the barrette) Remove from the oven and allow to fully cool (about 5 to 10 minutes) before handling and continuing to the next step.
Final Steps
- To finish, it’s time to apply the finishing glaze to your creations to give them a shiny finish. (Image F)
- The finishing glaze can just be painted onto your finished creations once they’re cooled. Just allow the glaze to dry for at least 2 hours before continuing. (If there are spots left unglazed, you can spot apply additional glaze as needed – Just allow time to dry)
- Once your Clay Creation is finished, you are ready for the final step.
Gluing it onto a clip
- Apply a small amount of the glue (included) along the entire length of the metal hairclip (Image G). Press your Clay Creation on to the glue, being careful to center it. Place it on a flat surface and allow at least 1 hour for the glue to dry and set.
