Did you know you can bake lots of items at 275 degrees F. CDs work great as a template. Just roll some clay flat, stick the cd on top of it, cut about 1/2 inch away from the CD with your blade and turn the edge over. Just pull on the clay lightly to bend it back around the CD. Now use your needle tool to punch a hole where the CD’s hole is. Not as big as the hole that’s there though. This is when you should take a look at your storebought clock movement- you can pick these up for around $7 at Michaels, ACMoore, and I’m sure at other craft stores too. Check the center stalk- the part you will be sticking through the hole you make. See how big it is and make your hole accordingly. See how thick your clock face needs to be- it should say it on the package. You may need to add a little pat of clay around the hole in order to make that part thick enough for the clock mechanism because it is held together with a kind of nut and bolt, and the bolt has to lay against the clock face.
Then flip the CD back over to the front and decorate it any way you like. You can color it with ink or powdered pigments, stick on stamped or molded images, and even stick things into it- like glass marbles, mirrors, or gemstones. It is all up to you. Make a baby’s room clock using molded baby bottles and spell the baby’s name using molded baby block letters- there is a commonly available pushmold with baby things on it. Make one for your sophisticated friend’s kitchen using grapes and glasses- for the wine lover, or chili peppers for someone who loves a little spice in their life. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination. That’s why we love polymer clay! When you are finished, just pop the whole thing in your oven to cure for the recommended time. Be careful pulling it from the oven, the CD will be hot. Let it cool and pop in the mechanism with the battery, and you’re done.
More quick and simple gift ideas will follow- every Thursday.
Enjoy today and we’ll see you tomorrow on Polymer Clay TV # 3!