How to Create Clay Embellishments with stamps (or without)

Clay embellishments can be an inexpensive and creative addition to any layout and the possibilities are endless.

Materials needed:
Polymer Clay, such as Premo or Sculpey
Waxed paper
Rolling pin
Craft knives specifically for clay or a dull butter knife
Stamps, small cookie cutters, anything textured that can leave a neat impression.
Toothpicks to create holes
Oven
Glue dots or double sided tape
Finger nail file

Picture #1 rolling the clay- First decide on the colors you want to use. You can mix colors to create new colors, marbled effects, etc. Next work the clay for a few minutes to soften it up and make it easier to use. Roll it out to the desired thickness on wax paper and start creating. You can use small cookie cutters to make shapes or a knife to cut a desired shape. Clean your stamp well when done. Carefully transfer to a baking sheet and follow the manufacturers directions for baking your embellishments. You can carefully cut baked clay after it has cooled slightly. A nail file works great for smoothing rough edges. Glue dots or double sided tape work well to attach your embellishments.

In my examples, I have created marbled buttons by using a small circle cutter and a toothpick. I used a nail file to smooth the edges once they were baked. I used blue for the lighthouse and once it was baked and hard, I carefully used scissors to cut around it. I used stamps with ink and stamps without. . In some of the creations, I rolled the clay out with smooth edges then left them alone. (see below)

On this card I made, I used a gold piece of clay that had candles without ink stamped on it. I used double sided tape to attach it.

See more of Kristine's work in our gallery.