The Wizard is a magical little machine that can do so much more than just cut a die cut. I discovered just how versatile it is when the ScrapFriends Review Team released a series on scrapbooking with polymer clay. Working with clay was something entirely new to me. I found that it was necessary to "condition" it. This involves flattening the clay several times to make it softer and be sure that it is well mixed. I wasn't willing to go out and purchase the recommended pasta machine for conditioning since I didn't know if I'd ever use it again once the reviews were finished. Andrea suggested we use the Wizard to condition the clay. Here is my adaptation of the idea...which worked great, by the way!

You'll need:

• Wizard Embossing and Die Cutting System
  
• Clay blocks
  
• Clay blade
  
• Page Protector
  
• Armor All Portectant (an auto product)

Cut your clay block into slices.

I tried various layers to protect my cutting plates from the clay including wax paper and plastic wrap. The one that worked the best for me was a 12" x 12" page protector cut in half. I slit one more side so I could easily open the page protector window. To be sure that the clay didn't stick to the plastic I sprayed it with Armor All.

Place the clay (in the sprayed protector) on the Cutting Mat then put the Embossing Mat on top.

Run the clay through the machine just as if you were cutting a die with it.

The Wizard's roller will flatten the clay.

Fold the clay in half and repeat the process another three or four times. You may wish to spray additional Armor All if the clay begins to stick to the page protector.

Once the clay is no longer showing "frayed" edges it is conditioned and ready to roll out and use for your projects.

I also tried my Sizzix machine for conditioning the clay, but with the small amount of "squishing" space on the Sizzix, it wasn't nearly as effective as the Wizard with its roller. I found the Wizard so effective at the process that I may never purchase that recommended pasta machine!

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