DIY Network

Polymer Clay Coaster Learn how to make a coaster out of polymer clay. From "Craft Lab" episode DCLB-226

Host Jennifer Perkins demonstrates how to make coasters using brightly colored polymer clay and cookie cutters. Polymer clay is a synthetic material that's popular with crafters because it doesn't need a kiln — a home oven works perfectly!

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Host Jennifer Perkins creates a fun coaster made out of polymer clay.

Polymer Clay Coaster

Project designed by Jennifer Perkins.

Materials:

4 packs of Bright Day Glow Colored Polymer Clay (2 green, 2 yellow)
pasta machine
cookie cutters
toaster oven
clay blade
cutting mat
pan
polymer clay glaze
acrylic rod

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

1. Lay cutting mat on the work surface.

2. Break each block of clay in half.

3. Roll each half into a ball with your hands to begin to condition or loosen the clay. Then take the ball of clay and flatten it into a pancake shape.

4. Set pasta marker to the thickest setting. Take each clay pancake and run through the pasta machine to flatten them further. After the clay has passed through the pasta maker, fold in half and run through the machine again. Repeat this process several times.

   Tip: Be sure to always re-insert the clay into the pasta maker folded side down.

5. Once all the clay has been conditioned, start stacking the clay color pieces on top of one another in an alternating color scheme.

6. Take the acrylic rod and roll over the top of the clay stack to flatten and meld the layers into each other (figure A).

7. Use a clay blade to cut the sheet in half. Take one half and stack on top of the other.

8. Use an acrylic rod to roll over the top of the stack and meld the layers together once more.

9. Holding with two hands, slightly bend the clay blade. Use to slice off small sections from the top of the sheet revealing the clay colors lying right under the surface of the stack (figure B).

10. Smooth using the acrylic rod.

11. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out a circle large enough to use as a drink coaster (figure C).

12. Peel from the cutting mat by sliding the clay blade along the underside of the stack.

13. Place in a pan and bake at 250 degrees (or according to the manufacturer's specifications) for about 15 minutes.

    Tip: You may want to invest a couple of dollars in purchasing an oven thermometer because temperatures can vary drastically from oven to oven.

14. Remove from the oven and allow time to cool. The coast is now ready for use!

Tip: To achieve a glassy, glossy, finish simply coat the coaster with a polymer clay glaze after it has had time to cool and then allow time to dry.

RESOURCES :

Fimo Soft Polymer Clay, Brass Wire
American Art Clay Company
Website: www.amaco.com

PolyBonder, Lisa Pavelka's Orbit Rubber Stamp, Brass Frames Pack
Covered in Clay
Website: www.coveredinclay.com

Flay Back Crystal
Website: www.swarovski.com

Perfect Pearl Powder
Ranger
Website: www.rangerink.com

Kemper Punch Tools
Website: www.kempertools.com

GUESTS :

Anne Igou
Blushing Marie
We apologize no contact information is available.