Polymer Clay Jar Tutorial

A mini-tutorial for the Friesen Project of 2013, a “Under the Sea” project from Steampunkery … to see the exact version, see Christi’s “Steampunkery” Book on page 22.

 

Mini Under the Sea Jar Tutorial in Steampunk Style by KatersAcres http://t.co/PVITak1mk0 Really cute, fun, & “Steampunkery!” #FriesenProject

— Kater’s Acres (@katersacres) September 18, 2013

This project is a spin-off of the project in Christi’s “Steampunkery” Book on page 22. It’s called a “Sea-Thru Pendant.” Here’s my thing … I didn’t have mica sheets and I don’t wear jewelry … so therefore I did a project more my style…

Materials:

• Christi Friesen’s Steampunkery (begins page 7)
• Your choice of polymer clay in metallics (golds, bronzes, coppers, etc.)
• An up-cycled baby food jar or an jar you have around the house.
• Steampunk gears, gadgets, & gizmos and lots of them!
• Mica Powders (Several Options – My preference is Perfect Pearl Set as they are permanent & do not require a finish due to the resin )
• Acrylic paint in a dark color to use to add an “antique” effect – my preference is brown or sienna
• Acrylic paint brush (please use a different brush for mica powders, chalks, paint, & gloss finishes)
• Baby wipes or soft sponge
• Tiny-medium sized beads and/or gemstones for eyes and embellishments
• Varnish
• Metal Craft Wire (I prefer 24-28gauge but any flexible soft wire will do)
• Sculpting tools
• Exacto Knife

Instructions:

Idea:

You will be making something “inside” a glass of mica sheeted project as on page 22. Christi showed a pendant in her book, but I like fun & whimsical things … so today we’re going to do a jar.

Covering Your Jar Top

• First condition your clay by making a really awesome “Lookat” blend!
• Then place the lid of your jar on the blend.
• Using your exacto knife, cut around the top, leaving about 1/4″-1/3″ clay left around the rim.
• Turn your lid over and press the clay onto the top of the jar.
• Now using Christi’s Book as a guide, add gears, sprockets, watch parts, and fun stuff to your lid.
• Try these underwater ideas for inspiration: starfish, seaweed, pebbles, buckles, turtles, crabs, etc … remember that we are under the sea for this project.

Make Your UnderWater Creature to Place Inside the Jar

• You can make any kind of underwater creature you’d like. Here’s some suggestions, with complete tutorials also from the Friesen Project, on the blog.
• Try these tutorials: Sea Turtle, SeaHorse & StarFish, & Fish
• I chose to make a turtle. See this tutorial here to make your own turtle.

FINAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Depending on the type of clay used (premo, sculpey, cernit, kato, or pardo): bake in the oven at 265 degrees, covered in foil or a paper tent, for approximately 45-60 minutes.
• NOTICE: Check your clay package instructions for appropriate baking times & temperatures.
• Add a antique finish to pick up the details of your gorgeous piece!
• NOTE: I used a dark brown, “Dark Umber.” It is not as harsh as black, but still adds the “punch” that my piece needed.
  
• Varnish this piece with a clear coat varnish, being careful not to get the varnish on any beads or cogs.
• NOTES: You do NOT have to varnish this piece if you choose not to. However, if you have used Pearl-FX powders, they will rub off over time, so varnishing your piece would help. If you have used Perfect Pearls (my favorites) they contain a built in resin and are permanent after baking. In other words, they will NEVER rub off.

Set Out Your Pieces & Put It All Together!

Once your pieces are all finished, put your piece together, pat yourself on the back, and admire you awesome creation!

The Friesen Project

The Friesen Project is done in conjunction with Christi Friesen. All tutorials are retaught here with her expressed permission. Please make sure to read about the project here, and get answers to the most common FAQS here.

ENJOY & Share What You’ve Made on My FaceBook Page,
Until then, Happy Claying,