Sweetheart Polymer Clay Sun Catcher

A Sculpey polymer clay idea that is fun and easy. Make a Sweetheart Sun Catcher. Living in the south has become a total treat for me and being able to decorate.  We have a screened in room off the back of our house.  We use it probably 10 months out of the year.  We have our morning beverages out there and read books after the kids have gone to bed.  Since it gets used so often I like to decorate it just like I would the interior of the house.  One wall is all glass windows that are floor to ceiling.  I like to hang wreaths and sun catchers there.   Since it is sheltered I can use a wide variety of material.  I chose to use Sculpey polymer clay for this one.

I also tried a new technique for me.  Wire shaping.  I have been eyeing the Thing-a-ma-JIG™ for a while now.  I plan on making a few jewelry pieces with it so be on the look out for them.  It is a pretty cool tool and with the directions on how to use it come several patterns.  If you do not want to use the patterns given you can make your own.  I am sure I will be making mine own patterns once I get the hang of it.

Materials to make Polymer Clay Sweetheart Sun Catcher:

• Scupley Polymer Clay – Turquoise
• Polymer Clay Press (optional)
• White paint
• Thing-a-ma-JIG™
• Copper Wire
• Purple wire
• 3 in 1  Pliers
• Clay tools
• Crystals
• Suction Cups
• Misc – oven, baking sheet or foil for clay, paper towel, buttons, ribbon, scissors

Directions to make the Polymer Clay Sweetheart Sun Catcher

To begin making the heart pendant, you will need to condition your clay and roll it out. Stamp your desired images in the Sculpey polymer clay.  I used a piece of scrap lace.

Press the lace in multiple times to achieve the look you want.

Cover the surface of the area you will be using.

Use a cookie cutter or or draw your own shape into the clay .

Separate the pieces before you bake them.  Make small holes in each piece.

Place in oven and  bake at 275 degrees for 15 minutes. Please use caution when removing the piece from the oven. Allow to cool before handling.

Paint both pieces with white paint. Remove excess with a paper towel.

Place the pegs into the Thing-A-Ma-JIG™ Deluxe to create the wire shape.

Wrap the wire around according to the pattern shown in the box. Better yet, create a pattern of your own. Wrap the center of the cross with purple wire to hold it together. Cut the crystal dangle apart. To assemble the pieces together, cut the purple wire into two inch strands. Thread the wire through the holes and wrap around to form loops. Tie a bow with wire edged ribbon around the top. Glue buttons to the bow. Use a suction cup to hold the sun catcher in the window.

NikiMeiners

Niki is known for her distinctive, high quality creations that feature a diverse mix of styles and highly creative approach to even the smallest detail. Her creations are simultaneously beautiful and functional.

Visit her site at www.365daysofcrafts.com or her blog, Niki Meiners – Live a Life Handmade at www.nikimeiners.wordpress.com