a big idea: little balls of love

I don't know whether to call this project a work in progress, a finished project or an idea for future projects. 

I don't think this project is finished because I'm not sure yet what I'll do with these little love balls.  It's not a work in project because they are finished.  So I guess I settled on calling these little balls an idea for future projects.

It all started when I decided that I wanted to play with clay.  I think these little balls would make nice vase fillers, but I made mine a little big.  I may make more in a smaller size. 

Here's what you need:

For this project you will need aluminum foil, stamping ink, Sculpey oven bake polymer clay, and...

This Making Memories Die Set.  I've had this die set forever, but rarely used it.  It was a major purchase for me years ago when I was right out of college and I really fretted over the purchase so I am always happy when I use it.

Here's how to make them:



1.  Make several balls of aluminum foil.

2.  Flatten out some clay and wrap it around your aluminum foil ball.  Roll the clay ball around in your hands to make a sphere.

3.  Once you have your balls made, let them "cool" a bit from the warmth of your hands.  It makes the stamping easier because the stamps won't stick to the clay.

4.  Lightly press each letter stamp in ink and stamp onto the clay balls.  You may be able to use traditional rubber stamps for this, but I like the impression that the die stamps make.  However, since I only have one die set I may try some rubber stamps in the future for variety.

5.  Bake your clay following the directions on the box.  The aluminum foil center helps the clay balls bake since they don't have to bake all the way through.  Also I assume that the aluminum foil heats in the oven and bakes the clay from the inside too?  I baked my clay for 20 minutes.

That's it.  I still have lots of clay left and lots of new ideas for clay projects.  I can't wait!

Don't want to make it?  Buy this is my shop, 645 workshop!