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Freestyle Coaster Project ~ Making your Tiles ~ |
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This tutorial will show you how to make a simple mosaic coaster. I have chosen to use a random layout pattern for this project because they are fun to do and also because it removes the need to make your project "look like something" - thus providing a sense of freedom... |
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(Left) Sculpey Polymer Clay is my choice for mosaic tiles, but feel free to use your favorite. (Below) Hardibacker is a good surface as it will not warp and is fairly easy to cut to shape. |
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There are countless ways to mix your polymer for the effect you desire. Making a blend of three or four colors works quite well. Choose a mid-tone, a dark shade, and a highlight color. |
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1. Mix the colors in a spiral. 2. Bend the twisted spiral in half. 3. Roll the clay into a ball. 4. Squish the colors together until you're satisfied with the effect. |
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Now you're ready to roll out your clay. If you use a pasta machine, set it to 1/8 inch thickness and roll your clay. A pasta machine is not required - using an 1/8 inch spacer while you roll will allow you to roll your tiles to a uniform thickness. To avoid fingerprints, put your rolled clay on wax paper. It is best to use a piece of glass to cut on - leave the rolled clay on the wax paper as you cut your tiles. The wax paper will help you transfer the cut pieces when you're ready to bake. |
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For the freestyle coasters, we're going to cut the polymer into small, random shapes. Have fun here, there are no rules. Using a thin cutting knife made for polymer clay works best to make your cuts. Here's how I cut mine - it's hard to see, but there are cross cuts... |
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The tiles bake best when put on either drawing or parchment paper - this keeps them from getting an uneven shine where they touch the glass. Put a second sheet of paper and glass on top - bake on a baking sheet according to your polymer package's directions. Remove tiles from the paper immediately when done and let cool in a flat position. |
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Go to part two - Mosaicing your Coaster This tutorial copyright - Tina Barnes 2005 |
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