Clay Magic

Hi Ed, This certainly is a great way of embellishing your already magnificent yo-yos! Is this the air dry or oven bake clay?

Thanks Bernie. I appreciate the feedback. The clay is the low-temp oven bake type.

Beautiful. How durable is the low temp clay?

Glenn, the process I use is...after baking and cooling down to room temp, put a coat of epoxy resin over the clay surface, followed by a second coat a day later. That makes the finished product shiny like a sheet of glass, hard and very durable. Also keeps the colors from fading.

These are spectacular
Are the two sides split from the same clay to be. Nearly identical
Or made up separately?

Hey Al...It's really a pretty simple process to get matched pairs: 1) "condition" the clay using a pasta machine, which also rolls the clay out to a uniform thickness...think cookie dough. 2) lay the sheet of clay (usually about 1/16" to 1/32" thick) on a flat/fireproof surface that will fit in your oven...like a 6" x 6" ceramic tile. 3) apply whatever color and texture you want to the clay's surface. 4) then cut the shapes you want from the pre-baked clay sheet, using a metal or plastic cookie-cutter like tool. 5) carefully remove the excess clay from the tile. 6) bake the clay (on the tile) at 250 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes. 7) let the clay cool, then lightly pry it off the tile. Should "pop" off easily. 8) apply epoxy resin coats until you're happy with the final look.

Do a Google or YouTube search for how-to videos on "polymer clay jewelry making" to learn more. The processes are identical for making round cabochons for woodturning use.

Here's some jewelry, using the same techniques as for cabochon making: