How to Make a Paperweight Cube

When finished, paint the cube any color or pattern of colors that you like.

While some might think a paperweight is a dull gift, it's decorative and functional. When sitting on someone's desk, it serves as a constant reminder of the maker. A paperweight is a suitable craft project for children and adults. As an added benefit, you can paint your paperweight any shade or combination of shades when finished.

Things You'll Need

• Self-hardening clay
• 2 square coasters
• Wooden Popsicle stick
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Pick up a wad of self-hardening clay that is slightly larger than your fist. Roll it into a ball against a hard surface, such as a table top. Roll it thoroughly so that you remove all wrinkles and cracks from the clay, making it uniformly smooth.

2. Place the ball of clay firmly on the hard surface. Press a square coaster onto one side of the ball of clay as you press another coaster onto the top of the ball of clay. Move the coasters to opposite areas of the ball of clay and press the coasters against them.

3. Continue pressing the coasters against the ball of clay until you have a six-sided cube. Run your Popsicle stick against the sides of the cube, from end to end, making the corners sharp. Once your cube has reached the desired shape, allow it to dry according to the directions on the package.

4. Paint the cube with acrylic paints in any color or pattern of colors that you desire. Draw images and shapes or write text.

References

• "Creative Ways with Polymer Clay;" Dotty McMillan; 2002

Resources

• Family Education: Heart Paperweights