Photo Transfer Sculpey Clay Projects
Polymer clays are modeling materials made from various kinds of plastics. Most polymer clays are soft, malleable, colorful substances that you shape like regular clay and then bake in the oven, but you can also find transparent liquid polymer clays. Polymer clays can pick up images printed onto paper, enabling you to make photo transfers. Sculpey is the brand name of one range of polymer clay products which you can use for photo transfer projects.
-
Basic Photo Transfers
-
You'll need a toner-based copy of your photo. You can use a laser jet printer or alternatively make a photocopy of your image. You may want to flip your image back-to-front since the process reverses it. Press the copy of the photo onto a sheet of Sculpey. The clay must be smooth and bubble-free. Experiment with small sample images on scrap clay before attempting a full-sized piece. Colored pigments don't always transfer well; you can convert the picture to monochrome and then tint the piece with colored pencils once it's baked.
Liquid Clay Transfers
-
You can use liquid Sculpey to transfer photographs. Spread liquid clay over your toner-based image with a palette knife and then bake it; repeat, building the transparent clay up in layers, with the photograph still in place. Once the clay is thick enough, remove the paper with alcohol on a cotton swap. You can apply liquid clay photo transfers onto glass, ceramics and metal --- anything that can withstand baking --- by sticking the transfer to the item with more liquid clay and baking it. This allows you to make transparent pieces and enamel-effect images, or to embellish tins, dishes and trays with photo transfers. Most liquid clays have a slight give to them after they are baked so you can bend them a little, but it's best to choose an item with a flat surface to embellish.
-
Heirloom Picture Plaques
-
Turn vintage heirloom photographs into plaques or pendants. Make a reversed and toner-based copy of your desired image, then transfer it onto a sheet of conditioned Sculpey (conditioning means to knead or roll the clay so it's soft and has a uniform texture). Choose a cream or beige clay to suggest aged paper, and make a raised frame for the image from a contrasting color. Reduce the size of your image to create a mini plaque which you can wear as a pendant. Seal with a polymer clay varnish.
Marble Pictures
-
Use flat-backed marbles or small glass tiles to showcase miniature photo transfers. The marble magnifies the photo. Print your toner-based image, then use the marble as a viewfinder to identify a section to use. Once you've transferred the image onto the clay, use liquid Sculpey or silicone glue to attach the marble. Use more clay to make a frame. Wear your marble art as a pendant or brooch, or add a magnet to the back.
Locket Miniatures
-
Make a template that's the right size to fit inside your locket. Edit your chosen photo to fit the template, then transfer it onto a piece of conditioned Sculpey. Cut the clay to fit the template. Bake the clay, then place your miniature photo inside your locket.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
