Samples from
molds and rubber stamps
I've collected some of my samples for view shown with bronze powder on
black clay. Keeping to a limited palette helps focus the view on the design
elements rather than the colors. Buttons can be made using any color polymer
clay, and the addition of mica powders like Pearl-Ex and Perfect Pearls, as
well as metallic foils and acrylic foils like Jones Tones can be quite
spectacular.
Some of the textures and
patterns on these buttons come from rubber stamps I've had made through Ready
Stamps. Others are made using molds created from
antique buttons, archetectural details like mouldings and knobs and more! The
tops of the raised designs are highlighted with Pearl-Ex mica powders. You can
also decorate them using inks, embossing powders, and
layers of colored clay. I've collected some of my samples for view shown with
bronze powder on black clay. Keeping to a limited palette helps focus the view
on the design elements rather than the colors. Buttons as shown here have
acrylic shank backs, but with the strength of clays like Premo and Kato, buttons
can also be created with drilled holes. I have had greatest success with a hand
punch tool made for sewing on leather, or with a dremel drill. Putting the hole
in after baking makes for cleaner, smaller holes.
Copyright©1995-2010 Sarajane Helm All rights
are held by the artist
Reproduction without permission is
a violation of copyright law
