Amaco.com - American Art Clay Co., Inc.

Martinis with a Twist

amaco — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 18:44:44 +0000

STEP-BY-STEP with Jana Ewy

Click on photos to enlarge

Skill Level:	Easy
	Medium
	Hard

AMACO® Materials:

Friendly Plastic® 7" Designer sticks and sraps

Other Materials:

Griddle (set at 200 to 250 degrees)
Alcohol Inks
Blending Solution
Ball-point Pen
Non-stick Baking Sheet
Plastic Wrap
Round-nose Pliers
Scissors
Triangle Templates
Wire
Wire Cutters

Instructions:

1. First, you will want to select your Friendly Plastic® and ink colors. Choose at least two ink colors, that you think will make a pleasing color combination. I choose to use Stormy Blue Friendly Plastic® with Stream and Wild Plum ink colors and Citron Friendly Plastic® with Watermelon and Butterscotch ink colors.

2. Apply a wash of Blending Solution over the surface of the Friendly Plastic® sticks.

3. Next, apply four or five drops of ink from each of the colors. Allow the inks time to flow and blend together.

4. Crumple a piece of plastic wrap and apply it to the surface of each stick.

5. Make sure the entire stick is covered. You can scrunch and play with the plastic wrap until you are happy with the patterned effects it is creating.

6. Place a nice heavy book on top of the plastic and allow the inks to dry over night.

7. No peeking…

By the way…this is a great book to add to your creative library. The color combinations on every page are simply YUMMY. This is what I call eye candy.

8. The wait is over… Lift the book.

This is always such a fun surprise.

9. Remove the plastic wrap to reveal your newly designed Friendly Plastic® sticks.

10. As you can see the the Stormy Blue stick has a nice purple pattern, where the Citron stick has almost completely lost its green coloring and is more of a silver and pink design. You just never know what you are going to get.

Note: This is a great technique that can be used for a multitude of design possibilities. Have fun playing around with this one. You might even want to try using acrylic paints as well as the inks.

11. Now it’s Martini time…

Create a large triangle template from card stock, 3" long x 1 1/2" deep. And a small triangle template, 2" x 1/2". Trace the templates onto the plastic sticks, using a ballpoint pen.

12. Cut out the triangles using scissors.

13. Cut two 1/4" strips of plastic. They can be from a coordinating color of plastic or from any scraps you have left over from another project.

14. Cut the strips to approx. 2 1/2" in length.

15. Lay your pieces out in order to get an idea of what the finished design might look like. I decided to add a small colorful strip to the edge of each glass for a bit of added interest, similar to the reflection that real glass give off. Two small circles will act as tiny bubbles and two larger circles will represent the olive. And of course we can’t forget the toothpick. Some cleverly spiraled wire will do the trick. So there we have it…our basic design. Now it’s time to get cooking.

16. Place the baking sheet onto the pre-heated griddle. Place the stem for each glass onto the baking sheet and allow to soften.

17. Position and place the base for each glass onto the stem.

18. Next place the top of the glass onto the stem.

19. Add the decorative strip as the reflection.

20. Now, position and place the wire (toothpick) off to one side.

21. Add the olive…position and place it over the end of the wire.

22. Finish with the addition of one tiny bubble in each glass.

23. Allow all the pieces to soften and seal together.

24. Remove the baking sheet from the griddle and allow the plastic to cool completely.

25. Cheers…to a job well done.

Friendly Plastic Coasters

amaco — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:17:27 +0000

STEP-BY-STEP with Jana Ewy

Click on photos to enlarge

Skill Level:	Easy
	Medium
	Hard

AMACO® Materials:

Friendly Plastic® 7" Designer sticks

Other Materials:

Griddle (set at 200 to 250 degrees)
Mat Knife
Acrylic Ruler
Cutting Mat
Scissors
Non-stick Baking Sheet
Envirotex Lite: Resin Sealer
Mixing Cup
Stir Stick
Straw
Double-sided Tape Sheets
Foam Sheets: Black

Instructions:

1. Using a cutting mat, ruler and blade, cut six 1" squares. Plus cut 1/4" and 1/2" strips from a variety colors of Friendly Plastic®. This is a perfect project for those special scraps.

2. Using the 1" square as the center…begin placing strips in coordinating colors around it.

3. Try a variety of colors and widths until you get the look you want.

4. Once you are happy with your selection. Trim each strip to size.

5. The first round should look something like this.

6. Complete the second round just as you did for the first. Trimming each strip to size.

7. The second round should look something like this.

8. Repeat the third round, just as you did with the first two.

9. After the third round your coaster should look something like this.

Repeat this process for each coaster. Don’t worry if they are not exactly the same. As long as you keep the color combinations similar, you will end up with an eclectic set of coasters. And I think that is much more appealing.

10. Now it is time to get cooking…Pre-heat the griddle.

Place the baking sheet onto the griddle.

Starting with the center square, begin placing the plastic strips onto the baking sheet in the pattern you have designed. Make sure each strip is stuck in place before adding the next. Try to press each strip tightly against the one before, to prevent any gaps.

11. Continue placing the strips for each round.

12. Once all the strips are in place…allow the plastic to soften and seal together.

13. If any gaps start to appear, tap over them lightly with your finger in order to create a seal.

14. Once the plastic has softened and all of the strips have sealed together. Remove the baking sheet from the griddle and allow the plastic to cool completely.

15. Place the coaster onto a cutting mat. Measure and trim each of the coasters to 3 1/4" square.

16. Mix the Envirotex Lite resin following the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply a thin coat to each of the coasters. Allow to dry.

Tip: I like to place my pieces on a non-stick surface held in place by double-sided tape. This way if there is any run off, it will be easy to remove later. Pour the Envirotex into a small squeeze bottle. The application will be more precise. Once the resin has been applied, blow softly through a straw over each piece to pop any bubbles that remain. Envirotex cures completely in 24 hours.

17. Cut the doubled-sided tape sheets and the black foam sheet into 3 1/4" squares. Apply the double-sided tape to the back of each coaster.

18. Peel the protective backing from the tape sheet and position and adhere the foam to the back of each coaster. Press firmly to make sure that you have a good seal.

19. The finished coasters.

What a wonderful gift these would make…

Spiral Blending Technique

amaco — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 15:15:21 +0000

STEP-BY-STEP with Jana Ewy

Click on photos to enlarge

Skill Level:	Easy
	Medium
	Hard

AMACO® Materials:

Friendly Plastic® 7" Designer sticks 8 colors
AMACO® Needle Tool

Other Materials:

Griddle (set at 200 to 250 degrees)
Cutters: Round, Large and Small
Disposable Mixing Container
Glue: E-6000
Jewelry Findings: Filigree and Rhinestone Accents
Magnets
Non-stick Baking Sheet
Scissors
Sealer: Envirotex Lite
Small Dish of Ice Water
Stir Stick
Straw
Tin

Instructions:

1. Choose eight different colors of Friendly Plastic®, that you think will make a pleasing color combination. Cut three 1 1/2" squares, from four of the color choices and two 1 1/2" squares from the other four color choices.

2. Starting with the first group of color choices that have three squares each. Cut each of the squares in half diagonally, creating two triangles.

3. Next, cut each of the triangles in half, as shown above, creating smaller triangles. Continue, until you have 12 triangles of each color.

4. With the second group of color choices, that you have cut two squares each, continue as you did with the first group. The only difference is you will continue cutting the smaller
triangles in half until you have 12 of each color.

5. Using one triangle of each color, from the first group, arrange them into a square.

Note: I like to have a little REHEARSAL before going to the griddle with my pieces. Especially when it comes to color combinations and the placement of each piece.

6. Next, using one smaller triangle of each color from the second group. Carefully, center and place them onto the larger triangles.

Note: Take your time and play around with your color placements. Once you are happy it is time to move them to the griddle and get cooking.

7. Place the baking sheet onto the pre-heated griddle. One at a time in the color pattern you have selected, place the larger triangles on the baking sheet and allow to soften. Next, carefully center and position the smaller triangles into place, onto the larger triangles. Allow the smaller triangles to soften and begin to inlay into the larger triangles.

8. Once you have a nice smooth inlay, it is time to start the spiral blending technique. Placing the needle tool straight down into the center of the softened plastic square. VERY IMPORTANT: You want to feel the point of the needle against the baking sheet. While keeping the needle straight and against the pan, slowly start drawing a spiral. Continue outward in an even pattern until you reach the outside of the square.

9. Continue the spiral blending with each of the squares. Allow the spiral lines you just created time to seal back together. This should only take a few minutes.

Another very IMPORTANT TIP: be sure to pull the needle away from the square, before picking it up. This will help keep the plastic from forming a string that could possibly damage one of your other pieces. Remember the softened plastic can act like hot glue…sticky and sometimes stringy.

10. Remove the baking sheet from the griddle. While the plastic is still warm, cut the circles by pressing the cutter into the softened plastic. Dip the cutter back into the
cold water after each cut. This will help keep it from sticking to the plastic.

OPTIONAL: Use a larger circle cutter to cut out a focal piece, for the tin.

Allow the plastic to cool. You may place the pan under cold running water to speed the cooling process along. Use the needle tool to press under the edges of the cooled plastic and remove it from the pan. Pop out the circles. If needed use a craft knife to cut around each one.

11. Mix the Envirotex Lite resin following the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply a thin coat to each of the spiral pieces. Allow to dry.

Note: I like to place my pieces on a non-stick surface. Held in place by double-sided tape. This way if there is any run off, it will be easy to remove later. Pour the Envirotex into a small squeeze bottle. The application will be more precise. Once the resin has been applied, blow softly through a straw over each piece to pop any bubbles that remain. Envirotex cures completely in 24 hours.

12. Position and glue the magnets onto the back of each small spiral piece. Allow the glue to dry.

13. OPTIONAL: Decorate the tin to your liking. Position and glue the larger spiral piece onto the top of the tin.

14. For a bit of added interest, add a filigree accent.

15. For the finishing touch add a bit of sparkle with a rhinestone accent.

16. These make a wonderful gift to give, and a great item to sell.

Friendly Plastic in Full Bloom

amaco — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 23:04:50 +0000

STEP-BY-STEP with Jana Ewy

Click on photos to enlarge

Skill Level:	Easy
	Medium
	Hard

AMACO® Materials:

Friendly Plastic® 7" Designer sticks
AMACO® Needle Tool

Other Materials:

Griddle (set at 200 to 250 degrees)
Alchhol Inks
Large Bowl of Ice Water
Craft Knife
Cutters: Teardrop and Heart
Glue: E-6000
Cylinder: 8" to 10" in Circumference
Jewelry Findings
Non-stick Baking Sheet
Paint Brush
Silicone Flexible Baking Mat: Cut to Size; 3" x 9"

Instructions:

1. Place the baking sheet onto the pre-heated griddle. Place two mauve Friendly Plastic® sticks onto the baking sheet, and allow to soften.

2. Remove the baking sheet from the griddle. While the plastic is still warm, cut the petals by pressing the cutter into the softened plastic. Dip the cutter back into the cold water after each cut. This will help keep it from sticking to the plastic. Allow the plastic to cool. You may place the pan under cold running water to speed the cooling process along.

3. Use the needle tool to press under the edges of the cooled plastic and remove it from the pan. Pop out the petals. If needed use a craft knife to cut around each one.

4. Apply some added color using alcohol inks. Allow the inks to dry.

5. Place two silicone mats onto the griddle. Place the petals onto the mats. Allow the plastic to soften. This should only take a minute or so.

6. Once the plastic has softened, pick up the mat and slowly wrap it around a a fairly large cylinder. I am using a drinking glass.

Note: the circumference of your cylinder will determine the size of the arch in the petals.

7. While holding the mat securely around the cylinder, plunge the petals into an ice bath. Hold there for approximately 2 minutes or until the plastic has hardened.

8. Lift out of the ice bath and remove the cylinder.

9. The petals will pop up as you straighten out the mat. Dry them off with a paper towel and set aside.

10. Repeat the process with the smaller petals.

11. Remember to hold the mat securely around the cylinder while in the ice water bath.

12. Dry the small petals off and set aside.

13. Gather the petals together, along with two small discs that will be used for the centers, and a few accent findings. I am using two small brass flowers and some rhinestones for a bit of sparkle.

14. Working on a non-stick surface, apply a drop of glue to the center of the disc.

15. Starting with the larger flower. Place the tip of the petal onto the disc.

16. Carefully place the next petal along side the first.

17. Continue until all of the petals have been added.

18. Glue a brass flowers into the center.

19. And then adhere the rhinestone into the center of the flower.

20. Next…glue the petals of the small flower into place.

21. Continue until all of the petals have been added.

22. Add a drop of glue to the center.

23. Carefully place the brass flower into the center.

24. Adhere the rhinestone accent into place…and allow the glue to dry.

25. Your beautiful flowers are complete. Use them in a variety of ways…as jewelry or in home decor designs. The sky is the limit.

Friendly Plastic in Abstract

amaco — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 19:46:57 +0000

STEP-BY-STEP with Jana Ewy

Click on photos to enlarge

Skill Level:	Easy
	Medium
	Hard

AMACO® Materials:

Friendly Plastic® 7" Designer sticks sraps
AMACO® Needle Tool

Other Materials:

Griddle (set at 200 to 250 degrees)
Non-stick Baking Sheet
Scissors

Instructions:

1. Gather all of your beautiful Friendly Plastic® scraps and small bits and pieces that you have been saving. Because we are going to use them to create fabulous Abstract art
pieces worthy of framing.

2. Start by selecting a few pieces that you think might work well together.

3. Play around with the placement, until you are happy with the overall design.

Note: I call this part REHEARSAL…having a plan in place before going to the griddle with my pieces.

4. Now it is time to get cooking…Place the baking sheet onto the pre-heated griddle, and one at a time in the design you have arranged begin placing the pieces onto the griddle. Allow the base pieces to soften, before adding next layer.

5. Trim any of the pieces that are a bit too long.

6. Lightly press the thin strips into place to ensure that they stay put…right where you want them.

7. As you can see I love the look of black and white stripes together with all the beautiful bright colors. For this reason I will create small black and white striped sheets for use in projects just like this one. They add that perfect whimsical touch.

8. Leaving small gaps between the long strips allows the background to show through.

9. Small circles and dots add another fun element to your design.

10. Plus they are a great way to add another color element or fill in an empty space.

11. Rings are another playful element to add to your design.

12. Almost complete…just one more little dot.

13. No…I think it needs this one last pop of color.

14. There we go…that looks good. Allow all of the pieces to soften and inlay into one another. This takes just a few minutes. Once you are happy with the inlay process, remove the baking sheet from the griddle and allow the
plastic to cool. Remove the plastic from the pan.

Frame your new design or use it in any number of applications. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

15. Why stop with just one. Here are a few more designs for inspiration.

Friendly Plastic Spiral Rings

amaco — Fri, 11 May 2012 23:03:52 +0000

STEP-BY-STEP with Jana Ewy

Click on photos to enlarge

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

Friendly Plastic® 7" Designer sticks: in the colors of your choice
Acrylic ruler
Cutting Mat
Hole punch: 1/16"
Griddle (set at 200-250 degrees)
Jewelry tools, charms and beads
Mat knife
Scissors
Silicone baking mat: 3/4" x 4 1/2"

1. Cut desired colors of Friendly Plastic® into 1/4" x 3" strips. Cut a silicone baking sheet liner into 3/4" x 4 1/2" strips.

Find a cylinder that is the approximate circumference of your finger.

2. Place the silicone strips onto the pre-heated griddle. Center and position the plastic strips along one edge of the silicone strips. Allow the plastic to soften.

Tip: If the ends of the plastic start to curl…lightly press them down onto the silicone strip.

3. One at a time…remove the silicone strip from the griddle. Holding on to one end, position the silicone strip at a slight angle on the cylinder.

4. Slowly wrap the silicone strip around the cylinder, closely overlapping the edges as you create the spiral.

5. Securely hold on to the end of the silicone strip as you dip the cylinder into a bowl of ice cold water.

Hold under the water for a minute or two, while the plastic hardens.

6. Remove from the water and slide the cylinder out.

7. Next remove the silicone strip.

8. Dry the ring off using a paper towel.

9. Repeat the process for each ring.

10. For a bit of added charm…attach a dangle.

Using a 1/16" hole punch…punch a hole through the ring.

11. Create a loop using a head pin.

12. Choose your desired dangles.

A mix of beads and tiny charms, are perfect for this.

13. Attach the dangles using a jump ring.

14. Plain or fancied up, these are as much fun to wear as they are to make.

Patina Technique

amaco — Fri, 11 May 2012 21:58:59 +0000

STEP-BY-STEP with Jana Ewy

Click on photos to enlarge

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

Friendly Plastic® 7" Designer sticks: Black
AMACO® Needle Tool
AMACO® Rub ‘n Buff: Gold
Alcohol Ink: Ginger
Griddle (set at 200-250 degrees)
Jewelry supplies and findings
Small bowl of ice water: for Cutters
Metallic Pens: Gold and Copper
Non-Stick Baking Sheet
Patina Solution
Paint Brushes
Texture Sheet

1. Cut out a variety of shapes from a stick of black Friendly Plastic®. Arrange the cut shapes on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet onto the pre-heated griddle to soften the shapes.

2. Remove the pan from the heat. Position and press the texture sheet onto the softened plastic pieces.

3. Allow the plastic pieces to cool completely before removing the texture sheet.

4. Remove the texture sheet to reveal the impressed design.

5. Place the textured pieces onto a work surface. A folded paper towel works great for this. Stipple the surface of each piece with both gold and copper leafing pens. Add a drop or two of ginger alcohol ink, and blend the colors together using a paint brush.

Note: The leafing pens and Adirondack inks are both alcohol based, allowing the two mediums to work beautifully together. You may want to try other color combinations of metallic pens and inks for even more amazing results.

6. Apply the rust aniquing solution right away, before the metallic paint dries completely. I like to apply a liberal coat…and scrub it into the crevices with my paint brush.

You can apply several light coats until you are happy with the patina results. Allow the antiquing solution to dry completely.

Note: The metallic leafing pens contain enough metal that they react really well with most patina solutions. The silver works nicely with liver of sulfer.

7. Accent the raised areas with a dab of Gold Rub ‘n Buff® applied with a make-up sponge. Let dry.

8. Gather all your tools and jewelry components together and begin to assemble your new Patina jewelry designs.

9. There are so many design possiblities. Don’t just stop with a necklace. Try creating a bracelet or two as well.

Marbled Cabochons

amaco — Fri, 11 May 2012 21:12:17 +0000

STEP-BY-STEP with Jana Ewy

Click on photos to enlarge

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

Friendly Plastic® 7" Designer sticks: in the colors of your choice
AMACO® Needle Tool
AMACO® Marbling Comb
AMACO® Beveled Edge Cutters
Acrylic Ruler
Cutting Mat
Disposable Mixing Container
Griddle (set at 200-250 degrees)
Glue: E-6000
Jewelry Supplies and Findings
Mat Knife
Scissors
Large bowl of ice water
Sealer: Envirotex Lite
Stir Stick
Straw

1. Using the cutting mat, ruler and mat knife, cut one 1/4" strip from each color of plastic. Now cut each strip in half with the scissors.

2. Pre-heat the griddle. Place the baking sheet onto the griddle. Place the plastic strips onto the baking sheet one at a time in the color pattern shown. Make sure each strips is stuck in place before adding the next strip. Try to press each strip tightly against the one before, to prevent any gaps. Allow the plastic to soften and seal together.

3. When all the strips have softened and sealed together, place the teeth of the marbling comb against the baking sheet and draw the comb towards you in a wavy “S” pattern cutting through the plastic.

Note: It is very important that you keep the teeth of the comb against the pan while cutting through the plastic. If you only rake across the top, you split the metallic finish and take the chance of exposing too much of the base plastic.

4. Place the teeth of the marbling comb in between the lines you just cut. Now push the comb away following the same wavy pattern, bisecting the previous pass.

5. Remove the pan from the griddle. While the plastic is still warm, cut out the oval shapes by pressing the cutter into the softened plastic. Dip the cutter into the cold water after each cut. This will help keep it from sticking to the plastic. Allow the plastic to cool.

Note: You may place the pan under cold running water to speed the cooling process.

Use the needle tool to press under the edges of the cooled plastic and remove it from the pan. Pop out the ovals. If needed, use the craft knife to to cut around each one.

6. Apply the Envirotex Lite sealer following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Note: Place the pieces on a non-stick cookie sheet. This way if there is any run-off, it will be easy to remove later. Pour the resin into a small squeeze bottle. The application will be more precise. Blow softly through a straw in order to pop any bubbles that may remain. The resin cures completely in 24 hours.

7. Gather all your jewelry supplies and components together and begin the assembly process.

Marbled cabochons make the perfect focal piece in any style of jewelry.

The Technique of Interchange

amaco — Fri, 11 May 2012 20:26:37 +0000

STEP-BY-STEP with Jana Ewy

Click on photos to enlarge

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

Friendly Plastic® 7" Designer sticks: Mother of Pearl White
AMACO® Needle Tool
Alcohol inks
Blending solution
Cutters: round and oval
Craft knife
Griddle (set at 200-250 degrees)
Jewelry supplies and findings
Small bowl of ice-water
Needle tool
Non-stick baking sheet
Paint brush
Make-up sponges
Scissors
Envirotex Lite resin sealer
Mixing container
Stir Stick
Straw

1. Choose a pleasing color combination and apply a splash of color, using alcohol inks on Mother of Pearl Friendly Plastic®.

2. Place the plastic sticks onto the baking sheet. Place the baking sheet onto the preheated griddle and allow the plastic to soften.

3. Remove the baking sheet from the griddle. While the plastic is still warm, cut the circles by pressing the cutter into the softened plastic. Dip the cutter back into the cold water after each cut. This will help keep it from sticking to the plastic. Allow the plastic to cool. You may place the pan under cold running water to speed the cooling process along.

4. Use the needle tool to press under the edges of the cooled plastic and remove it from the pan. Pop out the circles. If needed use a craft knife to cut around each one.

5. Place the plastic sticks back onto the baking sheet. INTERCHANGE the colors and replace each of the circles.

6. Place the baking sheet back onto the heated griddle and allow the plastic to soften and seal back together.

Tip: this is a perfect time to consider the placement of the cutter for your next cuts.

7. Remove the baking sheet from the griddle. While the plastic is still warm, position the cutter so that you get an interesting design and cut the ovals by pressing the cutter into the softened plastic. Allow the plastic to cool. You may place the pan under cold running water to speed the cooling process along.

8. Use the needle tool to press under the edges of the cooled plastic and remove it from the pan. Pop out the ovals. If needed use a craft knife to cut around each one.

9. Mix the Envirotex Lite resin following the manufactures instructions. Apply a thin coat to each of the oval cabochons. Allow to dry.

Tip: I like to place my pieces on a non-stick surface, held in place by doublesided tape. This way if there is any run off, it will be easy to remove later. Pour the Envirotex into a small squeeze bottle. The application will be more precise. Once the resin has been applied, blow softly through a straw over each piece to pop any bubbles that remain. Envirotex cures completely in 24 hours.

10. Gather all the tools, jewelry supplies and components and begin the assembly process. Glueing the cabochons into fancy settings helps take your design from fine to fabulous.

11. Don’t be afraid to mix things up. The unexpected is always more exciting.

Friendly Plastic® Inlay Cabochons

amaco — Fri, 11 May 2012 19:28:21 +0000

STEP-BY-STEP with Jana Ewy

Click on photos to enlarge

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

Friendly Plastic® 7" Designer Sticks: Gold Spectra
Friendly Plastic® Designer Sticks scraps
AMACO® Needle Tool
Acrylic Ruler
Cutters: Oval
Cutting Mat
Disposable Mixing Container
Griddle (set at 200-250 degrees))
Glue: E-6000
Jewelry Tools and Supplies
Mat Knife
Non-Stick Baking Sheet
Scissors
Sealer: Envirotex Lite
Small Dish of Ice Water
Stir Stick
Straw

1. Two of my techniques (Fracture & Fusion and Marbling) start by fusing several multi-colored strips of plastic together to form what I call sheets. It is the raw edges cut from these sheets that I use to create this inlay technique

2. Place the Friendly Plastic® Gold Spectra stick onto the baking sheet. One at a time, carefully place the two mutli-colored strips down the center of the gold stick, leaving a slight gap between the two. Place the baking sheet onto the pre-heated griddle. As the plastic starts to soften, the colored strips will magically inlay themselves into the gold. For this project I have allowed the colored strips to completely inlay into the gold. There is no dimenstion to the surface. The timing for this process to occur can take up to 15 minutes.

3. When the inlay process is complete, remove the baking sheet from the griddle. While the plastic is still warm, cut the ovals by pressing the cutter into the softened plastic. Dip the cutter into the cold water after each cut. This will help keep it from sticking to the plastic. Allow the plastic to cool. You may place the pan under cold running water to speed the process along. Use the needle tool to press under the edges of the cooled plastic and remove it from the pan. Pop out the ovals. If needed use a craft knife to cut around each one.

4. Mix the Envirotex Lite resin following the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply a thin coat to each each of the cabochons. Allow to dry.

Tip: I like to place my pieces on a non-stick surface. Held in place by double-sided tape. This way if there is any run off, it will be easy to remove later. Pour the Envirotex into a small squeeze bottle. The application will be more precise. Once the resin has been applied, blow softly through a straw over each piece to pop any bubbles that remain. Envirotex cures completely in 24 hours.

5. Gather all the tools, jewelry supplies and components and begin the assembly process. Finish by adding the sparkle of a few rhinestones.