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

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

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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 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.

Friendly Plastic ID Style Bracelets

amaco — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:22:14 +0000

STEP-BY-STEP with Jana Ewy

Click on photos to enlarge

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

Friendly Plastic® 7" Designer sticks
AMACO® Needle Tool
Acrylic Ruler
Cutting Mat
Drill and Small Drill Bit
Disposable Mixing Container
Fingernail File
Griddle (set at 200-300 degrees)
Glue: E-6000
Jar: 8" to 10" in circumference
Jewelry Supplies and Findings
Mat Knife
Large Bowl of Ice Water
Permanent Marker: Black
Pliers: Needle Nose; Large Barrel
Scissors
Sealer: Envirotex Lite
Silicone Flexible Baking Mat: Cut to Size: 3" x 9"
Stir Stick
Straw

1. Use the Fracture & Fusion Technique to design a sheet of Friendly Plastic®. Cut your designed Friendly Plastic® to approximately 1" x 2 1/4". Cut a matching piece of Black plastic for the backing.

Resin Coating: Mix the Envirotex Lite sealer following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Application: Place your designed plastic on a non-stick surface. This way, if there is any run off, it will be easy to remove later. For a more precise application, pour the mixed resin into a small squeeze bottle. Once the resin has been applied, blow softly through a straw over the piece in order to pop any bubbles that remain.

IMPORTANT: Allow your piece to dry for 12 hours. Make sure you time this properly. At 12 hours, the resin is still flexible enough to be formed. This is my trick that everyone has been asking for. How do you get the resin on a curved surface# I don’t! The resin is applied to a flat surface and then at the 12 hour window it is formed into a curve.

2. It’s been 12 hours…hope you timed this properly, and you are not getting up at 4 o’clock in the morning. Pre-heat the griddle to 200 degrees. Place the silicone mat onto the griddle. Place the Black plastic onto the mat and allow it to soften.

3. Carefully position and place the designed plastic onto the softened Black plastic. Allow the two pieces to seal together. This could take about 3 to 4 minutes.

Resist the urge to touch or press on the plastic.

4. Pick up the silicone mat and slowly begin wrapping it around the jar. You will notice that some of the black plastic seems to ooze out from each end. Not to worry, you can cut this off later.

5. While holding the mat securely around the jar plunge it into the bowl of ice-cold water. Your hands are going to get cold but you have to hold the jar there for 2 to 3 minuutes. The plastic and resin have to harden in order to retain the shape.

6. Loosen your grip on the mat and release the jar. The plastic should release from the mat as well. Drop the plastic back into the water and allow it to remain there for another 15 minutes or so. Remember that the resin is still curing, by keeping your piece in the cold water a bit longer, helps it to retain its shape.

7. Remove the plastic from the water and dry it off with a paper towel. Use scissors to trim off any excess plastic that has oozed out from the ends.

8. Use a fingernail file to smooth and round off the corners.

9. Mark the placement for the jump rings, and drill the holes.

10. Gather all your tools, jewelry supplies, beads and components. Begin the assembly process.

11. Finish by adding a bit of sparkle with a few rhinestones.

There you have it…an inspired and clearly unique ID Style Bracelet.

Friendly Plastic Beads

amaco — Wed, 09 May 2012 21:54:19 +0000

STEP-BY-STEP with Jana Ewy

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TOOLS AND MATERIALS

Friendly Plastic® 7" Designer sticks: Gold Spectra
Friendly Plastic® Scraps
AMACO® Needle Tool
Griddle (set at 200-250 degrees)
Jewelry Supplies and Findings
Small Bowl of Ice Water
Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat
Scissors

1. Cut varied size sections from the Gold Spectra Friendly Plastic® stick. The larger the section…the larger the finished bead will be.

2. Cut several small, random size pieces of Friendly Plastic® in colors of your choice or from remaining scraps you may have on hand. I used scraps left over from my Fracture and Fusion Technique.

3. Creating one bead at a time; arrange the small confetti pieces, foil side down onto the silicone baking mat.

4. Place the Gold plastic, foil side down on top of the confetti pieces. Place the baking mat onto the pre-heated griddle and allow the plastic to soften and fuse together. Approximately 3 to 4 minutes.

5. Remove the baking mat from the heat. Moisten your fingers with water so they don’t stick the plastic. Begin to roll the outside edges of the plastic in towards the center.

6. Try to cover as much of the black backing as possible. Fold the plastic in half, making sure to cover the inside area.

7. Moisten palms of hand, pick the plastic up and roll into a ball or random shape nugget.

8. Place the bead into the ice water for about 15 seconds to harden the outer shell. The center will remain soft and pliable, which makes creating the hole very easy.

9. Remove the bead from the water. Using the needle tool, pierce a hole through the bead. Work the needle tool back and forth through the bead until it slides out easily.

TIP: Lubricating the needle tool with oil or vaseline will help keep it from sticking.

Place the bead back into the water to finish hardening.

10. Repeat this process for each bead.

Cylinder Technique

amaco — Tue, 08 May 2012 16:10:44 +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
Mat Knife
Cutting Mat
Scissors
Griddle (set at 200-300 degrees)
Non-stick Baking Sheet
Silicone Baking Mat, cut to size: 3" x 9"
8" length of 1/8" (4mm) Rubber Tubing (sold by the foot at hobby stores)
Large Bowl of Cold Water
Craft Blade or Utility Knife
Round Nose and Needle Nose Jewelry Pliers
Wire Cutters
Jewelry Supplies and Findings: Stringing Wire, Clear Elastic Cording, Head Pins, Wire, Bead Caps, Spacer Beads, Chain, Clasps, Ear Wires, Jump Rings and Assorted Beads

1. Using a cutting mat, ruler and blade, cut 1/4" and 1/8" strips from each color of plastic stick.

Then cut the strips in half using scissors.

2. Preheat the griddle.

Place the baking sheet onto the griddle.

One at a time, in a color pattern of your choosing, place the plastic strips onto the baking sheet. 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.

3. Continue until enough strips have been added, to measure approximately 7". The full length of the pan…if you are using a little gold pan from Nordic Wear.

Remove the pan from the heat and allow the plastic to cool completely.

4. Place the cooled plastic sheet, back onto the cutting mat and trim off the uneven edges.

Continue to cut the plastic into three 1" wide strips. This will allow you to create a straight, a curved and a round cylinder.

5. Place the silicone mat onto the griddle.

Position the plastic strip, right side down onto the center of the silicone sheet and allow the plastic to soften. You will notice as the plastic softens it becomes very shiny. It is important that you watch this process closely.

6. As soon as the entire strip is shiny, remove the silicone mat from the heat.

Place the silicone mat onto your counter or work surface.

Carefully lay the rubber tubing along the top edge of the softened plastic strip.

7. Moisten your fingers with water, to prevent sticking to the plastic.

Begin to roll the plastic up and around the tubing. Continue until all of the plastic is wrapped around the tubing.

Now you can use your fingers and the palms of your hands to roll the cylinder back and forth on the silicone mat. Pay close attention to secure and seal the overlap.

Once you are happy with the look of your cylinder, pick it up by the extended ends of the tubing. Pull it straight and taut, quickly run it under the flow of cold water from the faucet. This will quickly harden the outside of the cylinder allowing you to lay it down to finish the cooling process without the fear of it getting marred.

8. To create the curved bar:
Repeat steps 5, 6 and most of step 7. Instead of pulling the tubing straight and taut, you are going to allow the tubing to form a nice “U” shaped curve, think about the curve of your neck line. Once you are happy with the shape, carefully lower the cylinder into a bath of icy cold water. This will harden the plastic very quickly. Allow the cylinder to rest in the water for a few more minutes before removing.

9. To create the round bangle:

Repeat steps 5, 6 and most of step 7. This time you are going to wrap the tubing around a jar, forming a circle. Once you are happy with the shape, while still holding on to the extended ends of the tubing with your finger, carefully lower the jar into the bath of icy cold water. This will harden the plastic very quickly. Allow the cylinder to slide off the jar and rest in the water for a few more minutes before removing.

10. Once all of the cylinders have cooled and the plastic has completely hardened. Remove the rubber tubing by pulling on each of the exposed ends until the seal within the cylinder has been broken. You will know when this has happened, as the tubing will slide out. The circle for the bangle will be a little more difficult to remove, because of the shape, just be patient.

11. Your three cylinders should look something like this.

12. Here are a few other color combinations to try.

13. Place the cylinders onto the cutting mat and trim off the uneven ends using a craft blade or a utility knife. I prefer using the craft blade for this. You do need to put a little muscle behind it in order to cut through the plastic. Just do it carefully. Continue to cut the cylinders into the sizes you desire for your intended projects. There are several designs here to inspire you.

14. Once you have a design idea in mind, gather all of your components together and get started. Here I have chosen the components to do a three-piece set. Necklace—Bracelet—Earrings.

15. The finished designs.

The Basic Cuff Bracelet

amaco — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:42:59 +0000

STEP-BY-STEP with Jana Ewy

Click on photos to enlarge

Create Beautiful Cuff Bracelets with a Few Simple Steps

CREATIVE DESIGN TECHNIQUES

FRACTURE & FUSION
This technique is one of my favorites. The unique mosaic pattern and color combinations that can be achieved are always amazing to me.

Click here to learn the Fracture & Fusion Technique.

SPLASH
When I started playing with alcohol inks on my Friendly Plastic® sticks, a whole new world of colorful surface designs became possible.

Click here to learn the Splash Technique.

MARBLING
When I designed the Marbling Comb several years ago, it made it possible to recreate some of the traditional marbling design with Friendly Plastic®. Thanks to the manufacturing of AMACO®…that little comb was made available for all of us.

Click here to learn the Marbling Technique.

Whichever technique you use…The results are always one of a kind.

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

Friendly Plastic® 7" Designer sticks
Bowl: filled with ice cold water
Cutting Mat
Griddle (set at 200 to 250 degrees)
Jar: or cylinder the size of your wrist, approximately 7" around
Utility Knife
Non-stick flexible silicone baking mat
Ruler
Scissors

1.Create your bracelet using your favorite design technique. Next, cut your bracelet along with a stick of black plastic, to your desired width and length. My standard measurements are (1/2" x 6 3/4"), (3/4" x 6 3/4") and (1" x 6 3/4").

2. Pre-heat the griddle. Place the silicone baking mat onto the griddle. Place the black plastic stick onto the baking mat. Align it down the center with one end lined up at the end of the mat. This gives you about 2" of the silicone mat at the other end. You will need this to hold on to when you pick it up later. Allow the plastic to soften.

3. Carefully align and place the designed plastic on top of the softened black plastic. Allow the two to soften and seal together. This takes approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Try to resist the urge to touch.

4. Remove the mat from the griddle, picking it up from the end where you left space. Slowly and carefully wrap it around the jar.

5. Hold it securely and plunge it into the bowl of ice water. Hold it there for about a minute or two, giving the plastic a chance to harden.

6. Remove it from the water bath. Remove the jar, and check to make sure the inside has cooled completely. I like to dip it back into the water just to make sure before removing the silicone mat from the center.

7. Dry it off with a towel. Trim off any excess plastic with the scissors. Smooth and round off the edges using a nail file.

Fracture and Fusion Technique

amaco — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:59:32 +0000

STEP-BY-STEP with Jana Ewy

Click on photos to enlarge

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

Friendly Plastic® 7" sticks
Alcohol inks
Alcohol blending fluid
Gold metallic pen
Paint brushes or make-up sponges (for use with inks)
Matt knife
Acrylic ruler
Cutting mat
Craft knife
Scissors
AMACO® Needle tool
Shaped cutters: 7/8 and 1 3/4 inch
Small dish of cold water with a few drops of olive oil
Griddle set at 200-300 degrees
Non-stick baking sheet that fits flat on griddle surface
Sealer: I used Envirotex Lite, but any high gloss acrylic sealer will work.
Disposable mixing container and stir stick
Straw
Non-stick cookie sheet
Round nose and needle nose jewelry pliers
Wire cutters
Jewelry findings of your choice.

1. I like to use 5 color coordinated sticks of Friendly Plastic® to create my Fracture & Fusion sheets. Two that are original colors of Friendly Plastic® and three that I have enhanced using alcohol inks. I think it makes for a more interesting finished design.

Note: This extra technique is not necessary. You can create beautiful multi-colored sheets using only the original colors.

2. A Splash of color: For each sheet, create three coordinating colored sticks.

Apply a wash of blending solution over two white and one silver spectra plastic stick. Apply drops of alcohol ink. Allow the color to disperse. Use your paintbrush or sponge to fill in any white areas that are left. Continue adding ink and playing with the color until a desired pattern is achieved. The metallic inks from Krylon pens blend beautifully with the alcohol inks, and create some unique patterns.

3. Repeat the Splash process, for each color coordinated sheet. Creating purple, pink, blue, orange and green.

4. Fracture: Using a cutting mat, ruler and blade, cut the plastic sticks into 1/4 inch strips. Then cut each strip in half using scissors.

5. Arrange the strips into a pleasing pattern.

6. Continue adding strips, until your have reached a length of 7 inches.

7. Fusion: Preheat the griddle. Place the baking sheet onto the griddle. One at a time, in the color pattern you have arranged. Place the plastic strips onto the baking sheet. 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.

8. Continue until all of the strips have been added. Allow the plastic to soften and seal together. If any gaps do appear, simply tap over them with your finger, gently pressing the softened plastic together.

9. When all the strips have softened and sealed together, remove the baking sheet from the griddle and allow the plastic to cool. Use the needle tool to press under the edges of the cooled plastic and remove it from the pan.

10. Repeat the steps for each colored sheet.

11. Fracture: Place the cooled plastic back onto the cutting mat and trim off the uneven edge. Cut the plastic into 1/4" and 1/8" strips. Cut three of each width. That will give you enough to play with. You can always cut more as you need them. Continue with each of the colored sheets.

12. Now it’s playtime. Arrange the strips by color and size until you are happy with the design. There are so many options; it’s hard to know when to stop. Have fun.

13. Fusion: Place the baking sheet back onto the griddle. One at a time, in the pattern you have arranged, place the plastic strips onto the baking sheet. Make sure each strip is stuck in place before adding the next strip. Try to press each strip tightly against the one before, to prevent any gaps. Continue until all of the strips have been added. Allow the plastic to soften and seal together. If any gaps do appear, remember to tap over them with your finger pressing the softened plastic together. When all the strips have softened and sealed together, remove the baking sheet from the griddle.

14. While the plastic is still warm, cut desired shapes by pressing the cutter into the softened plastic. Dip the cutter back into a dish of 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.

15. Use the needle tool to press under the edge of the cooled plastic and remove it from the pan.

16. Pop out the cut shapes. If needed use the craft knife to cut around each one.

17. OPTIONAL: Mix the Envirotex Lite sealer following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Application: I like to place my pieces on a non-stick cookie sheet. This way if there is any run off, it will be easy to remove later.

Once I have the Envirotex mixed, I like to pour it into a small squeeze bottle. The application will be more precise and much easier.

Note: Apply strips of double sided tape to your non-stick pan to hold the plastic in place while applying the resin coating.

18. Once the resin has been applied, blow softly through a straw over each piece in order to pop any bubbles that remain.

Allow the pieces to dry at least 12 hours. If there has been any run off, remove the piece from the pan by pressing the needle tool under it and lifting. The resin is still soft enough that you can cut the excess off with scissors.

Envirotex cures completely in 24 hours.

19. Have fun creating your desired components.

20. Creating color coordinated beaded components are the perfect complement to any design.

21. A finished design.