Fire Mountain Fix: Scrap Clay

There are so many things you can do with scrap clay, but mixing black, grey or brown with other scrap colors will not result in a pretty color. Here is an alternative to mixing scrap clay pieces together:

Chop the scrap clay into small pieces, approximately equaling the size of a golf ball or small plum.

Tip: Introduce small pieces of lighter or darker shades of clay to enhance the contrast.

Gently squeeze the scrap colors to get them nice and compact, to prevent air bubbles. Gently roll the pieces to compress them together, but not blend the colors.

Twist along the length of the cane to create a lot of striping (don't forget to twist the ends). Slice the cane in half and place the pieces back-to-back so the stripes in the center are visible. Re-compress the two pieces together then roll the snake again. Repeat to twist the snake again resulting in more striping.

Use a roller to flatten the snake then roll the sheet through the polymer clay roller to flatten even more.

Place the sheet on a flat surface. Position a pointed tool, like a bamboo skewer or toothpick, almost flat to the clay then pull from one side to the other to drag down through the stripes approximately every 1/4 inch. Flip the clay 180-degrees then drag from the opposite direction, between the previous lines to achieve a chevron patterning.

Leave the texture in place or, if desired, flatten the sheet using a roller or polymer clay roller. When rolling position the sheet so the stripes are horizontal to the roller, then roll on a very thin setting.

Bake the entire sheet according to manufacturer's instructions then use a die cutter or decorative scissors to cut the sheet into shapes or create bookmarks.

This thin sheet is incredibly flexible, durable and very strong and can be used in a variety of ways.