Home Decor Dog with Premo! Sculpey® Polymer Clay and Rhinestones
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Design Idea F867
Lump Mutts
-- Designer --
Christi Friesen
To learn more about Christi Friesen, read her jewelry artist success story here.
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Please take the creative opportunity to select the products of your choice for this design, offered here at Fire Mountain Gems and Beads.
This adorable jewelry project is what renowned polymer clay artist Christi Friesen calls a lump mutt. See how to make this adorable new pet using Sculpey® PREMO polymer clay—complete with curious ears, studded collar and little red tongue.
Instructions
Step 1
Combine sections of polymer clay colors to achieve the desired marbleized puppy color approximately the size of a Ping-Pong ball.
Roll the final color into an oval shape then pull a tail out from one end. Pull and pinch the tail keeping it rounded to the desired length. Curve the tail up and pinch it just slightly at the end. Press the tail end of the oval down on the table to create a flat base.
Pull and pinch the opposite end to create the shape of a dog face.
Tip: Polymer clay responds and softens with the heat of your body for easier manipulation.
Step 2
String an eye bead onto an approximately 1-1/2 inch length of 28-gauge wire. Bring the ends of the wire together and twist to create a tail. Trim the wire to approximately 1/4 inch and bend the end of the wire into a hook. This will keep the bead in the clay after baking. Repeat to create a second eye.
Step 3
Use the rounded end of a tool to create indentations on either side of the head then insert an eye into each hole. Press the eye beads in so they rest deep inside the holes.
Step 4
Separate a small ball of clay from the excess then form a point by pressing on one end, forming a teardrop. Flatten the teardrop with your fingers. Press the pointed end of the teardrop onto one side of the head then press it down into a curve. Repeat to attach another ear to the opposite side.
Separate a small piece of black clay then press it into the nose, joining it to the other clay for a natural look.
Step 5
Use a cutting blade to slice through the mouth area then use a needle tool or toothpick to open the mouth. Roll a tongue-colored teardrop, flatten then use the needle tool to form a line down the center of the teardrop, point end first. Pinch the tongue around the needle tool then insert the needle tool inside the mouth. Press down, twist and release to remove the tool, securing the tongue in place.
Step 6
Roll out a snake of collar-colored clay then wrap it around the dog's neck. Trim excess clay then soften the end of the clay.
Optional: Affix hotfix flat back rhinestones; headpins, for a studded look; or form a bandana from a triangle of clay and attach to the neck. Add fur texture and any other desired embellishments.
Step 7
Bake according to manufacturer's instructions.
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Copyright Permissions
The pieces featured in the Gallery of Designs are copyrighted designs and are provided for inspiration only. We encourage you to substitute different colors, products and techniques to make the design your own.
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