I've been meaning to share another project where I actually got photo's off my computer and into my life. Then I realised that this could be a really nice (and quick) Mother's day solution for older kids or even made by yourself for your own Mom. I recently made this oven clay Polaroid pendant inspired by
this post. In the tutorial she advises that it's messy and to rather just buy one that make it.
Well I'm happy to report that I found it quite do-able. I think I've been fortunate that my clay was pliable and easy to work with. I used Scuplty (picked up in Jhb at Seedpod studio in Broadacres).
But first the photo: I used
Poladroid, (a free fun program to digitally turn your photo's into polaroid looking images. I love that it even makes the sound of a Polaroid as it processes images) Turned some photo's into Poladroids and then moved a few photo's onto a blank page to make them the size I wanted before printing.
I made mine a lot smaller than the tutorial, as you can see in the image above. Just how I prefer it.
I noticed that the clay shrunk a little in the oven. I'd suggest making a template by drawing around your photo but with your pen at a bit of an angle to make it slightly bigger. Then do the outer line of the "polaroid". Template done. I didn't have glass to work on, so I used a tile (from my mosaic stash). Worked great.
I applied some wax to my hands, the rolling pin and tile before I started. Not sure if it helped, but I didn't really have a problem with sticky clay. I used special clay wax, but I suppose hair, lip or cuticle wax would work fine. Keep the clay you're not using sealed or under a wet cloth to keep it from drying out. I rolled out the clay, and cut out the templates. I was a bit quick to move the part with the window onto the solid block, but since it was still soft I could correct any dents I made. This was also the time where I placed the ringlet between the two layers to attach it to the chain later.
I then placed it into the oven still on the tile. Baked it according to the instructions. It was completely loose from the tile when it came out. I used sanding paper to sand it neater. I didn't go for perfect edges as this is supposed to look handmade. Later painted it with white cutex and added the photo. I accidentally dropped my pendant on a hard floor and it was completely undamaged. Hardens really well. And a fun piece of jewelry.
Here's another really quick and easy project that even younger kids can try: Photo candle glasses. I made it some time ago inspired by many similar projects on Pinterest.
You will need : A photocopied image. It has to be laser copy, inkjet won't work. High contrast works best, and your end product will be a mirror image of the original, so you might want to turn your photo around before printing. A roll of broad cellotape. A patterned image from a magazine. A glass or clear jar.
Measure your glass. Open your cellotape to the same length. Stick images on top. The patterned images are really handy here when your photo might be too short, and very pretty alongside the photo.
Dampen your strip and work the paper off with your fingers. The images will remain on the cellotape. It should still be sticky enough to apply onto the glass, or else you can use some modge podge to glue it on.
Easy, and looks great with a candle lit inside. Or even just like that.
Wishing you a wonderful Mother's day this Sunday. I loved
this post on real Motherhood by Ann Voskamp. And these words by Stacy Eldredge in her book, Captivating:
"As large as the role is that our mothers play, the word mother is more powerful when used as a verb than as a noun. All women are not mothers, but all women are called to mother. To mother is to nurture, to train, to educate, to rear. As daughters of Eve, all women are uniquely gifted to help others in their lives become more of who they truly are - to encourage, to nurture, and mother them toward their true selves. In doing this women partner with Christ in the vital mission of bringing forth life."
