Posts
borrowing techniques
Polymer clay is the most adaptive, permutable (to borrow a term) art material I have used. The substance is limited only by the user. Fascinating.
Last month I tried something. A super thin sheet of Ultra Light, a feat in itself, the material dislikes being rolled thin. Cured at relatively high temp for an hour. Result? A sheet resembling paper which I then ran thru my printer. It took about a week for the ink to dry to permanent status. I had some smudging, think I’ll decrease the ink saturation next.
These are WWI and WWII posters. Something about women and war and this time of year. I served 12 years in the Naval Reserve and was disappointed when my health made me no longer eligible even for the Reserves.
I do not usually agree with whatever military ‘thing’ is considered worth sacrificing lives for. In my capacity in the medical unit that is not an issue. I get to put on the bandaids.
I, for one, am very thankful there are men and women who enlist. If not for them we would be faced with a draft. I lived thru those years and they were horrid. I guess what I am trying to say, is remember our service men and women. They may have chosen to put themselves in harms ways. If they had not, it would be others who have no stomach for it against their will.
I digressed.
Borrowing Techniques
Polymer clay lends itself to just about any technique and process. Above I treated it like paper. In The Encyclopedia of Contemporary Jewelry Making Techniques
Vanetta Seecharran hits briefly on: metal and wire; plastic and rubber; fabric, fibers, and leather; paper and pulp; wood; ceramic; glass; concrete; casting. There is a wonderful chapter on tools (I adore tools). And the art! There is enough fodder here for the polymer clay artist to be very busy for a very long time. Every time I open this book I have an ‘eureka!” moment. And while I would not call it a true encyclopedia, it is as close as I would care to get for a while. Where ever would I find the time for even more info???
Valerie
2 comments:
Before printing, you might try coating the clay with InkAid or Golden Digital Grounds. Both of these make any material ink jet receptive. I haven't tried it on clay but both work well for a variety of media.
Google both of the above for how-to info and inspiration.
Mary Ann Rolfe
A Digital Stretch
www.digitalstretch.com
Hi Mary Ann,
My goal was to find a way to print directly to the clay without using an intermediary substance. The Golden products should be compatible with the clay. I have not looked at the InkAid.
This worked. It simply needs some fine tuning and I put it out for others to give it a go...if so inclined.
I'm cheap and always looking for ways to cut out a step AND a cost.
I am glad you posted about the alternatives. Gives others another way to be successful!!
Post a Comment