Premo! Dragonfly Vase

Getting StartedPolymer clay may stain. CLAY MAY DAMAGE UNPROTECTED FURNITURE OR FINISHED SURFACES. DO NOT USE polymer clay on unprotected surfaces. We recommend working on the Sculpey clay mat, wax paper, metal baking sheet, or disposable foil. Start with clean hands and work surface area. Knead clay until soft and smooth. For best results, clean your hands in between colors. Shape clay, pressing pieces together firmly. Bake on oven-proof glass or metal surface at 275°F (130 °C) for 30 minutes per ¼" (6 mm) thickness. For best baking results, use an oven thermometer. DO NOT USE MICROWAVE OVEN. DO NOT EXCEED THE ABOVE TEMPERATURE OR RECOMMENDED BAKING TIME. Wash hands after use. Baking should be completed by an adult.Begin by preheating oven to 275 °F (130 °C). Test temperature with oven thermometer for perfectly cured clay. For best results, condition all clay by running it through the Clay Conditioning Machine for several passes on the widest setting. Fold the clay in half after each pass and insert the fold side into the rollers first.

Condition the entire 16 oz. of Ecru Premo!. Then make a sheet by running it through the third thickest setting of the Clay Conditioning Machine. You may have to piece it to have enough width to cover your bowl. Drape over the outside of the bowl and working from the center out pat the clay to the bowl using the texture of the pool tread or sandpaper. Measure one inch down from the lip of the bowl, mark and use the X-acto knife to trim off the excess clay . This piece will be the bottom of your "pot"

Cure according to the directions in Step 1. Allow to cool slightly and then carefully remove polymer from the glass bowl. Repeat process to make the other half of your piece. But this time leave the area near to the closed end of your bowl open or uncovered. This will become the "mouth" of your vase. Texture as with the first piece. Cure according to the directions in Step 1 the recommended temperature. Make sure both pieces are cured and cool before proceeding.

Pour about a quarter cup of the White Pearl liquid polymer into a small container. Add drop by drop of the alcohol inks and mix until you get the desired color. Using a form brush, apply the liquid polymer to the inside of both halves of your piece, working to within 1/2 inch of where the two pieces will join. ( the rim areas) Cure as directed in Step 1 and allow to cool.

Rub both rims on the drywall sandpaper to level and slightly roughen them. Apply Genesis Medium to the rim edges with a brush. Join the bowls to form a "pot".

Run some Ecru clay thru the clay conditioning machine on its thickest setting , fold that piece of clay in half to create a thicker piece. Use the acrylic roller to gently tack these pieces together. Cut a circle out of this clay using a 2 1/4" circle cutter. Using the smaller 1 1/2" cutter to cut out the center of the larger circl creating a "foot". Apply some Genesis Medium to the base of the pot and add the "foot". Apply more Genesis to the upper lip and add a flattened coil of Ecru clay to finish. Cure, with piece resting on the top rim, for 30 minutes.

When the pot is cool , apply Genesis to the join area and fill any gaps with soft clay. Smooth and then finish with the texture.

Use the Dragonfly Sprig mold to create three dragonflies to dance around the rim of the pot. Apply Genesis Medium to the back of the uncured dragonflies and place them on your piece. Gently press in place.

Then, touch up the "glaze" on the inside of the pot (where the two pieces joined). Cure for 30 minutes.

Mix the alcohol inks and the liquid polymer until you get the desired color. Stir well and slowly to avoid getting air bubbles. Use a foam brush to apply the "glaze" to the outside of the pot. Build up the surface slowly. Use the natural sponge dipped in a pool of alcohol ink to add more color and detail to the dragonfly wings. Pounce a bit of that color on the sides of the pot to add interest. Cure ,with the pot resting on it's unglazed foot, for 30 minutes.