DIY Network

Matchbox Amulet From "Jewelry Making" episode DJMK-304

	Dotty McMillan's coppery amulet.
	With this technique and a variety of materials, the style possibilities are endless!

Materials:

2-3 oz. of black polymer clay
Repel Gel or white glue
Small, empty matchbox
Rubber stamp in design of your choice, at least 4" long
Craft blade
Wire cutters
Small needle nose pliers
Small paintbrush
Copper mica powder
Metallic paint
Liquid polymer clay
Small beads and charms
2 sterling flat head pints
Pasta machine or acrylic roller
Small pallet knife

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

1. Measure and roll out black clay through pasta machine set on highest setting, or roll with acrylic roller to 1/8" thickness.

2. Rubber stamp the black polymer clay and trim to box size. Coat box with Repel Gel or glue, then wrap the stamped sheet of clay around the box (figure A). Trim any excess clay. Bake, following manufacturer's directions.

3. When cool, remove the box from the inside of the clay using a small pallet knife. If white glue was used, soak the piece in water to help dissolve and remove the box.

4. Add mica powder (figure B) -- blend with fingers as desired -- then paint the entire piece. When dry, coat the inside of the drawer and the outside of the box using liquid clay.

5. Cut one piece the same size as the end of the drawer, then cut another piece 1/8" larger than the outside of the box. Coat each outside end of the drawer with liquid clay and cover coated ends with two cut out pieces.

6. Roll out two small balls of clay in a complimentary color, run a headpin through the ball, then flatten the end of the ball (figure C). Brush a small amount of liquid clay on the flattened ends. Press one of the pieces against each end of the drawer. Bake the drawer and let cool.

7. String beads onto the end of each of the pins and form a loop at the ends. The loop on the topside of the amulet is where you will thread a cord or chain. The loop on the bottom side is where you will attach a charm. Carry small mementos, a photo -- or anything you like -- inside the drawer.

RESOURCES :
Kato Polyclay, Kato Repel Gel, NuBlade
Prairie Craft Company / Kato Polyclay
Florissant, CO
Toll-free Phone: 800-779-0615
Website: www.prairiecraft.com
Website: www.KatoPolyclay.com

GUESTS :

Dotty McMillan
Simply Ridiculous Designs
Phone: 909-780-4052
E-mail: dmcmillan01@earthlink.net
Website: alookingglass.homestead.com/dottykaleidoscopes.html