DIY Network

Globe Trotting: Polymer Clay Mask Barrette by Anne Igou From "Jewelry Making" episode DJMK-511

We're heading south -- all the way to Brazil to celebrate Carnaval. And what is Carnaval best known for? Masks and masquerades! Anne Igou, polymer clay artist, joins host Jackie Guerra to create a gorgeous mask barrette from polymer clay and embellished with ribbons, rhinestones and beads -- because you can't celebrate Carnaval without beads!

Experience Level: Intermediate

advertisement

Guest Ann Igou shows you how to create this fun mask barrette to wear when you celebrate Carnaval.

Materials --

Kato Polyclay Blocks:

• 1 red
  
• 1/4 violet
  
• 1/2 gold

Tools --

Craft knife
Clay blade
Clay dedicated pasta machine
Automotive protectant spray (such as Armor All or Sun of a Gun)
Ceramic tile work surface
Oven
Scissors
Large glass jar

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

Polymer Clay Mask Barrette

1. Fold cardstock in half. Draw one half of the basic mask template and cut out with scissors. Fold in half again, draw eyes in the template and cut out using a craft knife.

2. Place the template on a piece of black felt and trace the template onto the felt and cut it out (figure A). Set this aside for later -- it will be placed on the back of the mask.

3. Condition all clays thoroughly before use. Roll red clay through pasta machine on the thickest setting.

4. Place stamp face up. Spray stamp with automotive protectant spray.

5. Lay clay sheet on top of stamp. Spray sheet with automotive protectant spray and roll acrylic rod over clay sheet (figure B) leaving stamped impression in clay.

6. Dab a small amount of gold interference powder onto stamped clay sheet using finger.

7. Place mask template on red stamped clay sheet. Cut out mask shape and eye holes using template as an outline (figure C).

8. Roll violet clay into thin snakes approximately 1/2" long. Taper snakes at one end by rolling to reduce. Place small snakes all around the perimeter of the eyes using Poly Bonder (figure D). Trim excess.

   Note: Poly Bonder is a glue specifically made for use with high temperatures.

9. Roll gold clay into a long thin snake approximately 1/6" in diameter. Gold snake will turn into a long rope. Fold snake in half and twist to create a twisted rope.

10. Apply to edges of mask and trim away excess.

11. Place a crystal in the corner (tear duct) of each eye (figure E).

12. Transfer mask onto a glass jar for baking by slipping your clay blade underneath the mask thus lifting it off of the tile.

13. Bake mask on top of glass jar on oven rack according to manufacturer's instruction and allow to cool completely.

14. Apply a small amount of craft glue to the back of the mask. Apply feathers on either side of the mask. Cut two lengths of ribbon approximately 10" long. Glue to either side on the back of the mask.

15. After the glue is completely dry, decorate the ribbons with beads. Glue the black piece of felt onto the back and then glue the barrette clip to the back of the mask and press to secure (figure F).

RESOURCES :

Kato Polyclay
Prairie Craft Company
Florissant, CO
Websites: www.prairiecraft.com
or www.KatoPolyclay.com

Perfect Pearls Interference Powders
Ranger Industries Inc.
Website: www.rangerink.com

GUESTS :

Anne Igou
Artist/Designer
We apologize no contact information is available.