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How to make buttons using Fimo clay
| If you have ever made your own garments and never been able to find the prefect button then look no further because as of now you will be able to make your own from Fimo clay. This clay is great for professional looking results, it is easy to use and manipulate achieving the desired shapes and designs you want. Even though you are making buttons and not jewellery, jewellery making tools are fantastic to have at hand especially when you are making the shanks for the back of the buttons. Here are a list of the jewellery making supplies including tools and materials you will need to make your unique Fimo clay buttons: Tools • Fimo clay- around 28g • Acrylic roller • A 6" Teflon square sheet • A 6" square sheet protector • Different sized circle templates • Clay pick • Tweezers • Soft brass brush • 400 grit sanding paper/sponge • Round nose pliers • Flush wire cutters • Olive oil • A small sponge to go into the olive oil • Rubber stamps - one for a focus design the other to create texture in the background • Kiln - if you don't own one or want to purchase one you may be able to use a local pottery studios kiln. It is always best to ask before you start the project. • Slats- either 1mm slats or 6 playing cards • Hand balm • Silver wire - 16 gauge silver round wire - 66mm • 3 light bulbs with plastic socket bases • 1 small chip of liver of sulphur (LOS) • Ammonia • 2-3 tbsp. of vermiculite • Nail file - nail board How to make your buttons 1. Put some of the balm on your fingers so it's easier to handle the clay. Then roll the clay between a sheet protector and Teflon to about 1mm thickness. 2. Choose what rubber stamps you are going to use then use the sponge to apply oil to them. Stamp down your textured stamp first for the background, then stamp the focus stamp after. 3. Using your circle templates and the clay pick, cut the circle in the size template you want. Then using the sponge oil the top of the light bulbs. 4. Delicately remove the clay from the Teflon and place them onto the oiled bulbs pressing down gently on the edges to fit to the shape. Now leave them to dry, preferable overnight under a halogen light. 5. To make your shank for the back of your button cut the wire into 3 pieces which you feel suitable to go with the sized button you are creating. 6. Using the round-nose pliers bend the wire around them to produce a U shape. Then using the flush cutters cut off the access unwanted wire. 7. Once the shanks have been made and the clay on the bulbs is now dry carefully remove them. If you find they are stuck gently apply some more pressure on the edges and they should come away. If they break don't worry as you can reconstruct them. 8. To make the edges more smooth and neat sand them down a little using the nail board. 9. To attach the shank to the button. Start by rolling the remaining clay to about 1mm thickness and cut out three circles. 10. Using the water and paintbrush wet the centre of the back of the button and press each of the small circles into the back. 11. Then using your tweezers put the shank into the place where you want and make sure it lines up well with the design on the front of the button. Leave them to completely dry. 12. Use a few tablespoons of vermiculite to support the buttons when being fired. Follow the instructions given on how to fire depending on the make of clay you have used. Hold for 10 minutes at 1,650 °F. You can submerge the buttons in water immediately or leave them to cool in the kiln. 13. Using the wire brush and a little bit of soap, scrub the buttons enthusiastically under some running water. After you have scrubbed enough dry with a paper towel and do not touch it! 14. To half a cup of hot water add a little chip of the liver of sulphur and ammonia. 15. Dip the button into the solution and slowly remove it. Repeat until you reach the desired look. It is best to use the tweezers for this part. 16. If you are unhappy with the outcome of your button then you can reheat the clay in the kiln and repeat the method to you reach a colour you are happy with. Now you know how to make your own Fimo clay buttons why stop there. With the right tools and your imagination you can make loads of different items such as charm beads, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, cufflinks, badges, broaches and even tea strainers and thimbles! Having all the correct jewellery making supplies will help you out a huge amount when creating your beautiful pieces. You don't only have to work with Fimo clay, for more colourful buttons try using polymer clay, Fimo clay or even just buy an art clay kit to get you started. |
About the Author
Glenn Tucker writes for a variety of jewellery & crafts blogs and enjoys helping indivduals and businesses to use and find the best arts and crafts supplies including art clay and art clay kits.
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