Well it's been a while, but I've been quietly working in the background from time to time, and I'm so happy to share some simple polymer clay buttons that I made. I like to make polymer clay kaleidoscope "canes" a lot and these slices just screamed out "buttons" so here they are. I had a good time making them.
(click on the photos for a closer view)
The buttons in the below photo are baked and are very hard. They are safe to put in the washing machine and in the dryer on a cool setting. It's best to turn the garment inside out while they tumble.
Below is a photo of a stack of raw unbaked polymer clay canes that I made. Using that photo as an example of where I begin, I use a tissue blade (sharp long razor-type blade) to slice the cane thin, then I place the slices on a clay backing (usually textured). After gently pressing the two pieces of clay together, I place a piece of plastic deli wrap over the clay. I s-l-o-w-l-y and carefully press my round or square cutter down on the plastic wrap, and that gives a nice domed edge to the buttons.
I have these little circles that I cut out of printer transparency film, and they are my "cheaters" for getting the holes just right. I had my circle cutter make a mark right in the center of the film, and then I made holes in the film to show just where the buttonholes should be, using a regular button as a guide. That center mark allows me to get the template right in the center of the clay button.
Once my circle or square is cut, I place the transparent circle over the top and make marks in the clay for the button holes. Then I press the needle tool through the clay from both sides to keep those button holes nice and neat.
I bake the raw buttons for 40 minutes in a 300 degree oven to make sure they are well-cured. I use Kato brand polymer clay for my canes, so the higher temperature works great for that brand of clay. (I cover the clay with aluminum foil while I'm baking - always!) Also since I live at high altitude, my oven temperature needs to be higher than that of "flatlanders". :)
Then I hand sand the buttons with high-grit sandpaper and buff them to a shine. It's a lot of work but the outcome is so nice that it's worth it.
I hope you enjoyed this little walk through my button-making world today! Thanks for reading!
