Student Level: Intermediate
Type of Workshop: Project
Prerequisite: None

A few years ago I had the pleasure of teaching to the polymer clay guild in Israel. One of my favorite places was Jerusalem because of its incredible history as the foundation for the three primary Western religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. This class takes its inspiration from that trip and especially from some of the flea markets that I visited where I bought antique Old Testaments that had metal and bejeweled covers. Students will be working on a tin box substrate using polymer clay assemblage and tile techniques to cover the box tops. A variety of techniques will be covered including rubber stamping, stenciling, painting, collage, using silver or gold leaf, using molds, embedding jewelry parts, fashioning bezels and creating transfers. This is truly a mixed media project. Students will also use a variety of techniques and materials to embellish both the inside of the box and the sides. The end result will be a beautiful and functional piece of art that can hold a found treasure inside, prized travel photos or even a journal! Students are encouraged to think "outside" the box to come up with their own interpretations of this theme!

Kit/Materials Fee (payable to instructor at class time):

• $20.00 includes:
• tin box
• gold/silver leaf
• acrylic paint
• mica powders
• Rub n Buff
• dimensional paint
• gel medium
• collage images
• Staz-On ink pads

Instructor Provided (for use in-class, and to share):

• Cups
• paper plates
• clay blades
• rags
• scalpels
• rubber stamps
• ovens
• molds
• stencils

Student should bring:

• A total of 7 small (2 ounce) packages of either Sculpey III or Premo polymer clay to include:
• 4 packages of one color
• 2 packages of a related color
• 1 package of white or tan clay
• NOTE: the colors of clay will not end up mattering very much as we alter the surface! Make sure clay is somewhat soft to the touch before buying. If it feels rock hard, don't buy it! Please condition clay prior to class by kneading it until soft, then rolling into a ball and then storing it in a baggie.
• Rolling pin or even a piece of large (1.5") diameter PVC pipe works (about 10-12 inches long)
• Assorted paintbrushes to includes fine detail brushes and a one-inch brush
• A pencil with an eraser
• A small bottle of Weldbond glue (Michaels or Ace Hardware)
• A few doodads to embed in clay: charms (like hamsas/hands, evil eyes or any other personal religious or secular symbols) glass rhinestones, rhinestone chain, small glass pearls, milagros, jewelry parts, millifiori/glass tesserae, ball chain, beads, metal findings and buttons. See pics for ideas. (no acrylic or self-adhesive doodads)
• Set of 4 flat-back cabochons or other jewelry parts for the corners

Optional:

• Tissue Paper
• Printed napkins or collage paper for the inside of your box