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

Harkening back to one of my favorite projects, "icon-making", students in this class will use an actual crowned-shaped substrate on which to create their own personal icon. I had these unique bases custom made in Mexico because I love the shape and wanted the crown portion to be made out of wood so that students could cover it with clay and not worry about breakage of these pieces that jut off the top. Students will learn a variety of surface techniques for altering polymer clay. These techniques include rubber stamping, painting, using gold leaf, image transfers, collage on clay, layering clay, using molds and embedding into clay. We will also cover techniques for altering the sides of the substrate that include painting and stenciling. The end result is a beautiful, jeweled "icon" that can be hung on the wall or placed on a small easel.

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

• $15.00 includes:
• crowned wood substrate
• 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 5 small (2 ounce) packages of either Sculpey III or Premo polymer clay to include:
• 3 packages of one color
• 1 package of a related color
• 1 package of white or tan clay for transfers
• 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 flat brush.
• A pencil with an eraser
• Scissors
• A small bottle of Weldbond glue (Michaels or Ace Hardware)
• Small doo-dads to embed in clay: charms, glass rhinestones, rhinestone chain, small glass pearls, milagros, jewelry parts, ball chain, beads, crowns, halos, wings, glass domes, metal findings and buttons.
• Any small laser copies of images you might prefer. I have plenty of female figures and some birds to share! See pics for ideas. (no acrylic or self-adhesive doodads)