Welcome to my blog!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Monday, December 30, 2013

More Clay Tag Fun!

Wow, I can't believe how quickly this year has gone!  I am more than ready to usher in a new year.  I know, it really just is another day, but also a time for new beginnings, don't you think?
So today I thought I'd share one last craft project with you before the year comes to a close.
Have you ever worked with polymer clay?  I still can't believe that until this year, I never had tried playing with it!  Guess what?  It is addictive!
I showed you some Christmas tags I made from the clay (I use "Sculpey" brand), and I had some left over tags from that project. (They are oven baked, which results in a hard and very durable product.)
Well, they didn't turn out quite as planned.  I had imprinted them with an all over design using a rubber stamp (no ink, just the stamp), and really wasn't happy with the way they turned out, as the design was hard to see. So, I had a bit of a brainstorm!

 I decided to decoupage them with pretty little flowers, and am so happy with the way they turned out!
I cut the tags with a small scalloped shaped cutter, part of a set that I bought at Hobby Lobby in the polymer clay section.  The same set also sells at Michael's.
I cut each flower out from a copy of pretty vintage floral wall paper which I'd printed out.
 I then adhered the petite blossoms to each tag, and let dry.
I then went over the entire front of each tag with "Diamond Glaze".  I really love this stuff!
It is a dimensional glaze that gives your projects a glassy like finish.
While the glaze was still wet, I generously dusted each tag with my favorite Martha Stewart clear coarse glitter.
(I think that Martha should hire me to be her glitter spokeswoman, as I sure give her glitter plenty of pr!!)
If you can't find the diamond glaze, you could just use your decoupage for the final top coat.  It just wouldn't give it the dimension, but still would be quite pretty!
 I added waxed cotton cord that I picked up at Michael's.
 I had so much fun making these, and was happy that I came up with a solution to 
transform my tags!
 Don't they look like pretty little sugar cookies?
 As you can see, I also was having alot of fun during their photo shoot!
The tags really sparkle and shine, and the diamond glaze almost gives them a ceramic look.
 Oh, I do have a cute little butterfly tag amid all of the blossoms:)
 I can think of so many fun uses for these tags. Tied on a package, tied to napkins instead of napkin rings, hanging from a basket, or even used as wine charms. The list goes on and on.

Try making some yourself!  I bet you will become addicted to them just like I am!
Wishing you a Very Happy New Year!

14 comments:

Celestina Marie said...

Donna your tags are fabulous. I love the shine and the dimensional look. Your brainstorm paid off because they turned out great! So many great ways to decorate with them too.
I have not used this glaze, but will look for it. I use Triple Thick which works along the same lines, but sold in a jar.

Thank you for sharing this inspiration. I have created with the polymer clays but it has been a long time.
Happy New Year! Hugs!

Trisha said...

These are adorable! They really do look like sweet little sugar cookies. Of course the glitter makes them so pretty and extra special. Have a Happy New Year!

~Trisha

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

WOW - they do look like sugar cookies. What a fun project. There are so many things you can do with them.
After I get the Christmas put away and the garage cleaned up will have to get clay and try my hand. Need some new craft projects.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Happy New Year.
Mary

Linda @ A La Carte said...

They turned out so pretty and yes I agree they do look like sparkly sugar cookies! Cute as can be!
hugs,
Linda

Musings from Kim K. said...

Gorgeous, Donna. I agree. Martha needs to hire you as their glitter spokesperson. Happy New Year, Queen of Glitter!!

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

Ooooooo, pretty. Nice job, Donna. Happy New Year.

Debby said...

Very pretty. Looks so shabby. Great idea. Happy New Year.

Tete said...

I have never played with the clay, so if I happen to pick some up this next year, you may be getting an email for help! They are wonderful, except for that glitter...love the butterfly. Happy New Year!

Heaven's Walk said...

These are just the cutest little things, Donna! Love them! I've played around with clay, too - usually the air dry type. And yep..you're right....it's addicting! lol I love the earthy smell of the air dry clay. :) But I just adore the way you added a vintage look with sparkle and shine to yours! Brilliant idea!

xoxo laurie

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

These are so sweet, Donna, and they do look like cookies to eat. Great idea!

Bente said...

The tags are gorgeous, Donna. Love them. They looks so fun to make.

Happy New Year to you.

Hugs

Sherry@Back2Vintage said...

Cute tags, Donna! Martha should be calling you soon!!!! Happy 2014 to you and yours!

NanaDiana said...

My gosh, Donna. Those are just darling! I LOVE them-you really are so talented when it comes to making all sorts of things...love the "glittery" look of them!

God bless you and hubby in the upcoming New Year- xo Diana

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

This looks like a lot of fun! I have never worked with Sculpey before, but have always wanted to try it!