Supply List
I like the seam to hide on the back of the box. After you have your piece of clay cut to size, brush it with some release powder lightly and wrap the clay around the box.
Make sure your clay on the open
ends of the box remains straight and does not wrap down over the edge.
Lay the inside (drawer) of the matchbox down on the clay and cut it as
in the picture.
Cut off at top of drawer making it even with the edge of the box. Try to keep everything very neat and even, as it will affect your finished product if it is out of shape.
With scrap clay that matches
matchbox clay, make two beads about ¼" and push end of Buna cord in or
make a hole that will accept the cord you are using. Bake them with
your amulet pieces.
4. Now it is time to embellish your amulet. Use rubber stamps, texture
sheets or any texture tool you might want to use. I have seen one done
with a transfer onto the clay. Use whatever will make it yours.
Sometimes I bake the embellishment
and add it to the amulet with glue after it is sanded and buffed but
that is up to the designer. Remember if your hands are warm, you might
want to let it rest for a bit as it will shift the clay from the box
with too much handling.
5. Bake as separate pieces at 265 degrees for 30 minutes. Cool and
soak in a bowl of water for however long it take to soak thru the
cardboard. Depending on your matchbox brand, this can run from ½ hour
to 2 hours but the better it is soaked, the easier it removes from the
inside of the box top. Patience here will help.
6. I sand with a 400, 600 and 1000 grit wet dry sandpaper and polish
with Dremel cloth buffing wheel. Care should be taken here as not to
break your drawer. These pieces are very thin and catching on the
buffing wheel can break them. (How would I know that?)
7. Now it is time to add your neck cord---I use the Buna cord (rubber)
but I am sure leather or chain would work as well. I use my little hand
drill bit in a polymer clay handle to drill my holes for the cord. Do
this thru the drawer only.
Make the holes the size of the cord
you are using and as shown in photo. Run cord thru holes and glue
matching polymer beads to ends of cord.
8. Now it is time to test your drawer. Sometimes it takes some
trimming on the drawer depending on the shift of the clay. Use your
Exacto and work at it slowly. You want the drawer to fit tight but your
should not have to force it out with much pressure.
I trim along the top edge of
the drawer but not too much as you might make it too loose to hold in
the cover. I have to trim most of mine. Add a picture or surprise
inside and enjoy. I have used mine to carry breath mints, money (paper)
and medication.
