This post has actually been around for a few years here on CTD…but I have added new photos and a step-by-step video tutorial for you! Who doesn’t need another St. Patrick’s Day craft idea or a super-cute Shamrock pin?
Wanna play?
You’ll need: (handy affiliate links:)
- black polymer clay
- translucent polymer clay
- metal leaf (silver or gold is ok)
- alcohol inks in yellow and green
- mini heart-shaped cutter (found in the cake decorating aisle)
- 2 part epoxy resin (I like ICE Resin)
- Pin back
- “Super”-type glue (I like Poly Bonder by Lisa Pavelka) (optional)
- Polymer clay tools such as an Xacto blade, tissue blade, acrylic roller
Condition and roll out your black clay to 1/8 inch thick cut a 2 ich square. Set aside. Then condition and roll out your translucent clay to about 1/8 inch thick. Lay a sheet of metal foil over the top and burnish lightly.
Add a few drops of alcohol inks to the top of the foil. swirl around with a q-tip. Spritz with blending solution or rubbing alcohol.
I use Pinata Inks and Adirondack Inks interchangeably.
You are going for a mottled effect.
Once the inks are dry- it won’t take long- roll a bit more so that the foil crackles. Cut 3 mini heart shapes and place on the black square to form your shamrock.
With the tip or your tissue blade or craft knife, cut a “j” shape to be the stem & apply.
Bake according to the directions on your clay package. Once it’s cured and cooled, mix up some ICE Resin (just a tablespoon will do, and you can coat 2-3 pins) Carefully apply a layer of ICE Resin to the top of the pin, covering the shamrock and background completely. Let this cure overnight.
And now…here’s the video!
The next day, flip it over and glue on your pin back- enjoy it any day you want a bit of the “Luck O’ The Irish” with ye!
Now, it occurs to me that when I look at the original one and the new one I made, I actually like the first better- because the gold leaf (which I used on the original) shows the ink up so much better than the silver leaf. (The one in the video.) Live and learn, right?
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If you need to purchase supplies to make this craft, I hope you’ll use my affiliate links:
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Cute! Now I wish I had some of that foil!
I’m just starting to explore polymer clay and resin as I am primarily a cardmaker. This video has inspired me to step outside my boundaries and become a “devil-may-care” crafter.
I’m going to do this, but can’t find Ice Resin. Will Glossy Accents do the same thing?
Thanks,
m
Maryellen- Glossy Accents will not substitute for a 2-part epoxy resin. It’s a water-based acrylic and will peel right off. (And don’t use nail polish, because that will actually eat the polymer clay!) You can usually find other brands (like Envirotex) at big-box stores. Hope this helps!
Pat- WHOO HOO! I love “devil-may-care!” Even better, I’m glad you learned something new and feel that the tutorial was thorough enough in the explanation that you are ready to try it yourself!
Very sweet. I’ve never used metal leafing now I have a new project to try it on. Nice video and easy to do. gb
Thank you for the tutorial! I tried it and made a beautiful pendant. Now I’m going to try for earrings. 🙂