Create your own nature-inspired polymer-clay magnet, while you learn about the properties of this versatile plastic clay. Watch as members of The Houston Polymer Clay Guild squish the clay through a craft pasta machine to combine different colors and create a marbled visual effect. Choose your favorite-colored marbled slab to cut out the base of your magnet and create a collage on the surface, using polymer clay branches, leaves, flowers, etc. Your creation will then be “cooked” in a small toaster oven for about 20 minutes.
While you wait for the polymer clay to cure, check out our current exhibition, Interstitial Spaces: Julia Barello & Beverly Penn, which is also inspired by nature. Complete a fun activity guide that includes sketching in the large gallery; then, explore the Craft Garden, and look at all of the wonderful plants that can be used for fiber arts. After you are done exploring, come back to glue a magnet to the back of your piece and take it home!
HANDS-ON HOUSTON is a free craft-activity open house on the first Saturday of every month. Each month, a teaching artist demonstrates a craft related to the current exhibitions. We provide the materials, and you provide the creativity! Families and children of all ages are welcome, and materials are provided. This program supports HCCC’s mission to advance education about the process, product and history of craft.
Above: Examples of a nature-inspired polymer clay magnets. Photo by HCCC.
