The ‘Skinner Mix’ is likely one of the primary constructing blocks of polymer clay methods. Named after the polymer clay artist Judith Skinner, it makes use of a pasta machine to create a easily gradiated mix of two or extra colors. The steps under reveal learn how to create a primary Skinner mix.
Step 1
Create a sheet of purple clay on the thickest setting of your pasta machine after which trim it right into a triangle form. Do the identical with the white clay. Be a part of the 2 triangles collectively to create a rectangle or sq.. The width of the oblong sheet ought to measure roughly the identical because the width of the rollers of your pasta machine (e.g. if the rollers are 16cm broad, the sheet must be 14cm to 16cm broad).
Observe – It will be significant that the rectangle must be roughly as broad as your pasta machine’s rollers as a result of the clay will naturally unfold sideways as it’s rolled out. Beginning with a a lot smaller width signifies that the end result might be very unpredictable.
Step 2
Ship the clay sheet via your pasta machine on the thickest setting.
Step 3
When the clay sheet comes out of the underside of the pasta machine, fold the sheet in order that the underside edge meets the highest edge. Then with the folded finish going into the pasta machine first, ship this sheet again via the pasta machine.
Every time the sheet comes out of the pasta machine, fold the underside edge up so it meets the highest edge after which ship it again via the pasta machine. Observe: The sheet ought to at all times be folded backside to prime (not facet to facet), and will at all times be despatched via the pasta machine with the folded finish going via first. The pictures under present the folded clay sheet going via the pasta machine, and the colors being regularly blended.
Tip: To hurry up the method, after the fourth go via the pasta machine attempt altering the machine’s settings in order that the sheet is rolled via on a thinner setting, and stick with it folding and rolling as earlier than.
Simply hold folding and rolling the sheet till you’re pleased that the colors have been correctly blended. This normally takes between twenty and thirty passes via the pasta machine.
The tip result’s a wonderful blended sheet of clay prepared to be used together with your undertaking.
Kay Vincent – December 2011