* PRODUCT & MATERIAL

These imprint tools were designed by me to be used for polymer clay, but they should also work well with pottery and soap making. My initial thoughts for this tool was for mokume gane, but I've since discovered that they work wonderfully for a mica shift stack (1/4"), or to lightly imprint a pattern into clay then colour the surrounding area with Pan Pastels or paint. Try them with Liquid Clay, as well!

I have not created these as a set as I will continue to add more patterns to my site.

They are 3-D printed in my home in Ontario, Canada.

The imprint base is approximately 3mm (1/4") thick and the working imprint area is 1mm (3/4 ") high. The base is 3" x 3.75".

* USE

These imprint tools do not have a handle, so they need to be lifted from the polymer clay by the edges of the tool.

Depending on the clay that you are using and the thickness of your stack, I would recommend a small amount of release agent (water, ArmourAll,etc). Another suggestion is to place SaranWrap or thin deli sheet between the tool and your clay - this will give a rounder impression and no chance of sticking. Practice on scrap clay to get the feel of the pressure that is required. Don't press too hard as air will cause a suction effect. If needed, gently rock the stamp back & forth in the polymer to remove after imprinting.

There are 2 processes that I use for mokume gane. 1. By gently compressing the sides of the stack, nudge the clay together, lightly roll the top of the stack to flatten, continue to compress the stack. Slice. or 2. Lightly compress, but when you slice, place your pieces onto a contrasting colour, allowing the holes and lines of the pattern to be accented.

After imprinting, you can either slice across the surface by hand or adhere it to the backplate of a slicer (i.e. Lucy Slicer or the PRO Slicer which my husband manufactures www.garbedesigngroup.com).

If polymer clay does get trapped in the imprint tool, it can be removed carefully with a needle tool or toothpick and placed back into your stack.