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Yarny Buttons Pattern

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Category:

Other

Skill Level:

Beginner

Basic Skills Necessary:

Basic polymer clay skills: conditioning, rolling, cutting.
Rudimentary understanding of the Skinner Blend and of weaving strips is helpful but not necessary.

Pattern Description:

Special knit and crocheted projects deserve special buttons, and sometimes the best fasteners are the ones that fade quietly - and artfully - into the background of the garment. What better way to procure unique sweater-matching buttons than to make them yourself?

TOPICS COVERED:

How to mix polymer clay to create the colors that will match your yarn
How to mimic the look of tweed in clay
How to mimic the look of heathered yarn in clay
How to mimic the look of variegated yarn in clay
How to make a partial blend of 2 colors
How to make a 3-part Skinner blend (a seamless gradation of 3 colors)
How to weave strips of clay into a fully-woven sheet
How to form a button shape
How to give your buttons a nice professional finish

Materials:

Polymer clay in various colors
Pasta machine or other rolling tool
Clay blade or other cutting tool
Round 3/4-inch and 11/4-inch cookie cutters
Plastic wrap
Knitting needle or other hole-poking tool
1/16-inch drill bit (optional)
Sandpaper in 400, 600, 800, 1000, and 1200 grits (optional)
Buffing cloth (optional)