Some of you know that I’m a tea lover. My first experience with tea was in 1984, on my honeymoon. I love black licorice, so I tried the Stash tea, Licorice Spice. It’s been my favorite tea flavor for nearly 22 years. (Click the box for a larger view.)
Since then, I’ve had passionate experiences with Chamomile, Lemon Zinger, Peppermint, and Red Raspberry Zinger (which must be experienced with a chocolate croissant for the full effect, LOL). One of my newest favorites is also by Stash, Chocolate Hazelnut, with a bit of vanilla caramel creamer and a dash of sweetener. (Click the box for a larger view.)
So yeserday’s demo subject was covering an Altoids Tin. I needed a new one to carry my tea bags in, to protect them and keep them fresh while they’re in my purse. I explained to everyone that I hadn’t really planned what I wanted the box to look like. I was just going to experiment and see where it took me. I figured that even if it came out horrid, at least we’d all learn what NOT to do, right? And since this project was just for me and not for sale, I could afford to make a lot of mistakes.
I had thought I’d like to try some faux champleve’ (pronounced sham-lee-vay) with some molded appliques. Champleve’ is alot like cloisonne’ (pronounced kloy-sunnay). They are metal and enamel techniques, similar to stained glass, and can be simulated with polymer clay.
Well, the demo turned out to be a mega demo… six hours! I just want to thank the gals who hung in there the whole time (the Clay Bladez Gang) start to finish. You guys are great! Alot of wonderful ideas were shared during the demo and some great helpful tips, too. It’s so nice to be a part of the interaction and generosity this group provides.
I also want to thank Van Aken for their Kato Polyclay products. Kato clay has some unique properties to it that made this project possible, specifically it’s ability to handle higher temperatures. Kato black solid clay and Kato Clear Medium liquid clay were used to create this tea caddy.
As always… Stunning!
Exquisite, exquisite, exquisite, Cat. It’s pieces like this that keep me coming back to polymer clay
Cat,
What a stunning piece!! I have been checking your sight out for a few weeks and have to say… WOW!! WOW!! WOW!!
HUGS!
~Tina T.
I have not touched any of my clay for over a year but this project of yours is making me want to make a tea tin for me.
Helaine
Absolutely gorgeous, the textured clay with silver leaf does really show through the clear medium. I hung in there for 4 hours….should have stayed on!! A terrific job!
Oh WOW! it turned out gorgeous. I was so sad I had to leave and missed the rest of the demo. I did buy a couple of mint tins this weekend,mmm yummy. I got the dark chocolate altoids, ummm, interesting, not sure if I like the point where the chocolate and mint combine at once, but atleast I have a tin.. hehe.
Thanks again for your demo(s).
Melissa
Absolutely gorgeous Cat. As always and a really nice idea. Carrying teabags with one is always an issue in a purse! I do the same – chamomile tea being my favorite! And Passionfruit – when you can get it.
Thanks for the demos.
Hugs
Kay