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"I have found an interesting way to prepare a Leaf Cane by using the Polymer clay extruder. This method allows me to play with the colors to get the look of a natural leaf. I will show here how I create the Autumn Leaf, but by using your imagination you can use this method to create any leaf." — Angela
Click Pictures for a Larger View
) Step 1: Choose the desired colors for your leaf (it's important to choose dark and light colors to create contrast). I use about 1/8 package for each color. Roll each color into a snake about the diameter of your Extruder. |
) Step 2: Cut the snakes into small circles keeping the diameter of each circle about the diameter of the Extruder. |
) Step 3: Now I stack all the circles together and create a cane of about 8cm long. |
) Step 4: Get your Extruder and a large slotted disk. (I Use No.13) |
) Step 5: Insert the cane from Step 3 into the extruder, attach the slotted end, and extrude a flat "snake". |
) Step 6: Using a round cookie cutter (about 4cm), trace a circle on your work surface. |
) Step 7: Begin to fill in the circle with cut off pieces of the snake as shown... |
) Step 8: ...until the whole circle is covered. I keep the rest of the "snake" and use it later. |
) Step 9: After tightening the layers I cut the edges with the cookie cutter. |
) Step 10: Lightly mark the center of the circle with a blade. (Do NOT cut through!) |
) Step 11: Offset your blade as shown and through the center point of the circle. |
) Step 12: Now turn one of the halves upside down and position them as shown. |
) Step 13: Take the remains of the "snake" from Step 8 and run it through your Pasta machine, starting with #1 up to #3. The resulting sheet will be used for the leaf veins and contour. (If there is no "snake" left over you can use one of the colors instead) |
) Step 14:Take a slice from the sheet just created and insert it beween the halves for the center vein of the leaf. |
) Step 15: Cut another piece from the sheet and wrap it around the circle. |
) Step 16: I now reduce the cane to the diameter I want for my leaves. When done, I pinch the cane into a leaf shape. |
) Step 17: This is the final result. Every cut of the cane will create a unique pattern! Enjoy & Good Luck! |
by Angela Barenholtz
©2009 Text and Photos
We want to thank Angela for sharing this excellent leaf cane variation with Polymer Clay Central. If you have a lesson or tutorial, or something you would like to share with PCC, please email Leigh or Stephen and we will help you prepare your project for the PCC Website!