<BlackCats> WELCOME! I'D LIKE TO THANK LOST ANGELES RUBBER WORKS FOR
<BlackCats> SPONSORING TONIGHT'S CLASS.
<BlackCats> WORKING WITH POLYMER CLAY IS A LOT OF FUN. IT TAKES A BIT OF
<BlackCats> PRACTICE TO MASTER AND I STILL NEED A LOT OF PRACTICE. <G>.
<BlackCats> THIS IS THE SECOND CIGAR BOX I'VE COVERED AND EACH TIME IT
<BlackCats> COMES OUT A LITTLE BETTER.
<BlackCats> HERE'S THE LINK TO MY PICTURETRAIL. IF NEEDED, MY ACCOUNT IS
<BlackCats> BlackCats2003:
<BlackCats> http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=8090856&uid=1026244
<BlackCats> THAT OPENING OK FOR EVERYONE?
<Wanda> Wow!!! Monica, that's awesome!!
<scout> yep
<BlackCats> TY!
<Phyl> ooooooo nice job Monica
<BlackCats> THANKS
<joy> ooohhh, gorgeous
<BlackCats> OK, I'VE GOT A LOT TO COVER SO I'D LIKE YOU TO WAIT UNTIL I ASK FOR QUESTIONS
<julie> omg, this is awesome
<BlackCats> TY
<scout> My gosh, all that braiding, BC....
<BlackCats> YEAH, LOL
<BlackCats> HI LILO
<BlackCats> WELCOME
<Lilo> Hello
<scout> How on earth did you keep it all one size? I'd have thick parts and thin parts.....
<BlackCats> http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=8090856&uid=1026244
<BlackCats> I'LL GET TO THAT SCOUT
<BlackCats> OK, HERE WE GO
<scout> good
<BlackCats> TO BEGIN THE DESIGN PHASE OF THIS PROJECT I CUT PIECES OF TEXT PAPER
<BlackCats> TO THE SIZE OF THE LID AND SIDES OF MY CIGAR BOX. I STAMPED VARIOUS
<BlackCats> DESIGNS UNTIL I HAD A PLEASING LOOK THAT FIT MY BOX.
<BlackCats> BTW, YOU CAN NOW FIND PLAIN 'CIGAR' BOXES IN CRAFT STORES.
<BlackCats> HOWEVER, CIGAR BOXES CAN BE PURCHASED CHEAPER AT CIGAR
<BlackCats> STORES OR SOME RESTAURANTS AND BARS THAT SELL SINGLE CIGARS.
<BlackCats> PREPARATION OF CIGAR BOX: PEEL OFF OR GLUE DOWN ANY LOOSE
<BlackCats> LABELS, ETC. PAINT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF BOX WITH TWO COATS OF
<BlackCats> SUPER COPPER LUMIERE. ALLOW YOUR PAINTED BOX TO DRY FOR
<BlackCats> SEVERAL HOURS OR OVERNIGHT.
<BlackCats> CONDITION GOLD, SILVER AND COPPER SCULPEY III (OR CLAY OF CHOICE).
<BlackCats> TO CONDITION CLAY, CUT SLICES OF CLAY AND RUN THRU PASTA MACHINE,
<BlackCats> ADDING MORE SLICES UNTIL YOU HAVE SHEETS OF CLAY LARGE ENOUGH
<BlackCats> FOR TILES.
<BlackCats> AM I GOING TO FAST?
<Jambalaya> a little
<Phyl> no
<Jambalaya> http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=8090856&uid=1026244
<BlackCats> OK, I'LL SLOW DOWN JUST A TAD
<BlackCats> RUN CLAY SHEET THRU LARGEST SETTING ON PASTA MACHINE, FOLD IN
<BlackCats> HALF, RUN THRU AGAIN. REPEAT A FEW TIMES UNTIL CLAY FOLDS EASILY
<BlackCats> AND DOES NOT CRACK WHEN FOLDED.
<BlackCats> BE CAREFUL TO AVOID GETTING AIR BUBBLES IN YOUR CLAY. FOLD CLAY
<BlackCats> AND PRESS TOGETHER FROM THE FOLD. IF YOU GET BUBBLES IN YOUR
<BlackCats> CLAY, PRICK THEM WITH A NEEDLE TOOL OR YOUR CLAY BLADE.
<BlackCats> HAVING A LIGHT SOURCE FROM THE SIDE HELPS YOU SEE THE BUBBLES.
<BlackCats> BE SURE TO REMOVE ALL BUBBLES BEFORE BAKING AS THEY WILL SHOW
<BlackCats> UP IN YOUR FINISHED PRODUCT. IT'S A GOOD IDEA TO MAKE A FEW
<BlackCats> EXTRA TILES 'JUST IN CASE.'
<BlackCats> BTW, KEEPED TUNED FOR ANOTHER CLASS THAT WILL USE THOSE EXTRA AND FLAWED TILES AND THE SPARE BRAID <g>
<cak> good I suspect I"ll have a big supply
<BlackCats> UHHH, STAY TUNED, LOL
<BlackCats> YEAH, I DO TOO...HENCE ANOTHER CLASS <g>
<BlackCats> ANY QUESTIONS SO FAR?
<joy> no
<Phyl> about what size are the tiles?
<Jambalaya> so far so good
<cak> so the pasta machine is the way to consistent thickness?
<BlackCats> I'LL GET TO THAT PHYL
<BlackCats> YES CAK
<Phyl> k waiting thanks
<BlackCats> IMHO DOING THIS WITHOUT THE PROPER TOOLS WOULD BE VERY HARD
<BlackCats> PASTA MACHINES AREN'T THAT EXPENSIVE AND YOU CAN EVEN GET THEM IN MICHAEL'S NOW
<BlackCats> I WOULD RECOMMEND THE ATLAS BRAND
<BlackCats> I THEN MADE ALL OF THE TILES I WOULD NEED FOR THIS PROJECT. TO MAKE
<BlackCats> THE TILES I USED TWO SIZES OF SQUARE CUTTERS TO CUT THE TILES -
<BlackCats> 1 11/26" AND 1 1/2".
<cak> it sure helps with the conditioning, etc.
<BlackCats> YOU CAN FIND CLAY CUTTING TOOLS IN MANY SIZES AND SHAPES ON MOST OF THE POLYMER CLAY WEBSITES
<BlackCats> IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE FINDING THINGS JUST WRITE TO blackcats@dm.net
<BlackCats> THE TWO TILES WITH THE LIGHTNING IMAGE ON EITHER SIDE OF THE MIDDLE
<BlackCats> ROW OF THE LID AND SOME OF THE SIDE PIECES HAVE TO BE CUT TO FIT
<BlackCats> BEFORE BAKING. I BAKED MY TILES ON A CERAMIC FLOOR TILE AT
<BlackCats> 270 DEGREES FOR 30 MINUTES (OR FOLLOW CLAY MANUFACTURER'S
<BlackCats> DIRECTIONS).
<BlackCats> IF YOUR CUTTER LEAVES ANY ROUGH SPOTS ON THE TILES, GENTLY
<BlackCats> SAND THEM OFF USING A FINE GRIT SANDING SPONGE.
<BlackCats> BTW, THIS PROJECT FOR A MEDIUM/LARGE CIGAR BOX USED
<BlackCats> APPROXIMATELY 4 BLOCK EACH OF GOLD, SILVER AND COPPER
<BlackCats> SCULPEY CLAY AND ONE BOTTLE OF LIQUID SCULPEY.
<BlackCats> I WOULD SUGGEST THAT YOU USE A SMALL BOX FOR YOUR FIRST ATTEMPT AT THIS KIND OF PROJECT
<BlackCats> THERE IS A BIT OF A LEARNING CURVE TO THIS <g>
<BlackCats> USE A CLAY GUN AND THE 1/8" HOLE DISC TO EXTRUDE THREADS OF CLAY
<BlackCats> TO MAKE A 3 STRAND BRAID USING GOLD, SILVER AND COPPER CLAYS.
<BlackCats> BE SURE TO CLEAN YOUR CLAY GUN BETWEEN COLORS WITH ALCOHOL
<BlackCats> SPRAY AND A ROLLED/TWISTED PAPER TOWEL.
<larubbwkz> like anAltoids box?
<BlackCats> YES, THAT WOULD WORK
<Janet> how am I most likely to mess it up?
<Janet> and how did you get your braids so even?
<BlackCats> LOL, WELL, THE CLAY GETS VERY SOFT, ESPECIALLY THE METALLIC CLAYS
<BlackCats> USING A CLAY GUN
<Janet> yeah, I always have to give mine a rest every now and then in the freezer
<BlackCats> WHICH CAN ALSO BE FOUND IN MOST CRAFT STORES THAT CARRY CLAY
<BlackCats> YES, OR JUST LEAVE IT SIT FOR A WHILE
<BlackCats> BECAUSE IT GETS SO SOFT IT IS EXTREMELY EASY TO GET MARKS IN IT
<Janet> that works in the winter, but in the summer it needs the freezer<g>
<BlackCats> THE BRAID SHOWN IN THE BRAID SAMPLE PICTURES IS NOT THE ONE I
<BlackCats> ENDED UP USING FOR THIS CLASS. IT JUST DIDN'T HAVE THE CONTRAST
<BlackCats> I WANTED SO I DID SEPERATE THREADS OF ALL THREE COLORS AND
<BlackCats> THEN BRAIDED THEM.
<BlackCats> ALSO USE THE CLAY GUN AND THE SMALLER HOLE DISC WITH GOLD CLAY
<BlackCats> TO EXTRUDE THREADS THAT WILL BE USED AS 'GROUT.'
<BlackCats> QUESTIONS?
<lana> why do you have to paint the box if your going to cover it up?
<BlackCats> YOU CAN SEE THE BRAIDING IN ONE OF THE PICTURES NEAR THE BOTTOM OF THE PICTURES
<BlackCats> BECAUSE NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU COVER THERE WILL ALWAYS BE SPOTS WHERE THE BOX WILL SHOW THRU
<lana> ok
<BlackCats> I PREFER TO SEE A COORDINATING COLOR IN THOSE SPOTS
<BlackCats> YOU COULD ALSO PAINT IT BLACK IF YOU PREFER
<BlackCats> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?
<cak> BC, can you use those cookie cutter sets you find in the baking aisle of craft shops for this too?
<BlackCats> YES, YOU CAN
<sandyh> don't know if i missed it, but what type ink do you stamp with?
<BlackCats> ACTUALLY, YOU COULD DO THIS WITH OTHER SHAPES IF YOU WANTED TO
<BlackCats> BRILLIANCE GRAPHITE BLACK
<sandyh> oh good! great images
<BlackCats> TY
<Janet> did you stamp before or after curing the clay?
<BlackCats> ALL OF THESE IMAGES ARE FROM LOST ANGELES RUBBER WORKS
<BlackCats> BEFORE...VERY CAREFULLY TO AVOID ANY INK OR OTHER MARKS
<Jambalaya> http://www.cyberstampers.com/convention/larubberworks/
<BlackCats> ONCE YOU HAVE ALL THE ELEMENTS PREPARED BEGIN WORKING ON THE
<BlackCats> BOX. I DID THE BACK AND ONE END FIRST. SPREAD A GENEROUS AMOUNT
<BlackCats> OF LIQUID SCULPEY (OR SLIGHTLY DILUTED WHITE GLUE) ON THE BACK
<BlackCats> SECTION OF THE BOX.
<BlackCats> LAY YOUR TILES OUT ON THAT SECTION. CUT PIECES OF GROUT TO FIT INTO
<BlackCats> THE VERTICAL SPACES BETWEEN TILES. THEN CUT PIECES TO FIT INTO THE
<BlackCats> HORIZONTAL SPACES BETWEEN THE ROWS. DON'T PRESS FIRMLY AT THIS
<BlackCats> POINT. YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO WIGGLE AND SLIDE THE PIECES TO
<BlackCats> ADJUST THE FIT.
<Janet> how did you miter the corners so neatly?
<BlackCats> PLACE BRAID AROUND THE EDGE OF THE SECTION. CUT PIECES SLIGHTLY
<BlackCats> LONGER THAN AREAS. LAY LONG PIECES FIRST AND THEN ADD SHORT
<BlackCats> SIDES WITH ENDS OVERLAPPING. USE CLAY BLADE TO CUT CORNERS AT
<BlackCats> AN ANGLE TO MITER THE CORNERS. USE CLAY TOOL TO GENTLY SMOOTH
<BlackCats> OUT CUT LINES.
<BlackCats> LOL, PERFECT TIMING JANET
<Janet> wow, you are gooood
<BlackCats> TY
<BlackCats> DOES THIS MAKE SENSE TO EVERYONE? ANY QUESTIONS?
<Janet> so far so good
<cak> yep
<julie> yep
<sandyh> yes
<Phyl> great directions Monica
<BlackCats> TY
<BlackCats> IF THERE IS A GAP BETWEEN THE BRAID AND THE TILES INSERT A BORDER
<BlackCats> OF GROUT IN THAT GAP. USE AN EXACTO KNIFE TO TRIM THE GROUT TO
<BlackCats> FIT AT ALL JOINTS. WHEN EVERYTHING IS ARRANGED SO THAT THE
<BlackCats> ENTIRE BACK IS COVERED WITH CLAY PRESS ON THE TILES TO MAKE SURE
<BlackCats> YOU HAVE GOOD CONTACT
<BlackCats> THERE IS A VAST ASSORTMENT OF SIZES OF CIGAR BOXES OUT THERE AND YOU'LL JUST HAVE TO ADJUST THESE DIRECTIONS TO FIT
<Janet> is there a special tool or something for smoothing the corners of the grout pieces?
* Janet pictures her future box covered with her own fingerprints
<BlackCats> IN SOME CASES YOU MAY NEED MORE GROUT AND LARGER/SMALLER TILES, ETC
<cak> (sounds like a fun puzzle to figure out)
<BlackCats> YES, THAT'S WHY I STARTED OUT WORKING WITH PIECES OF PAPER
<Janet> that makes sense to me
<BlackCats> THAT HELPED ME GET CLOSE TO WHAT I NEEDED
<BlackCats> THO I STILL ENDED UP MAKING THE 2 LIGHTNING TILES ON THE LID OVER AGAIN BECAUSE THE FIRST SET WAS TOO LARGE
<BlackCats> TO SMOOTH THE CORNERS/JOINTS YOU SHOULD USE A ROUNDED CLAY TOOL
<BlackCats> IF YOU DON'T HAVE ONE YOU COULD SUBSTITUTE A PENCIL ERASER
<Janet> like the big needle thingie?
<BlackCats> OR SOMETHING ELSE OF THAT SORT
<BlackCats> THE NEEDLE WOULD POKE HOLES RATHER THAN SMOOTH
<BlackCats> YOU NEED SOMETHING WITH A ROUNDED END
<Janet> ah okay
<BlackCats> AND GENTLY STROKE ACROSS THE JOINT AREA UNTIL IT APPEARS SMOOTH
<BlackCats> USE LIQUID SCULPEY TO FILL IN ANY GAPS THAT REMAIN AT THE CORNERS
<BlackCats> OF THE TILES AND AT THE JOINT WHERE THE TILES MEET THE BRAID.
<BlackCats> REPEAT THESE STEPS ON ONE END SECTION. WHERE THE BACK AND END
<BlackCats> MEET INSERT A THREAD OF GROUT INTO THE GAP AT THE CORNER. THE
<BlackCats> CLAY IS VERY SOFT AND EASILY MARKED AT THIS POINT. USE A CLAY
<BlackCats> TOOL TO SMOOTH OUT ANY MARKS. DOUBLE CHECK FOR FLAWS BEFORE
<BlackCats> BAKING.
<BlackCats> WITH ME SO FAR?
<Janet> so far.
<julie> yep
<BlackCats> HI LAFAYETTE
<Jambalaya> http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=8090856&uid=1026244
<sandyh> with you
<LaFayette> Hi There!
<BlackCats> OK
<BlackCats> WELCOME LAFAYETTE
<lana> what thickness were the tiles?
<BlackCats> DID YOU GET THE CLASS PAGE OPEN OK?
<LaFayette> Yes
<Phyl> thickest setting on the pasta machine Lana
<BlackCats> I RAN THE CLAY ON THE THICKEST SETTING OF THE PASTA MACHINE
<larubbwkz> is that about 1/8 inch?
<BlackCats> JUST RAN IN AND CONSULTED WITH DH
<BlackCats> HE SAYS THEY'RE ABOUT A 1/16"
<pmstamper> this may be stupid question--do you do the tiles and bake and then put them on box and rebake? or just bake everything once?
<BlackCats> YOU BAKE THE TILES FIRST, THEN START WORKING ON THE BOX
<scout> Could you do this on paper mache boxes or do you need the stronger cigar box?
<pmstamper> ok, thanks.
<Phyl> good question Scout
<BlackCats> YOU NEED TO DO THIS IN SECTIONS THO BECAUSE THE CLAY IS SO SOFT THAT IF YOU TURNED IT OVER YOU'D SQUISH THAT SIDE
<BlackCats> YES, ANY KIND OF BOX WOULD WORK FOR THIS PROJECT
<larubbwkz> do you cover the bottom o fthe box or leave it bare?
<BlackCats> I JUST HAPPENED TO COME UPON A STORE THAT HAD THEM FOR $1 EACH SO GOT A GOODLY AMOUNT <g>
<BlackCats> I JUST LEFT IT BARE
<BlackCats> YOU COULD COVER THE BOTTOM IF YOU PREFER OR ADD FEET
<BlackCats> I DID PAINT THE BOTTOM THO
<BlackCats> HI PAPERNCLA
<pmstamper> I know cigar stores sell the empties for a buck/couple of bucks a piece--also, flea markets may have them.
<PAPERNCLA> HI, I'M NEW AND STILL FEELING IT VERY MUCH
<BlackCats> YES, YOU CAN FIND THEM IN A LOT OF PLACES ANYMORE
<BlackCats> GLAD YOU CAM
<BlackCats> CAME
<PAPERNCLA> THANKS
<BlackCats> JAM, DO YOU HAVE THE URL PLEASE
<Phyl> http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=8090856&uid=1026244
<BlackCats> http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=8090856&uid=1026244
<BlackCats> TY PHYL
<Phyl> yw
<sber> you can use self stick felt to cover the bottom too
<BlackCats> PAPERNCLA, HOLD YOUR CONTROL BUTTON DOWN AND CLICK ON THAT LINK
<BlackCats> THAT WILL OPEN UP ANOTHER WINDOW FOR YOU WHICH HAS MY CLASS PICTURES
<BlackCats> GOOD IDEA SBER
<BlackCats> I INTEND TO USE THIS BOX TO HOLD SOME OF MY CLAY STUFF AND WILL PROBABLY STACK IT ON TOP OF OTHER BOXES SO I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING OTHER THAN PAINT THE BOTTOM OF THE BOX
<BlackCats> PAPERNCLA, DID THAT PAGE OPEN OK FOR YOU?
<BlackCats> PREHEAT OVEN AT 270 DEGREES. AN OVEN THERMOMETER IS A VERY
<BlackCats> GOOD IDEA. YOU *DO NOT* WANT YOUR CLAY TO BURN. TOASTER OVENS
<BlackCats> SOMETIMES VARY IN TEMPERATURES SO DO NOT LEAVE THEM
<BlackCats> UNATTENDED.
<Janet> Ooooo use cork on the bottom!!
<lana> you should give that box to someone who would treasure it and find a better use!
<BlackCats> LOL, TY LANA
<Janet> yeah, lana's right. give it to ME!!!
<sber> great class Cat! I love this project
<BlackCats> THANKS STEPH
<BlackCats> WHEN POLYMER CLAY FIRST BEGAN TO BE POPULAR THE EXPERTS
<BlackCats> WARNED AGAINST USING REGULAR OVENS THAT WERE ALSO USED FOR
<BlackCats> FOOD PREPARATION. CURRENT WISDOM IS THAT REGULAR OVENS CAN
<BlackCats> BE USED IF YOU PREHEAT, USE AN OVEN THERMOMETER, AND AVOID
<BlackCats> HIGH HEAT. THIS APPLIES TO SMALL PROJECTS NOW AND THEN.
<Phyl> You should submit that box to a magazine Monica
<BlackCats> AWWW, TY PHYL
<Phyl> I tell you it is great
<BlackCats> YOU'RE MAKING ME BLUSH
<PAPERNCLA> CAN'T SEEM TO FIND IT, HOLD CONTOL BUTTON DOWN AND CLICK...RIGHT CLICK OR LEFT CLICKHI, I'M NEW AND STILL FEELING IT VERY MUCH
<cak> Phyl is right--you should share this with a larger audience
<Phyl> lol
<julie> yes, I agree with Phyl, this box needs to be shown
<BlackCats> I STILL CONSIDER MYSELF A BEGINNER WITH CLAY
<Janet> no, it needs an appreciative audience of one. MOI!
<Phyl> left click Paper
<BlackCats> PAPERNCLA, IF YOU'LL WAIT TIL THE END OF THE CLASS I'LL HELP YOU
<Jambalaya> hold down control key and double right click on url
<larubbwkz> actually that box looks great :)
<Jambalaya> oops
<PAPERNCLA> SURE, THANKS
<Phyl> oops
<BlackCats> TY KENDRA
<Jambalaya> double left click
<pmstamper> wow, if this is what you do as a beginner---what will you be making as an expert!
<BlackCats> I BAKE ON A CERAMIC FLOOR TILE. IF YOU USE A BAKING TRAY IT
<BlackCats> MUST NOT BE USED AGAIN FOR FOOD PREPARATION. THE SAME
<BlackCats> RULE APPLIES TO ANY KITCHEN UTENSIL YOU USE FOR CLAY.
<BlackCats> LOL PAT
<BlackCats> IF YOU SAW THIS IN PERSON YOU'D SEE THE FLAWS
<Phyl> pishaw
<BlackCats> BUT THEN THAT'S THE WAY WITH ALL CRAFT THINGS
<BlackCats> WE LEARN BY DOING
<Janet> Let's try it, you've got my address. :)
<BlackCats> SOMETIMES OVER AND OVER AGAIN, LOL
<Phyl> lol Janet
<BlackCats> LOL
<Jambalaya> nice try janet
<Phyl> go Janet go
<cak> exactly (and I suspect we wouldn't see them unless you started pointing them out)
<BlackCats> BAKE THE BOX FOR 20 MINUTES. TURN OFF THE OVEN AND ALLOW
<BlackCats> THE PIECE TO COOL COMPLETELY. REPEAT STEPS FOR THE
<BlackCats> FRONT AND OTHER END OF THE BOX. BAKE AGAIN FOR 20 MINUTES.
<Janet> I'm always trying. (VERY trying)
<Phyl> no comment
<BlackCats> ACTUALLY...
<BlackCats> AND THIS IS A LIL TIP TOO
<BlackCats> ONE OF MY CATS CAME STAMPEDING THRU AND KNOCKED THE BOX AGAINST A TIN
<cak> ouch
<BlackCats> OF COURSE ONE LIL BIT OF BRAIDING GOT CHIPPED
<cak> (maybe ouch for the kitty when you got your hands on him too)
<BlackCats> I JUST GRABBED THE LIQUID SCULPEY AND GLUED IT BACK ON AND BAKED IT AGAIN
<BlackCats> LOL, YOU GOT THAT RIGHT CAK
<BlackCats> LIQUID SCULPEY ACTS AS A GLUE FOR POLYMER CLAY
<lana> do you bake it with the lid open? my luck it would seal itself shut.
<BlackCats> AND IS GOOD TO FILL IN JOINTS, HOLES, ETC
<BlackCats> I'LL MENTION THAT IN A MINUTE LANA
<BlackCats> FUNNY (NOT) WITH THAT TOO
<BlackCats> REPEAT THESE STEPS ON THE BOX LID. ON EITHER SIDE OF THE
<BlackCats> LID AND ON THE FRONT EDGE OF THE LID THERE WILL BE A BIT OF
<BlackCats> BOX SHOWING. TAKE A THREAD OF GOLD AND ONE OF SILVER AND
<BlackCats> WIND THEM TOGETHER INTO A SNAKE. PLACE ON BARE SPOTS
<BlackCats> AND USE CLAY TOOL TO SMOOTH JOINTS.
<BlackCats> BAKE BOX AGAIN A FINAL TIME. I DIDN'T SEAL THE BOX SINCE I
<BlackCats> WAS USING METALLIC CLAYS. SEALING IS NOT NECESSARY
<BlackCats> BUT IF YOU USE MATTE CLAY AND WISH TO ADD A BIT OF
<BlackCats> GLOSS YOU CAN USE FUTURE FLOOR FINISH OR CLAY SEALER.
<BlackCats> ABOUT THE LID...
<BlackCats> FOR THE FINAL BAKING I THOUGHT I NEEDED SOMETHING TO KEEP THE LID FROM STICKING SHUT TO THE REST OF THE BOX
<BlackCats> SO I PUT A LIL WOODEN CRAFT STICK IN IT WHILE BAKING
<BlackCats> THAT WAS THE LAST THING I DID LATE ONE NIGHT
<Janet> and did that work?
<BlackCats> GOT UP THE NEXT MORNING AND HAD A FIT!
<Phyl> oh oh
<Janet> oh no, why?
<BlackCats> THE TILE UNDER THE STICK HAD CRAKED DOWN THE MIDDLE
<Janet> oh no
<Phyl> oh bummer
<Jambalaya> yikes
<BlackCats> AND IT WAS THE MOON TILE WHICH IS ONE OF THE FOCAL TILES ON THE LID
<BlackCats> SO.....
<Janet> so you had to replace that one?
<Phyl> give it to the cat
<BlackCats> I TRIED TO CUT OUT THAT ONE TILE BUT NO GOOD
<Janet> LOL!
<BlackCats> SO MADE ANOTHER WHOLE SET OF LID TILES AND REDID THE LID
<Phyl> oh man Monica
<Janet> oh gee
<BlackCats> FORTUNATELY, THE BRAID WAS TALL ENOUGH THAT IT STILL FIT JUST FINE
<Phyl> whew!
<Jambalaya> you coulda cracked all the rest and called it distressed
<cak> please tell me it was easier the second time
<cak> lol Jamba
<Phyl> lol Jam
<Janet> so the next box you make, how are you gonna do it?
<BlackCats> NEXT TIME I WILL USE EITHER ALUMINUM FOIL OR A HEAT CRAFT SHEET
<julie> wow, that is a lot of work
<Janet> oh, good idea, I was thinking quilt batting
<Phyl> could you stuff fiber fill in the box to keep the lid open?
<BlackCats> YES, IT TOOK LONGER THAN I HAD ANTICIPATED
<BlackCats> YES, IF I COULD HAVE FOUND IT <g>
<Phyl> lol Janet
<Janet> now Phyl is channeling me. they're having a party in my brain!!
<Janet> (and didn't invite me)
<BlackCats> LET ME MENTION THE LOST ANGELES RUBBER WORKS CONVENTION SPECIALS AGAIN
<Phyl> ya gotta stop reading my mind lady
<cak> I know I know
<Phyl> it is scarey in there
<BlackCats> 10% off for the duration of the convention (gotta
<BlackCats> mention the cyberstampers sale on the cart) and also I have a 5-for-4
<BlackCats> Mini Ancient Page sale thru August
<BlackCats> Also if the order subtotal after
<BlackCats> discounts is over $100, there will be an extra 5% discount
<Janet> but it's so easy to read your mind... quick too, all empty pages.<g>
<BlackCats> ANY QUESTIONS?
<cak> hiya TM
<BlackCats> HI TM
<Phyl> lol Janet
<joy> absolutely wonderful!
<BlackCats> TY, TY
<Jambalaya> Hi; Got an email from Linda this morning she said for special. 10% off any purchase and mention that you are a cyberstamper shopper.
<Janet> that five percent is as good as mine already. it doesn't take much effort to find a buncha stuff I NEED
<Wanda> great class and awesome box, Monica!!! Thank you!!!
<cak> this is just beautiful
<julie> wonderful piece Monica!
<BlackCats> THANKS WANDA
<Phyl> just wonderful Monica I am sooooo impressed
<BlackCats> AWWW, TY EVERYONE
<Jambalaya> http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=8090856&uid=1026244
<Tarotmama> may i see it?
<Tarotmama> ty
<Janet> and y'all do know there are THREE sites in there, right?
<cak> Thank *you* BC--this is just great
<BlackCats> THANKS CAK
<Janet> wouldn't an ASL box be cool??
<BlackCats> YES, IT WOULD
<BlackCats> CLAY IS A LOT OF FUN TO WORK WITH
<cak> (lol all I can think of is spelling our naughty words)
<BlackCats> BUT I GOTTA WARN YA...IT CAN GET ADDICTIVE <g>
<Phyl> oh it sure can
<Janet> in fact, my sis in law is a teacher and she'd groove on an ASL box in primary colors for her desk
<Phyl> big time
<BlackCats> REALLY
<Janet> (heh, I know where the x-rated stuff on LARW is too<g>)
<BlackCats> AND YOU DON'T REALIZE HOW MUCH TIME IS PASSING TIL IT'S THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, LOL
<Phyl> bad Janet
<BlackCats> LOL JANET
<Janet> oh no! GOOD, very good stamps in there :)
<BlackCats> KENDRA HAS SOME GREAT STAMPS
<larubbwkz> heh.. u can email me for the X-rated URL :)
<Tarotmama> monica, this is beautifuk!
<BlackCats> YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT THE PET SPAYING STAMPS...SO CUTE!
<larubbwkz> thanks Monica
<BlackCats> TY TM
<Tarotmama> beautiful
<Janet> and the logo cat angel may always be my favorite stamp of all time. it's so much like my Mits
<BlackCats> THEY ALSO HAVE A LINE OF SIGN LANGUAGE STAMPS WHICH ARE WAY COOL
<Jambalaya> great class BlackCats, ty
<pmstamper> really great work, monica.
<BlackCats> THANKS JAM
<Janet> who died during the first convention in 98 and i still miss him
<BlackCats> TY, TY
<Janet> marvelous box. now I'm all inspired to get out my clay again
<BlackCats> GREAT!
<Janet> and it will be All Your Fault, Miz Catz
<cak> I remember Mits
<Janet> yeah, the cat I microwaved
<larubbwkz> looks so great.. I wanna put it on my site with the other samples
<BlackCats> THANKS, KENDRA, FOR SPONSORING THIS CLASS AND FOR THE GREAT IMAGES I USED
<Janet> Kendra, you should! this is one gorgeous box
<BlackCats> OH, WOW, THANKS KENDRA!
<sber> how long can sculpy stay in abox and still be usable?
<larubbwkz> u really put them to good use Monica
<Janet> forever, Steph. for real
<BlackCats> FOREVER I THINK, STEPH
<sber> it's been years! since I used my clay
<Janet> if it's all hard, put the TLS on it, put it back in plastic and try it again tomorrow
<sber> cool!
<BlackCats> IT DOESN'T DRY OUT IF IT ISN'T EXPOSED TO EXTREME TEMPS
<scout> doesn't it harden if it's been forever. (says Elise who has some that old)
<larubbwkz> just don't leave it in the car in the sun
<Janet> it will eat tupperware clone packaging, tho.<g> don't ask me how I know this.
<BlackCats> I KEEP MINE IN LIL PLASTIC BAGGIES BECAUSE OF ALL OF MY CATS
<Phyl> oh yes Monica that is a must with cats
<larubbwkz> PC picks up hair real well :)
<BlackCats> NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU CLEAN THERE'S ALWAYS CAT HAIRS COMING OUT OF HIDING AS SOON AS YOU PUT THE BROOM DOWN, LOL
<sber> Janet--what is TLS??
<Jambalaya> NEXT EVENT IS IN : #craftclass
<Janet> LOL I did bake some in my car, this was before I even had a chance to bring it in the house after I bought it
<Janet> Translucent Liquid Sculpy
<Janet> the liquid stuff that Monica used for glue
<BlackCats> YES, YOU NEED TO BE SURE YOUR WORKTABLE, ETC, IS CLEAN BEFORE YOU START WORKING WITH CLAY
<sber> oh silly me. thanks!
<Stampverb> or use Diluent to soften old clay crumblies
<Janet> i'm a lazy typer :)
<BlackCats> YOU COULD EVEN USE SLIGHTLY DILUTED WHITE GLUE
<scout> Diluent....can you buy this ? where?
<Janet> and I always misspell diluent
<Jambalaya> ahem.....
<sber> really bc?
<Janet> where you buy clay
* Jambalaya says to get to class click here>>> #craftclass
<sber> diluted white glue??
<BlackCats> LOL
<Janet> oh! it's time. See y'all over there!
<sandyh> thanks bc!
<BlackCats> YES STEPH, BUT I PREFER THE LIQUID SCULPEY
<scout> thanks, bc. great inspiration.
<BlackCats> AND IT IS WIDELY AVAILABLE THESE DAYS IN MOST CRAFT STORES
<sber> it's just that I don't have any liquid sculpy handy and I want to play tonight. way cool!
<BlackCats> THANKS EVERYONE FOR COMING
Log file closed at: 8/19/05 9:08:03 PM