How to Make a Metal Clay Rolling Frame

Playing cards are often used by jewelry artists working with metal clay. The cards sometimes slide when the jewelry artist works with multiple playing cards. This tutorial will explain how to make a frame to make it easier when your roll out your PMC, Art Clay or any other form of metal clay that you use for your jewelry making projects.

Step 1: Gather your craft tools and materials. For this porject you will need playing cards,  a glue stick and an X-acto blade or other craft knife.

Step 2: Make a set of playing cards to help you roll out your metal clay. Metal clay is typically rolled out to be two, three, four, five or six playing cards thick. Count out your playing cards so that you have five stacks of cards. One stack should have two cards, the next stack should have three cards, the next four cards, the next five cards and the final stack should have six cards. Set aside the remainder of the deck of playing cards.

Step 3: Check to be sure the top card facing up on each stack reflects the number of cards in
the stack. For example, the stack of two cards should have a two on top. The stack of
three cards should have a three on top and so forth. The number of the card should reflect the number of cards in the
stack but the suit is not important.

Step 4: Glue the stacks together with a glue stick or other paper glue. Begin by taking the stack of two playing cards. Place one card on top of the other so that they are both aligned and glue the two together. Repeat with each stack until all five stacks are glued together.

Step 5: Write the number of cards glued together with a Sharpie or other permanent magic marker at the top center of the back of the cards. By writing the number on the back side of the card you will be able to know the size of the stack at a glance.

Step 6: Turn the stack of glued cards into a frame. Measure about 1/4 to 1/2 inch around the entire frame of the glued cards, depending on the size of the card. Cut an oval or square out of the center of the glued cards with an X-acto blade or other craft knife.

Tips & warnings:

This is a great use for old decks of playing cards that are missing a card or two.
Take caution when working with X-acto knives. Be sure to supervise children when using a knife.

Resources:

GeltDesigns

List of Tutorials by GeltDesigns

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