Wallet Tutorial: Overview and Materials List
| Mona Lisa Wallet |
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Overview
Over the years I have learned a great deal from those who offer advice and tutorials online. After much thought about whether or not to submit my ideas for making Card Wallets to a magazine, I decided to simply publish it myself so that I could present as much information as I wanted without space constraints and make adjustments/changes over time should the need arise. Offering the project on my own website also gave me an opportunity to try out some coding skills. I am still very new at this coding thing!
I've tried to organize the tutorial in the most logical sense, and I have included links to photos that hopefully make my words make more sense! However, I'm sure there are ways for me to improve not only this tutorial, but also the wallet itself. Eventually I'll have a way for you to post questions and comments online, but, for now, if you have questions/comments/suggestions, please contact me via email at foah01@yahoo.com.
| Steps to Wallet Completion | |
| Step 1: Planning | This is perhaps the most important step! It includes making the choice of fabric vs. paper for the interior and using your imagination to decide how you want to design your cover. |
| Step 2: Making the Covers | The possibilities are endless--rubber stamp images, use Pearl Ex powders, layer, mokume gane, transfers, etc.! |
| Step 3: Making the Interior | It might look scary and complicated at first, but you can do it! However, the need for precision cannot be emphasized enough and I strongly suggest you try on some scrap paper first. |
| Step 4: Making the Clasps | A clasp can add an interesting element to your design. Have fun with it! But, make sure it's large enough to accomodate a 1/4" dowel rod. If I am doing production work, I generally make multiple clasps at once just to have them handy for final product assembly. |
| Step 5: Putting it Together | Almost done! Then you'll have a wonderful handmade wallet to be treasured! |
| Step 6: Show Me! | I'd love to see what you've made! Drop me an email, or post a photo at www.polymerclaycentral.com's Message Board and I'll see it. |
Materials List
Yes, it's long. However, if you are an avid clayer, you probably have a great many of these supplies already on hand.- Approximately 5 ounces of polymer clay in desired colors
- clay or tissue blade
- pasta machine
- template
- oven-safe work surface
- 3"x5" index cards (optional)
- Cotton fabric that is about 9" x 19" (will be cut to 8" x 18")
- Stiffy (it's a fabric stiffener--I buy it at Jo-Anns in the glue section)
- old container
- decorative paper (8" x 18") if you are not using fabric
- scissors
- ruler
- bone folder
- Elastic hair band (elastic is approximately 3/32" in diameter)
- superglue
- clear household cement (I use Scotch's Maximum Strength Adhesive but I have also used Elmer's Clear Household Cement. If you have an adhesive that you KNOW will bond fabric and polymer clay, then use it!)
- fabric glue
- translucent liquid polymer clay
- 1/4" diameter dowel rod cut to 1/2" length
- 1/4" drill bit
- 3/32" drill bit
- match
- 4.5" length of 1.5" wide ribbon
- small clamps or clothespins (x8 but can get by with just x4)
- wet/dry sandpaper ranging from 320 grit to 1000 grit
Step 1 (Planning)  |