Stoneware Clay - Creative Card Holder Using Blackjack Clay - Designed by Karen Lowrey

Would you like to display your personal or business cards in a creative way? Follow these easy steps and create your own calling card display! Don’t worry if you don’t have access to a kiln, you can always use Plus Clay air dry clay to do this same project.

Begin by cutting a thin slab of clay off of the block of Blackjack clay. You can use a cutting wire made of fishing line and two thin dowels that have a small hole drilled in each. Try to make the thickness uniform so that you won’t have to roll the clay out too much. Using the 1/8” slats on the rolling kit; roll the clay out until the rolling pin rest on the side slats.

Place the doily on top of the clay and use the rolling pin to press the texture in. Make sure to keep the rolling pin on the side slats to ensure even thickness. Make your oval pattern out of card stock or fun foam by cutting it out 4 ¼” wide and 5 1/2” long. Using a wooden skewer begin cutting the pattern out of the clay.

Dip your finger into the water and begin smoothing the rough edges of the clay

Now carefully flip the clay oval over making sure not to stretch or distort the piece. Begin to stamp buttons or handmade stamps into a 1 ½” section on one end of the oval. Use cornstarch to prevent the stamps or buttons from sticking to the clay.

Flip the clay oval over again and turn the stamped area up. You should accordion the clay so that it can stand on its own. When you are finished, the card holder should be in a slightly “w” shape. Place a handful of calling cards in to make sure that will stand up and fit properly

Remove your cards, and let dry completely. Bisque fire your card holder to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit and then let cool. Brush on stoneware glaze, making sure no glaze is on the bottom of the piece. If so, wipe it off with a wet sponge. Glaze fire to suggested manufacturers cone. Most stoneware is fired to a cone 5 or 6. If you don’t have access to a kiln, you might consider making this project in Plus Clay air dry clay. The instructions are the same except you would allow it to air dry and then brush on acrylic paints. A final coat of clear acrylic spray will seal your card holder. The possibilities are endless when you begin playing in the mud!

Artwork and photography by Karen Lowrey

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