THanks NT, because I have been wondering how to make those words. Way cool.

Is it really that easy?? I bet not, but great instructions.

i have a dumb question. Does the clay smell strong when you bake it?? And what do you use to bake the clay???

I get migraines from strong smells, so wonderiinga bout the odor. I thought someone posted awhile back that it had a really strong smell when cooking??

thanks, i appreciate the info.

thanks nicethyme, great tutorial. I make kiln baked ceramics, but polymer would be so much easier and quicker for mosaics.

I stupidly gave away a bunch of clay tiles I had made in a ceramics class because I didn't think I would use them. Now I am kicking myself, because they would have been the perfect thing to use on my other bowl. DH is always after me to get rid of stuff and as soon as I do, something comes up and I need what I donated.

mermaid4life, you could bake the clay in a toaster oven outside and then you wouldn't be able to smell anything. Just be sure it isn't near something that will catch on fire like your house.

the smell is not that strong unless you burn it. I cover my pan tightly and then I don't open it until I've removed it to the deck so the fumes don't bother me much. each brand is different too, some are smellier than others

thanks gals, now i just need to find a cheap toaster oven, We used to have one, but i threw away awhile ago.

Yep springville.. i do that All of the time,

Nice, i just LOVE all your mixed mosaics... You are so talented.

Thanks so much for this, NiceT! I've been wanting to try some of these...and your tutorial will help! It's especially good to have the pictures!

You're starting to lure me in....I was at an estate sale this morning and was disappointed to not find a toaster oven! And yesterday I actually picked up a package of sculpy and then put it back, lol!

Nearly missed this one. Very nice tutorial, NT. You'll pass Laurie up soon on technique and ideas. LOVE the things you've been doing.

Hi, Debbie here in Central FL..can I put these on a bowling/gazing ball or in a birdbath for year long outside exposure? And would I maybe bend the clay TO the ball BEFORE baking? to make it fit/sit better if longer words etc? Thanks, looks terrific..I found a great pic/saying on an Asian style calendar that I have, want to do the birdbath. Have a ball and some pots waiting to be grouted..won't say for how long..life is too busy for me!! lol Side pad off garage too to be finished and grouted, then stencil a bit o' bamboo on the wall behind it..great ideas, but ..have ADD and too much WORK to do! ;>) thanks again, LOVE this forum!

Debbie, most folks will say that clay isn't for outside but we've had members of this forum report that clay tesserae has held up but faded outdoors. I've not tried it

Thanks NT, I usually do mine from ceramic, but I will try this method. I think I have a package of fimo somewhere around here and will try it tonight. I have some letters in the studio that are for bricks or stepping stones, I bet they will work ok for this. Thanks again for the tutorial. Carol

NT, where did you get your stamps??? I have been looking for the past week online. I really really want to try my hand at this polymer clay, perfect for adding words to the mosaics. Do you usually buy the terra cotta clay??

I just love your work. Thanks again for the tutorial

Thanks Mermaid, you're sweet.

I got mine at Delphi along with several colors of mica but only because I had a gift certificate. They tend to be pricey and you likely can find better prices somewhere else.

Here is a link that might be useful: letter stamps

Thanks NT. Those look much sturdier than the rubber stamps I was looking at and not that much more expensive for the quality. Now I just need to see if I can fiid them any cheaper. Shame I didn't look at Delphi earlier, DH just bought me the beetle bits complete system at Delphi for my bday and I could had added this..

HobLob has metal stamps. I used poly clay to make the steeple/cross on my little concrete church in a flowerbed, and it didn't last but about a yr. I don't recommend clay for outside.

Thanks Slow, what happens to it outside? does it crumble? I can't remember who (maybe Cacbeary) had some PC on a stepping stone and says its fine????

Here's what happened. I even had a metal pin half-way up inside the cross. The part of the cross that wasn't pinned fell forward - sorta looked melted. Need to make repairs w/the wire mesh/concrete.

aw slow, how sad!..maybe because it was upright and not flat? maybe I'll try the same idea but with the self-drying clay, gray or terra? I really want to put some words in the birdbath, even if the birds can't read it..lol
"In the stream, where you least expect it, there will be fish.."..good one for me anyway.. and the picture looks like mosaic, great colors. I have some glass and tiles, and broken plates too. But need to finish the bowling ball and planters! I found a lg teal tile to FInally finish the slab off the garage..why do I have to work when I have so many other fun things to do!!?? :>P oh well..

if you are looking for stamps you could use the alphabet stamps that go with wood burners or just by looking in the scrapbook section of your local craft store they are use to emboss metal or paper, and there is also leather stamps they could serve the same purpose , stone stamps, & do not forget you can make your own stamps out off polymer clay. these Ideas are what I use as you can tell I must have a messy craft area!!!!! I use a 50% coupon to buy my polymer clay supplies so you could always get you pasta machine cheaper sign up for the michaels online newsletters & coupons. also here are some websites I go to to buy things

http://www.acmoore.com/p-32167-easy-to-do-series-stamp-set-alphabet-14.aspx

http://www.polymerclaycentral.com/claystamps.html

http://www.polyclayplay.com/Products/PolyPresses/ProdStoneStamps.htm
:(sorry could only figure out how to post one site!):

I am a Polymer clay artist who is hopefully going to get to do real mosaics soon I have my supplies just need the time & work area to get me going!! I am a member of the poly clay club which is a fun club that does polymer clay challenges, letters of love for sick children, artist trading cards, & monthly projects. They have free projects on their site!! But this month I'm excited about the challenge because it involves polymer clay mosaics.
Mosaics are Definitely something I've always wanted to do but did not have the time but my children & getting bigger now so if there are any tips on getting started with real mosaics? Besides keeping my fingers because I'm accident prone!!!:) please tell me!!
Abby

Here is a link that might be useful: This is the challenge any Ideas for doing mosaic would help! I want to win!!! Thanks

I saw those tiles.......bought clay and never had a chance to try it. Right now kneading clay is a huge thing for me,
I so wished I would've tried it!........you never think you might not be able to do something so simple.
My one fingered typing is getting really fast so who knows!!