(1) Use the Non-Stick Craft Sheet to cover and protect your work surface.

(2) Condition the translucent clay by slicing the clay into 1/8” thick slices with the Nu Blade and running it through the pasta machine on the widest setting, about 20 times. Fold the clay each time and run it through fold first to prevent air bubbles.

(3) Wear protective gloves if desired to tint 1/2 of the translucent clay with Archival Ink in Sepia. Roll out a sheet of clay on the largest setting on the pasta machine. Add a drop of ink to the center, and spread it out on the sheet. Fold the sheet with the ink on the inside. Run it through the pasta machine until the ink is fully incorporated. Repeat until desired depth of color is achieved. Set this aside as you will be using it for the photo transfer in the next step.

(4) Trim each 2 ¾” x 2 ¾” image photo copy leaving an additional ¼” border around the image. Roll out a sheet of the Sepia tinted translucent clay on the 3rd largest setting on the pasta machine. Place this sheet on a tile. Place the copy face down on the clay and rub with your finger or the back of a spoon to smooth down and expel any air bubbles trapped underneath. Trim the clay leaving an additional ¼” border. Repeat with other copies to insure at least one useable transfer. Bake at 270° for 10 – 15 minutes. When the clay is cool enough to handle gently peel the paper from the clay and set aside.

(5) Prepare the box (keep in mind that the box lid will actually become the side of the box). First, cut out a square from the box lid that is 2 ¾” x 2 ¾” for the photo to show through. Next, put the lid on the box and mark the placement for the 1 ½” hole where the clip light will be inserted (this will become the bottom of the lamp). This should be on the side of the box, almost center, but about ¼” – ½” away from where the lid overlaps the box. Cut the hole and set aside while you create the box covering.

(6) Condition and mix a ½” ball of green clay, the rest of the translucent clay (you can also use the leftover tinted clay) and a pinch of white clay. Roll out a slab and tint with Alcohol Ink in Pesto and Lettuce. The Alcohol Ink MUST DRY on the clay slab before you mix it in. Use the same method for tinting as with the Archival Ink (step 3).

(7) Add Distress Embossing Powder in Antique Linen into the clay by sprinkling about a ½ teaspoon onto the center of the slab clay then proceeding to fold the clay with the powder inside. Run the clay through, alternately fold first and fold to side. This will help to evenly distribute the embossing powder. Add additional powder if desired.

(8) When a satisfying color is achieved, roll out the clay on a thin but manageable setting. Cover both the lid and bottom of the box, cutting holes and trimming excess clay where necessary. Gently smooth seams with your finger.

(9) Add any additional clay embellishments by stamping into extra clay then adhering to the box with a small amount of liquid clay.

(10) Create front “columns” by rolling out 2 logs of scrap clay each about 1/3” wide and 5” long. Set aside. Stamp decorative elements into the slabs of clay and cut 2 pieces to 5” x  1”.  Wrap these pieces around each log. Note: they will not cover the whole log. Gently flatten the uncovered side. This will be the side that is glued to the box.

(11) Condition white clay and tint with Alcohol Ink in Lettuce. Roll out a slab and cut four circles with the cookie cutter. Use a very small drop of Liquid Polyclay to adhere circles to the top and bottom ends of both columns.    

(12) Tint a small 1” ball of white clay with Alcohol Ink in Cranberry and mix in a pinch of brown clay. Flatten and cut out 2 hearts with the cookie cutter. Cut a toothpick in half and stick each into the bottom of both hearts then into the top of each column.

(13) Bake box bottom, lid and columns according to manufacturers’ directions. Let cool.

(14) Use wonder tape to adhere image to the inside of the box lid, transferred side out.

(15) Adhere columns to the box as pictured with small amount super glue.

(16) Insert clip light with bulb into the hole on the bottom of the box. Put the 2 halves of the box together.

(17) Make feet for lamp by coloring the wooden beads with Alcohol Ink in Pesto and letting them dry.

(18) Make a polymer clay log 1/2” in diameter and cut four pieces ½” long. Bake and glue each piece to wood beads (for wood to polymer use The Ultimate Glue). Attach these legs to the box (for polymer to polymer use Super Glue). Add embellishments if desired.  Light and bask in the glow!

Tip: The extra transfer can be made into pin or pendant. Add a frame by mounting the transfer onto another piece of clay with a small drop of liquid polyclay then re-bake. Adhere a pin back/bale.