Polymer Clay Vintage Ruler Bookmarks

 
 
When I scored these fun old rulers at a recent thrift shop going out of business sale, I left with so many ideas of how to use them. In an effort to preplan for the holidays I want to start organizing my gift giving for people such as teachers, co-workers, clients I would like to thank and friends, sans a big budget. I think these bookmarks will be perfect for the ladies on my list, as the materials are easy to come by (even the old rulers) and fairly quick to make in multiples. I will have to think about a man version- ideas welcome!

Choosing the Right Paints

Enter my favorite paints, Lumiere by Jacquard Products. These paints produce beautiful sparkly effects and really work well for producing antique results. The colors I chose for base coating and dry brushing are some of my favorites, Pewter, Crimson, Halo Violet Gold (fast becoming my fav even taking the place of my beloved Citrine) and Metallic Silver. Throw in some Neopaque colors like White and Magenta and you have the beauty that will make these bookmarks really stand out!  

So now the clay roses. Jacquard not only makes beautiful paints but they also carry a high quality polymer paint, Cernit clay, which is perfect for making both sophisticated and whimsical arts and crafts projects, including: miniatures, dolls, buttons, beads, jewelry, and for adding sculptural elements to any project, including bookmarks. 

Tips on Using Clay Molds and Conditioning Clay

The molds are from Mad About Molds, which carries high quality polymer clay bisque molds in so many themes and shapes it will make your head spin. I recently discovered their site and was unable to get away without $50.00 bucks worth of molds in my shopping cart. Delivery was professional, prompt and the molds more than lived up to my expectations. Surprisingly easy to use, they benefit from a light coat of cornstarch before placing the conditioned clay inside the mold. If you have never conditioned clay before, it entails working it with your fingers until it is soft and pliable. Clay that has been under-conditioned will result in cracks while baking. There are some tried and true tricks for quicker conditioning, including placing a small amount (about 1/4 of a block) into your pocket or even your bra. Regarding this last idea, I have been surprised more than once at the end of the day when I undressed and discovered a wad or two of clay on the floor, somehow forgotten about over the course of a busy day.

Once I molded and baked my roses, I gave them a couple-three coats of the Lumiere and Neopaque paint. Then I chose contrating colors of white and metallic silver to give the molded roses interest and depth. Dont forget the back! You want your rose to have that professional touch to them.

Cutting the Rulers to Bookmark Size 
"Vintage" (i.e. old advertisng rulers that can be found in some delightful colors) rulers are easy to find in almost any antique, flea or thrift shop. I used the no so colored ones since I did not want to compete with the beautiful molded roses.

Cutting the rulers is easy, you just need a hand saw (you may also want to wear safety gloves) and a cutting surface to protect your working surface from the obvious. I cut my rulers to 6" in lenth, which gives you two per 12" ruler (really?) or more from yard stick lengths (you do the math).

Assembling the Vintage Rulers 
Gluing the roses to the rulers is rather easy, the roses have a flat back. I also added these cute beaded scrapbooking embellishments by Recollections that I just love!

For a final vintage touch, dry brush the edges of the rulers with Neopaque in black.

 
A pretty gift a bookish friend will adore. They look great when paired with old torn books.

How to order the Materials or BookMarks

If you are interested in cernit clay, neopaque or lumiere, visit Dick Blick. For the truely time-strapped, I am offering these in my etsy shop. If you don't have time to put these these together, go to my etsy shop and order them!

Want to see another cool project using these products? Hop on over to my tutorial creating unique shadow box napkin rings.

Thanks for letting me share- remember...

Live Life Creatively,

 
 
 
 
 

  
 
 

 

 
 
 
 

Comments

[Carmen]

Gorgeous! What a clever way to use those beautiful antique rulers!

[Candice Windham]

Love it, Mel!

[Veronica Goff]

Super cool Mel!

[Vicki O'Dell]

Super, super cute!

[Ann Butler]

Another wonderful project Mel....love everything you do!

[Megpie Designs]

I love these, Mel! As I do all your designs ... :)

[Carol Williams]

Would love this for grandaughter. She uses a ruler when she writes. Her daddy is in Afghanistan on his 3rd tour of duty. I sent her tons of stationary to use. They don't have lines, thats why she needs a ruler. And these are girly girl rulers. LOL.

[Denise Austin]

I would love these for my son's girlfriend who is a teacher and a very special person.

[Jane T]

If I win this, I am going to share with my married doctor.

[Colleen Stuchal]

I think my niece Ashley deserves on eof these bookmarks because she deserves something pretty. She is the mother of three small boys and everything in the house is boy related, toys, movies, video games, etc. She needs something to make her feel pretty.

[Gail Klingele]

One of my sisters who does not have an e-reader! They are pretty and old and so is she.

[amy in ne]

MY DAUGHTER! As she says "A good book and a cup of coffee and I'm content." She would love one of these beautiful bookmarks. Thanks for the chance to win!

[Ruby Taylor]

These bookmarks are just beautiful!! My BFF could really use these. She and her husband own their own business and work 6 days a week. Her only pleasure (after work, cooking, laundry, cleaning, yard work and taking care of hubby and 5 dogs) is reading. It would be wonderful to be able to give her one of these beauties!!

[Gran-E]

Very creative although not my taste. I prefer a thinner book mark myself! I use paper or ribbon as these just would be too thick! I have a counted cross stitch one and feel it is too thick also. Not bashing just personal prefference!

[Bev]

These are just so beautiful.. They have really inspired me. I love gifts like this that when you see them you immediately think of who made/gave them to you. I have a silly little pottery light pull from a friend on our bathroom and every time I pull it to the light on I think of my friend, ANgelica. Lovely!! Thanks for sharing this.

[Audrey G.]

I would love to give one of these to my mother in law. She is the 'rock' of our family. She has overcome cancer and through it all, remained positive. Encouraging us to not give up on her or God. Being a Pastor's wife she prays for many people on a daily basis, and brings encouraging words to all those in need. Her Bible never leaves her side and one of these bookmarks would be a great addition to this. Thank you for sharing!

[Becky]

These are gorgeous! I would give one to my bestfriend! We read and talk about books all the time. We are like our own two person book club!! [email protected]

[Holly Craft]

My daughter, who is expecting and has been on complete bedrest since May (and isn't due until late October)spends a lot of time reading books to pass the time. I think one of these lovely bookmarks would make her smile each time she reaches for her book.