Premo Cane Series – Ikat Cane
Premo Cane Series – Ikat Cane
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Project and Video by Amy Koranek
The Ikat Cane mimics a very specific textile process of weaving dyed threads on a loom. Here the Ikat is shown in only two colors – black & white – for high visibility. Once you have the process down, you may want to experiment with making your Ikat Canes with several colors to achieve a variety of effects.
You will need to use the Checkerboard Cane in Black & White from Sculpey® University Course: premo! Cane Series – Checkerboard Cane. Find it
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ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES
Project and Video by Amy Koranek
The Ikat Cane mimics a very specific textile process of weaving dyed threads on a loom. Here the Ikat is shown in only two colors – black & white – for high visibility. Once you have the process down, you may want to experiment with making your Ikat Canes with several colors to achieve a variety of effects.
You will need to use the Checkerboard Cane in Black & White from Sculpey® University Course: premo! Cane Series – Checkerboard Cane. Find it
Project Instructions
Getting Started:
Please make sure your work area is covered and you are not working on an unprotected surface. We recommend working on the Sculpey® Work ‘n Bake Clay Mat, wax paper, metal baking sheet, or disposable foil. Uncured clay may damage unprotected furniture or finished surfaces. Be sure to cover your crafting area appropriately.
Start with clean hands, unwrap and knead clay until soft and smooth, or condition by running clay though a Pasta Machine. We recommend using a designated machine for clay purposes only. When working with multiple colors, clean hands with soap and water or baby wipes (we have found that baby wipes work best) before switching colors. Shape clay, pressing pieces firmly together. Wash hands after use.
Baking:
Begin by preheating oven to 275 °F (130 °C). After you are done creating; for best results bake clay on an oven-proof surface such metal, aluminum foil, an index card or the Sculpey® Clay Mat at 275°F (130 °C) for 30 minutes per ¼" (6 mm) thickness according to package directions. Oven safe glass or ceramic surfaces are also acceptable for baking; however please note that the baking times may take longer as the glass or ceramic surfaces take longer to heat up. For best baking results, use an oven thermometer. DO NOT USE MICROWAVE OVEN. DO NOT EXCEED THE ABOVE TEMPERATURE OR RECOMMENDED BAKING TIME.
Please make sure your work area is covered and you are not working on an unprotected surface. We recommend working on the Sculpey® Work ‘n Bake Clay Mat, wax paper, metal baking sheet, or disposable foil. Uncured clay may damage unprotected furniture or finished surfaces. Be sure to cover your crafting area appropriately.
Start with clean hands, unwrap and knead clay until soft and smooth, or condition by running clay though a Pasta Machine. We recommend using a designated machine for clay purposes only. When working with multiple colors, clean hands with soap and water or baby wipes (we have found that baby wipes work best) before switching colors. Shape clay, pressing pieces firmly together. Wash hands after use.
Baking:
Begin by preheating oven to 275 °F (130 °C). After you are done creating; for best results bake clay on an oven-proof surface such metal, aluminum foil, an index card or the Sculpey® Clay Mat at 275°F (130 °C) for 30 minutes per ¼" (6 mm) thickness according to package directions. Oven safe glass or ceramic surfaces are also acceptable for baking; however please note that the baking times may take longer as the glass or ceramic surfaces take longer to heat up. For best baking results, use an oven thermometer. DO NOT USE MICROWAVE OVEN. DO NOT EXCEED THE ABOVE TEMPERATURE OR RECOMMENDED BAKING TIME.
Start with a fresh Checkerboard Cane approximately 1.25” X 1.25”. If the cane has been sitting for a few days or weeks, you will want to wake it up before putting it to work. Gently press on all four sides like you would if you were going to reduce it. The heat from your hands will help it to soften and get your cane ready for re-work. When the cane begins to move and feels pliable, you will be able to successfully transform it into an Ikat Cane.
Gently smash the cane from top corner to bottom corner between your fingers. Continue smashing the cane all the way down it’s length until it feels like it is going in this new direction well.
Roll over the smashed cane with the Sculpey® Acrylic Clay Roller. Flip the smashed cane over and roll the other side as well. Keep rolling until it is about 1/4” thick.
Press the cane through the Sculpey® Clay Conditioning Machine feeding the short end through first on the thickest setting (1/8”). Trim the ends.
Slice the length in half across the short direction and press the two flat pieces back together.
Slice the length in half again across the short direction and press the pieces back together again.
Continue cutting in half and re-stacking as often as you would like to multiply the pattern. You should stop cutting when the cane is not shorter than 1/2”. Trim the rough outside edges if you like and your Ikat Cane is ready to reduce or incorporate into any project!
