Gail Bartel's Blog

Instead of a Valentine Card this year why not give a Valentine Box Diorama.....they are just the cutest!  Easy to make with added 3D appeal by using air dry clay.

Here is another one......

This is the inside of the lid.

So now that you've seen mine it's time to make one of your own.

MATERIALS RQUIRED:

-Activa's PLUS air dry clay

- box from the recycle bin

- acrylic paint

- paper towel

- text either hand written or from the computer

- Aleene's tacky glue

- wax paper

- Mod podge for sealing , optional

PROCEDURE:

Find a nice box, not too large.  You want it to have a seperate lid.  It's just easier to work with.

I'm using Activa's PLUS modelling clay to make my 3D elements.

Before I started I drew out a plan on paper, what design I wanted as well as what text.  Once you have your plan cover your work space with a piece of wax paper.  Take small amounts of clay and begin sculpting your design.  You only want a few pieces to add that extra "punch".  As I work I keep the box I am using close by so I can figure out the size or scale for my pieces.

When you have all your pieces done put them aside to dry.  I lay them on a paper towel to help speed this up a bit.  It takes approximately 24 hrs or so depending on the thickness of the pieces.

When your pieces are dry give them a coat of acrylic paint.

Now you want to paint the box.  Before I start painting the box I put my clay pieces in place and pencil in the design.

This helps get all the pieces lined up.

Once the box is painted glue your clay pieces in place with Aleene's Tacky glue

Add your text.  I did mine on the computer, printed it out, cut it to size and then glued into place.

Finally you can add a coat of Mod podge to seal your creation.  Wait until all tackiness has disappeared before putting the lid on your box. You don't want to seal it shut!

That's it.  A very cute, one of a kind, Valentine anyone would be thrilled to receive!

See you soon!