How to Make a Rubber Stamped Coaster
In my previous post, I talked about some of the basic techniques for stamping on polymer clay. Today we're going one step beyond the basics and talking about "masking." Masking is a technique frequently used in rubber stamping, where you cut out a stamped image and use it to block (or "mask") the finish you're applying to the surrounding area. (Here's a nice masking tutorial if you're not familiar with the idea.) For today's project, we'll use a bird mask and chalks to create a coaster from polymer clay.
Materials
- 1/2 - 3/4 block white polymer clay per coaster
- Pasta machine
- Clay blade
- Deeply-cut rubber stamps (I used Flourishes by Rhonna Farrer and a bird stamp from My Heart Stamps for You)
- StazOn ink pad
- Card stock
- Sharp scissors or craft knife
- Chalks and applicator
- Stamp cleaner and paper towels
- Cork coasters (pre-cut round or square cork coasters are available at craft supply stores, or you can buy the rolls of cork and cut them down to size)
- Super glue, Sobo, or a hot glue gun
Instructions
Condition clay and roll out a sheet on your pasta machine large enough to cut out a 4.25" circle or square. Try the 2nd- or 3rd-thickest setting on your pasta machine. Don't roll it too thin, since deeply stamped grooves are good. Use these templates to cut your square or circle.-
To mask the bird, stamp bird image on card stock (using any type ink). Very carefully cut out around lines. Press bird (stamped side up) into desired location on clay. 
Apply StazOn ink to your rubber stamp and press it firmly into the clay. You may want to avoid stamping directly over the masked bird, as this could create unattractive creases in the clay there. Clean stamp. If any of your coaster's edges got distorted during stamping, use your template to straighten them up.
Use a sponge dauber or other applicator to daub chalk all over the coaster. I primarily used an up and down motion as I was applying the chalks. Rubbing it on in strokes gives a slightly different look — try both and see what you like. Be a little careful as you apply chalk in the area of the bird mask. As long as it's pressed into the clay (and you don't displace it), it should prevent chalk from coloring the clay in that area. Make sure to get close to the edges, though, so the bird will have a clear outline.-
Bake according to clay manufacturer's instructions. Remove the bird mask. Let cool.
Spread glue onto cork. Press firmly onto clay. Leave under a heavy book for a couple of hours to set.
Inspirations & Variations
There's a huge online rubber stamping community, many of whom very generously share their techniques. Try subscribing to a few blogs whose stamping style you like. You might see a technique you can convert to use with polymer clay.You might also try finding polymer clay techniques you can enhance with rubber stamping. For example, these coasters were based off of faux finish tutorials on Polymer Clay Web:
Coasters based on Faux Ceramic Tutorial
Coasters based on Faux Leather Tutorial
Keep your eyes open, and you're liable to find all sorts of wonderful ideas for rubber stamping on polymer clay.
Posts in This Series:- Rubber Stamping Basics for Polymer Clay
- Rubber Stamp Techniques for Polymer Clay
- How to Make a Rubber Stamped Coaster
- Video: How to Heat Emboss on Polymer Clay
- How to Make an Ultrasound Frame
Comments
Great tutorial! Do you cover the cured clay with anything to protect it from condensation?
Thanks for sharing.
-Amy
Posted by: Amy Crawley | July 28, 2008 9:38 PM
Cool, nice work!
Posted by: Mchilly | July 29, 2008 1:11 AM
Thanks Amy & Mchilly!
Amy, It shouldn't be necessary to protect the clay itself from condensation. Surface treatments can be another story, though. Chalk bonds to raw clay, so it's waterproof after baking. And if you're careful to use only StazOn inks, you shouldn't need to worry about the stamped image bleeding.
If you're using something else and are unsure whether you need a protective layer, try rubbing the top with a damp paper towel. (I actually use an alcohol-soaked paper towel to test mine — just to be extra sure nothing's coming off.) If some of the finish comes off, you might try adding some glaze or a thin layer of Kato liquid clay to protect it. You'll probably want to test whatever you use for your protective layer, though, to make sure it's waterproof and heat-resistant (if you're using it for hot drinks).
Hope that helps — good luck!
Posted by: Angela Mabray | July 29, 2008 10:43 AM
What an adorable coaster! Thanks for the tutorial, I can't wait to try. What brand of chalks do you use?
Posted by: Lisa | July 31, 2008 2:14 PM
Thanks, Lisa! My chalks are EK Success brand.
Posted by: Angela Mabray | July 31, 2008 2:32 PM
I love this! I stumbled upon you this afternoon and now I can't wait to try this as well as a lot of other techniques you have demonstrated - thanks so much!
Posted by: Heather | August 25, 2008 6:47 PM
Thanks, Heather. Lovely work in your Etsy shop, BTW!
Posted by: Angela Mabray | August 26, 2008 10:18 AM
I want to try the same on rubber coasters, what would I use for a protective finish that would still be flexible ?
Thanks,
Barry,
Posted by: Barry Moffatt | November 14, 2009 11:33 PM
I don't know much about rubber and what finishes might work for it. Polymer clay artists use Future Floor Finish a lot. You might try a little of that in an inconspicuous place, perhaps on the back of the piece , then flex it to see how it does.
Posted by: Angela Mabray | November 19, 2009 8:11 AM
Wow, I've only recently come across polymer clay (because I cannot source buttons in my neck of the woods) Your site is very informative and helpful. Thank you
Posted by: Ellie | November 9, 2011 1:22 PM