Paisley Project Completed
So as you know I reduced the Paisley Cane to the size I wanted to make up a polymer clay ‘fabric’ to cover some cake fork handles for my sister in law’s birthday. I played about with the best way to cover the fork handles. I have made many decorated forks and spoons over the years but hadn’t every really experimented with how to do it best. I will share that with you another time.
First I cut lots of slices from the different canes I wanted to make up the pattern – and yes my lovely husband did make me a cane slicing jig!
The cane slicing jig.
The wooden strip pushes along so you can cut a slice using a blade against the metal edges. I stuck a metal ruler under it so I could make slices the same thickness but actually for the fabric I wanted them about 0.5mm so I just nudged it gently every time. My slices are now of even thickness instead of being wedge shaped! Thank you Richy!
Once I had a fair few slices of canes I started to add them to a very well conditioned sheet of purple clay. Being Kato clay I was worried I wouldn’t be able in embed the slices easily if the clay firmed up. I put a section on and then gently rolled it in several directions so that the surface was fairly smooth.
I cut more slices and embedded them and yet more! Once I had a piece large enough I was ready to cover the handles (I’ll share that in depth another time).
WAHOO, what a great cane and cake forks. Came out mega well. I’m not a cane maker, so DOUBLE awe here. What a lovely birthday present and so festive. Bet she will be thrilled. Thanks for your kind comments at my website (but I’m camera shy). If you’re not, I think posting a picture of you eating cake with your glorious caned fork would be perfect.
They are just beautiful…awesome cane work! I definitely like the pattern. I think your birthday present will be a hit!
Wow! Cara, these forks are amazing! Eye candy!
Thank you for your kind comments, I am still quite shocked at how well they turned out myself. I have decided to make another one just for me cause I am missing them already. It will also enable me to time how long it would take to make one. We have a set of polymer clay decorate cake forks at home already I made a couple of years ago for my husband who is a big cake fan. They are much more plain and not made any where near as well – I have learnt a lot since then.
Hey great work ! I wonder..did you use any kind of glue between clay and fork or you just baked it?
Hi no I didn’t use any glue I joined the seams of the sheet carefully and the tapered shape of the handle means it couldn’t slip off if it became loose.
OFF TOPIC! I just found your blogspot (via Cindy Lietz). Would you share how your hubby made you Cane slicer ? I can’t afford a “bought” one. Yours looks like a winner !
I really enjoy you blogspot!
Thanks, Patt