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Wednesday, May 11, 2016

How to Make Vintage Inspired Clay Locker Tags {Monthly DIY Challenge}


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It's Monthly DIY Challenge time!

This month's challenge product was "Air-Dry Clay" and let's just say it was an interesting product to work with.  I've never worked with this type of clay before and it clearly shows in my lack of clay molding skills, ha!  The user (aka myself) was clearly not trained in working with children's clay.  I think I better stick to painting and power tools for now on :)
Make inexpensive vintage inspired locker tags using air-dry clay. - Littlehouseoffour.com
I'm just gonna admit defeat right from the get go with this project.  I thought the idea was great, my execution....not so much. 

Make inexpensive vintage inspired locker tags using air-dry clay. - Littlehouseoffour.com


Let's start from the beginning...

I used Crayola Air-Dry clay simply because that's the brand Michaels carried.  (It ended up being about $4.00 after the 40% off coupon)

Make inexpensive vintage inspired locker tags using air-dry clay. - Littlehouseoffour.com
The rest of my supplies I already had at home. (putty knife, x-acto knife, metallic paint and leather punch alphabet set

Make inexpensive vintage inspired locker tags using air-dry clay. - Littlehouseoffour.com
I pressed a small amount of clay onto a mat and flattened it with a marker.  (You have to improvise when you don't own a rolling pin).  In hindsight, this probably wasn't the best option since my clay never completely flattened. 

***TIP*** Use the putty knife to help scrape the clay from the mat.  

Make inexpensive vintage inspired locker tags using air-dry clay. - Littlehouseoffour.com

Make inexpensive vintage inspired locker tags using air-dry clay. - Littlehouseoffour.com
I used a small plastic toothpick to poke holes in the clay before I started stamping the numbers.

Make inexpensive vintage inspired locker tags using air-dry clay. - Littlehouseoffour.com
You may recognize the leather stamping kit from the Dollar Store bin makeover I did for a previous challenge.   I've been itching to use them again and these small tags were the perfect opportunity.
Make inexpensive vintage inspired locker tags using air-dry clay. - Littlehouseoffour.com
After the tags were stamped and dry I painted each one with a mix of gold and black nickel metallic paint.  I first applied black nickel paint to the numbers then while the paint was still wet I went over the entire piece with the metallic gold paint, making sure to mix and blend the colors together.

Make inexpensive vintage inspired locker tags using air-dry clay. - Littlehouseoffour.com

Make inexpensive vintage inspired locker tags using air-dry clay. - Littlehouseoffour.com

Make inexpensive vintage inspired locker tags using air-dry clay. - Littlehouseoffour.com

Make inexpensive vintage inspired locker tags using air-dry clay. - Littlehouseoffour.com
I have to admit, the finished product was not what I was expecting.   They definitely turned out looking more like gold bars rather than vintage tags.   
Make inexpensive vintage inspired locker tags using air-dry clay. - Littlehouseoffour.com

Make inexpensive vintage inspired locker tags using air-dry clay. - Littlehouseoffour.com

Make inexpensive vintage inspired locker tags using air-dry clay. - Littlehouseoffour.com
Don't forget to check out the rest of the fabulous clay projects! 

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Make inexpensive vintage inspired locker tags using air-dry clay. - Littlehouseoffour.com

Make inexpensive vintage inspired locker tags using air-dry clay. - Littlehouseoffour.com

Would you like to comment?

  1. I think they're cute, Katie! I agree the clay was harder to work with than I was anticipating. I wish I would have thought of your putty knife tip to scrape the clay off the mat because that's the part I struggled with most.

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  2. I actually think they look great! Very vintage!!! I love the mix of metallic gold with the black! It works perfectly for this!

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  3. I don't see gold bars at all, I totally see vintage tags! And genius to use the leather stamps on it!

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  4. Katie these are AWESOME! You are too hard on yourself. They look totally perfect with the baskets. I want to make them for my son's book baskets in his room. Thanks for the idea!

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  5. Don't be so hard on yourself, lady! I think these are adorable... :)

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  6. I actually really love these tags, Katie! The gold is so rustic and charming. Don't sell yourself short - these are the cutest!

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  7. These are not bad at all, I think they look perfectly vintage and look like they were meant to be on those bins!

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  8. I love the fact that these aren't perfect. It really adds to the look of authenticity! I have some DI plastic bins that are just waiting for some DIY and these are going on the front of them, after I paint them that is! I have just the spot in our new home for them. I'm so excited!

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