Get The TechniqueWhenever the Martha Stewart Crafts team is developing a new tool, material, kit or special seasonal goods and crafts supplies, I get super excited for the day the product hits the shelves and I can finally get my hands on it. With Crafter's Clay, I was lucky to have worked with it before, but was thrilled to see what special additions Martha had up her sleeve. Originating in Japan by a family owned company, Deco, this air dry clay is soft and requires no kneading--making mixing different colors a cinch. It's lightweight, non-toxic and best of all, drys in 24 hours with no oven needed. The texture of the clay is so fabulous, I'd love to keep a chunk in my pocket at all times to mush around whenever I want--seriously!
Martha has made the clay more available in the marketplace and created a few great kits, making it simple for anyone to get started. Get familiar with the clay by mixing colors using Martha's handy color guide included in each kit. Silicone molds, provided in the kits, make it easy for a novice, or even a child, to create beautiful designs.
Yukiko Miyai, daughter of the clay's founder, is an expert and joins Martha today on the show to demonstrate how easy the molds are to use, while revealing some trade secrets. She also gives you a few ideas to try.
Once you've mastered mixing and using molds, there are unlimited projects you'll want to try. Maybe you'll become as good as Yukiko and shape exquisite, real looking flowers like hers.
Want to try the clay? Get 20% off your purchase of crafter's clay at Michaels through May 12th!
1 Clay artist, Yukiko Miyai's unbelievable flowers.
2 She is an expert at mixing and blending the clay into perfect shades of color.
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4 Martha and Yukiko.
5 The floral wreath Yukiko created using Martha's Nature Starter Clay kit.
6 A daisy, rose, cherry blossom, branch, leaves, butterfly and bird mold are all included in the Nature Starter kit.
7 Cute little bird-- almost the same color as my little parrot Pico!
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10 Yukiko mimicked exactly the bouquet on the cover of the spring 2012 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings. When I saw it next to the magazine, I honestly couldn't tell which one was real!!
A couple of Christmases ago, I used the clay to make little polar bear ornaments. It was ideal for making a smooth shape without any special tools or a lot of time--in fact, just minutes. For Martha's Snow Day Show, I added to the arctic animals by giving them a home, an igloo.
1 (http://lemmemakeit.blogspot.com/2010/12/polar-bears.html)
2 I originally made an army of bears for a holiday craft fair.
3 (http://www.marthastewart.com/874968/clay-polar-bears-and-igloo)
4 Polar bears getting ready to spend Christmas in their new homes! Martha adopted three!
5 (http://www.marthastewart.com/875059/polar-bear-craft)
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7 Snowball fight!
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9 Yukiko Miyai first appeared on Martha's show was making Santa's big jolly face for the holidays. How sweet! (http://www.marthastewart.com/287435/hanging-clay-santa)
10 Crafter Diane Phillips joined Martha to create a clay hydrangea arrangement. (http://www.marthastewart.com/266348/clay-flowers)
11 Cute fruit made from the clay.
Most of you Martha followers probably know that there will no longer be a daily show. : (
I will certainly miss working with the other crafters to develop crafts everyday. My crafting doesn't stop there though--you can actually see me (and some craft projects of course) today on HSN!!
Here's a recap of all my very special Martha moments.
From: Trish | 5/10/12 at 1:31 pm
We're definitely going to miss the show and all of you crafty crafters. Your segments were always great and who didn't love your Halloween make-up!
From: Nancy | 5/10/12 at 8:32 pm
Hoping some other channel will pick up Martha's show even if it isn't live.
From: jonnell waller | 5/10/12 at 8:48 pm
Did not know until now that show has ended.So, they take off a educational,crafty cooking program,but keep on all the other slop on cable.maybe regular t.v. will sign you up.they should welcome a good program like yours.Please try it.I will miss you.I still miss your MOM,and now this.HUGS to your GRANDCHILDREN,and family.
From: Ann | 5/10/12 at 8:58 pm
I'm bereft! There is no one like you and no show like yours! I hope we'll see another show with crafts. Maybe PBS will add a craft show in addition to your cooking school?
From: Pat | 5/10/12 at 10:06 pm
I hadn't heard you are going off the air...omg Martha I will miss you so much...I have breakfast with you everyday....I will keep in touch with you on your website...I have followed you daily since you started on ABC...I know you must be wanting to pursue other things but I want you to know your achievements with the daily show have just been outstanding...There are always critics out there but their names are not a household word...Enjoy you new projects...I will be looking for you...Take care and good luck....from and old fan and friend of your show...Pat...
From: Darlene | 5/11/12 at 8:50 pm
OMG, yet another thing being taken away from women! Your show is one of the best things on TV! I can only hope and pray we will be able to have you back in our lives helping us to create and brighten up our home.
Love you Martha and thank you for teaching us how to make quality things and to be proud of our talents.
From: tammy | 5/15/12 at 2:48 am
this is so sad. i am from south africa and we have only been recently introduced to the martha stewart and we are addicted we had the home channel then it went off air and we are waiting for another season and now i hear its all over. my mum and i love all that you do. you inspire us to create. thank you.
From: Pat Ott | 5/30/12 at 2:19 pm
Dear Martha,
On or off the air, you are an inspiration to women worldwide, for your pursuit of excellence in all you do, inspiring your staff with the same high standards. What particularly touched my heart was your humanity toward animals and your encouraging your viewers to adopt. Like so many others, I also adore your crafts and DIY philosophy, sharing the joy of creating something by hand. Thanks, Martha, for the memories.