How many times have you waited at an airport luggage carousel only to see three out of four black suitcases revolving around and around?
Sometimes, it is really difficult to pick out your luggage from the rest.
Since large foam-rubber stamps became popular several years ago, I have been attaching them to the handles of my family's luggage so we can identify it easily.
But best-selling craft author Sherri Haab has come up with an even better idea by making these personal identification tags she features in her newest book, "Clay So Cute!"
Haab, the author of 23 best-selling books, created a palm tree decoration on the tag she made. I chose a pink flamingo motif for mine.
You can individualize your bakeable clay tag with any decoration you prefer and ones that you will easily recognize.
The book also has directions for bakeable clay jewelry, cool charms, little treasures and tiny collectible animals. "Clay So Cute!" (Watson Guptill, $14.95) is available at Barnes and Noble, Borders, online retailers and other book sellers.
Supplies you will need:
For the background, cut or sculpt small shapes to make designs. For a flamingo, divide the clay into three sections; the head and neck, the body and the legs. Stretch the clay into the shape desired and carefully press it together to hold.
Use the back of a plastic knife to score each of the legs and to make feather indentations in the body. Set aside.
Measure a rectangle with the ruler and cut with the plastic knife.
To make a pretty border, roll clay on a flat surface into two long ropes and twist together.
Press the twisted rope around the cut edge of the border. Cut off excess clay with the knife. Hide the seam by blending the twisted ends of the rope together where the clay meets.
Gently press the flamingo onto the background.
Use a drinking straw to make a hole in one corner for hanging.
Ask an adult to help you bake the tag according to the directions on the package of clay. Different types of clay may have different baking temperatures and times.
Allow time to cool, then write your name and address on the tag with a black marker.
Loop a cord through the hole for hanging.
___
© 2009, Akron Beacon Journal (Akron, Ohio).
Visit Akron Beacon Journal Online at http://www.ohio.com/.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
Sometimes, it is really difficult to pick out your luggage from the rest.
But best-selling craft author Sherri Haab has come up with an even better idea by making these personal identification tags she features in her newest book, "Clay So Cute!"
Haab, the author of 23 best-selling books, created a palm tree decoration on the tag she made. I chose a pink flamingo motif for mine.
You can individualize your bakeable clay tag with any decoration you prefer and ones that you will easily recognize.
The book also has directions for bakeable clay jewelry, cool charms, little treasures and tiny collectible animals. "Clay So Cute!" (Watson Guptill, $14.95) is available at Barnes and Noble, Borders, online retailers and other book sellers.
Supplies you will need:
- 1/4 block of clay for the background.
- Roller.
- Bits of clay to make designs on the tag.
- Plastic knife.
- Drinking straw.
- Permanent marker.
- Cord.
- Ruler.
For the background, cut or sculpt small shapes to make designs. For a flamingo, divide the clay into three sections; the head and neck, the body and the legs. Stretch the clay into the shape desired and carefully press it together to hold.
Use the back of a plastic knife to score each of the legs and to make feather indentations in the body. Set aside.
Measure a rectangle with the ruler and cut with the plastic knife.
To make a pretty border, roll clay on a flat surface into two long ropes and twist together.
Press the twisted rope around the cut edge of the border. Cut off excess clay with the knife. Hide the seam by blending the twisted ends of the rope together where the clay meets.
Gently press the flamingo onto the background.
Use a drinking straw to make a hole in one corner for hanging.
Ask an adult to help you bake the tag according to the directions on the package of clay. Different types of clay may have different baking temperatures and times.
Allow time to cool, then write your name and address on the tag with a black marker.
Loop a cord through the hole for hanging.
___
© 2009, Akron Beacon Journal (Akron, Ohio).
Visit Akron Beacon Journal Online at http://www.ohio.com/.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
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