ACEO's in Polymer Clay

Well, after much musing, I have finally decided to list one of my polymer clay art cards on Etsy. Creating an art card from clay is a unique process. It is abstract in a way, but turns out to have a definite, identifiable subject. This is done by mixing 2 or 3 colors of clay to make a ball with swirls of the colors visible throughout. The ball is then flattened and shaped into a rectangle about the size of a baseball trading card. The next step is to examine this 'card' from all angles and both sides to see if an image becomes visible. This may take a bit of imagination. Once you are able to discern an image you will want to outline it. Any sharp tool or toothpick will do. Adding a bit of texture to the background will help bring out the lines of the image. I do this by making thin lines, poking with a needle or perhaps using the end of a small paint brush to make little craters. Just choose a texture that will bring out the lines of the image so it will stand out from the rest of the card. I also enhance the features when I can by using a needle to 'draw' hair or beard, or making small lines to show up facial features if the image is a person.
Making these is so much fun! I hope you will give it a try. Check out my rendition of 'Jarius', the Roman centurion of the Bible.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14757803