Artist: Jane Roulston Actual Box size: 1.75" x 2.5" x 1.5" PolyShrink type: Black

Embossed Box with PolyShrink Tube Handle

Method: Start by applying a base color coat to the box. This can be done with a wide variety of paints or pigments. Try matte black spray paint or a "direct from the pad" application of Colorbox Crafter's ink. (Follow the manufacturer's instructions for heat setting the ink.) You may wish to color the legs for the box at the same time. Next, stamp and emboss the box. To help you decide on the size to cut a piece of Black PolyShrink so that it shrinks to be a good size for a handle for your particular box, use a PolyShrink Ruler. You'll need to make a rough estimate of the appropriate width for the piece based on how big around you'd like the tube to be. To make a tubular handle like this one, apply Crafter's ink directly off the pad (or stamp instead if you prefer). This piece was made using a individual Crafter's Peony pad inked on the diagonal with Canary to get the variegated tones. Shrink the piece.

Shaping the handle into a tube: Because it's a bit challenging to gauge the perfect size for the width of the handle, it's great to have a selection of different sizes of dowels to help you form the tube shape. Dowels can be purchased at home and craft stores. Since this process is done while the PolyShrink is hot, you might also want to pick up a pair of medium weight cotton gloves to protect your hands. PolyShrink should be heated thoroughly with an embossing tool to be bent into this tight a curve. Start by heating the flat piece until it is fairly soft, then place the piece face up and longways over the dowel. Continue heating and the piece will begin to droop over the dowel. You can keep the dowel from rolling, and also have some space for the PolyShrink to slump by placing the dowel between 2 moistened kitchen sponges. When you think the piece is heated through, gently press it against the curve of the dowel. If your dowel is not quite the right size, you'll know at this point. If needed, select another dowel and heat again and press the tube gently into place. Since the tube can be mounted with the seam side down, don't worry if the seam is less than perfect. If you have any trouble getting the tube off the dowel, allow the tube to cool completely, then tap the end of the dowel against your table and the tube will release. We'll have more on this subject in the upcoming Techniques Gallery-

Mounting the handle: You'll want to have some sort of spacer between the top of the box and the handle. Jane made hers from polymer clay. You can also find wooden shapes (at the same store where you buy the ones for the legs for the bottom of the box) that will work well as spacers. Mount the spacers to the seam side of the tube and then mount the tube and spacers to the top of the box.           Please Note: This page is proportioned for trouble free printing.

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