Having uncovered a dusty pack of FIMO Air Microwave clay, I today set about rolling, cutting, stamping and experimenting, with a vague notion of making gift tags or hanging ornaments (the Christmas spirit is taking a while to wear off).  Initially pliable like clay, the alchemy of microwave and steam rapidly turns each piece into a light-as-air tag or pendant with the rough, organic feel of porcelain but a density similar to cardboard.  Definitely a great discovery.  Here’s my first attempt at chic gift tags for wine bottles (or anything, in fact…).  I love the contrast with the black but taupe or plain brown paper would also look great as a complementary wrap colour.  Accessorised here with simple black ribbon and a tiny silver bell – and a piece of heavyweight paper strung underneath for the gift message (it’s hard to write on the finished clay itself, though not impossible).

The good thing is you get masses of cut-outs from one pack, and can cram a surprisingly large number into the microwave at any one time for finishing, so I have enough to hang one on my pinboard as well as a boxful to actually use.  Now I just need a party to go to this weekend…

Equipment used:

1 pack of FIMO air modelling clay

Black ribbon, bells, heavyweight linen paper

Rubber stamps (I used an italic text block) and beads for embellishment and surface printing