Creative PaperClay Ugly Christmas Sweater

By Linda Hess

Do you want to make an easy, peasy lemon squeezy ornament or package tie?  Then this is the project for you!  

Materials:

Creative PaperClay

acrylic roller

some kind of texture (shown: rubber stamp) Other options: scrubbie sponge, dotting tool, fabric, sandpaper...use your imagination

Ugly Sweater cutter (I found mine at Walmart)

Funwire

ornament top with hanger (repurposed from a broken ornament)

paper towel

water

plastic wrap or Ziploc baggie

Optional: cooling rack, school glue or tacky glue

Step 1: Open the package of Creative PaperClay and pull off a bit.  Wrap the rest of the package tightly in plastic wrap or in a Ziploc baggie.  Make sure to press all of the air out or you will be sorry!  Use the acrylic roller to flatten the clay on your work surface to about 1/8" thick.  Impress the entire surface with the texture.  

Step 2: Turn the clay sheet over and cut out one sweater.  Remove the excess clay and squeeze into a ball.  Dampen the paper towel with water, squeezing out excess.  Pull a bit off the ball of clay and wrap the remained in the damp paper towel to keep it moist.

Step 3: Roll a long snake on your work surface.  If the clay develops cracks, dip your fingers into some water before rolling.

Step 4: Fold the snake in half.  Then twist.  

Repeat, rolling the snake and then twisting.  If you want to create the knitted sweater design be sure to roll the folded snake in opposite directions (twist away from you, twist towards you).  Alternating the twist will create the illusion that you knitted the clay (Shhh, keep it a secret).

Please note: if the clay cracks as you twist, dip your finger into water and rub on the cracked area.  This should "mend" the crack.  

Step 5: Begin lining up twists on the cutout sweater.  I recommend dipping your finger into water and rubbing it on the cutout sweater before adding each twist.  

See the loop at the top?  That is from the repurposed ornament hanger.  Place it on the sweater cutout and then place the twists on top of it.  Notice the neck of the sweater?  After a twist is placed, slightly flatten the clay to help attach the layers.

Continue adding twists until the sweater cutout is covered.

Step 6: Use the cutter to recut the sweater.  Pull away excess clay and place it into the damp paper towel.

Almost done!  Now for a few fine-tuning details.  What is an Ugly Sweater without its decorations?  Remember the top of the broken ornament?  Flatten the metal part to create a shimmery snowflake.  It can be attached with tacky glue or a small wire poked through the center holes.

Add a couple of wires or some other trim to the neck of the sweater.

Finally, roll a few thin snakes from the leftover clay (remember the damp paper towel?) and place them around the neck, along the sleeve cuffs, and along the bottom of the sweater.  Just as before, a little water with act as glue to help the adhesion.

Do you want to see the back??

That's it, all done!  I place my ornaments on a cooling rack to dry since this allows the air to circulate the piece and assure even drying.  Leave it along for 24-48 hours.  If any of the pieces are loose or come off, a bit of school glue or tacky glue will be the perfect fix.

 

Create an Eye-catching Face Shield with Creative PaperClay!

                                    

Teaching in the age of COVID has taken on an interesting list of "must-haves" to stay safe in the classroom.  None is more interesting (to me) than the face shield.  I teach in a private Catholic School, and we have returned to school 5 days a week, in-person.  The administration gifted every member of the staff with a God-awful ugly face shield to be worn whenever we cannot maintain a 6' distance between the students and us.  As an art teacher, that distance is basically impossible as I roam the aisles between the desks (6' apart), obviously getting in much closer than recommended.  With the reality that the shield would be a regular part of my outfit, I set to work accessorizing the accessory 😉

Materials:

Creative PaperClay

Plaid Folk Art paint in colors of choice plus a brush or sponge 

Aleene's "The Ultimate" tacky glue

assorted flexible molds

flexible face shield

tape (optional)

Procedure:

  
 

Decorating the face shield began by painting over the blue "FACE SHIELD" logo and directions (I think I am capable of figuring it out).  I mean, seriously, who needs directions on how to put the face shield on?!?!  For this, I went to my stash of paints and pulled 3 of my favorite Plaid Folk Art paints: #6313 Tanzanite Multi-surface Metallic, #5882 Purple Glitterfic, and #2797 black Extreme Glitter.  I painted the blue stripe with Tanzanite first, using multiple layers (drying between each layer) until the writing was hidden.  Next up, a thin layer of the Extreme Glitter.  I wanted bling, but I didn't want the black glitter to overpower the beautiful purple (obviously my favorite color).  The final paint applied was the purple Glitterific.  After all, everything is better with bling!!

NOTE:  Before applying paint, be sure to tape off a straight edge.  Trust me, I speak from experience that you cannot paint a perfectly straight line without it!

A few thoughts about painting the plastic:

1) A sponge works better than a brush for applying the metallic paint.  Using a sponge will add a texture to the color, which in turn will capture the glitter paint when applied.

2) Use a brush for the Extreme Glitter paint unless you want it to show more than the color behind.

3) And finally, use a sponge to apply the Glitterific paint.  A sponge will quickly disperse the glitter fibers into an even, blingy coat.  Both the Glitterific and Extreme Glitter paints will cover nicely with one coat.

I recommend removing the tape as soon as the painting is complete.  

Next up, decorating!!  I have a considerable stash of flexible molds in my studio and classroom.  I decided to go with faces and flowers for this mask (I am sure there will be more if in-person teaching continues since only one would be so dull!).  I chose Creative PaperClay for the dimensional components because of its weight...super lightweight!  Open a package of Creative PaperClay and pull off a small bit.  Wrap any remaining clay in plastic wrap or a Ziploc baggie (be sure to press all of the air out).

It doesn't take much to fill the designs in any of these molds.  Pull off a small bit of the clay, roll it into a ball, and then press it into the desired recessed area of the mold, flattening the back as you push.  To remove the component, simply flex the mold. 

Repeat until you have a variety of clay components to decorate the painted area.  

Allow the clay to dry overnight.  If you are an impatient person, they can also be placed in the oven (275 degrees) for about 10-15 minutes to quickly dry.  Arrange the clay components on the painted area, rearranging as they speak to you. 

Just a thought: Be sure to leave spaces between the pieces so the shield can still flex around your head.

 Once you are happy with the arrangement, apply a bit of Aleene's "The Ultimate" tacky glue (my favorite) to the back of each piece and press it into place.  Allow to dry and then go WOW your friends and co-workers with your unique face shield revamp!

Optional:  Creative PaperClay can be painted or powdered or inked easily.  If desired, components can be detailed before gluing to the face shield.  

Written and created by Linda Hess

Quick & Easy Texture with Creative PaperClay

Quick & Easy Texture with Creative PaperClay

by Linda Hess

One of my favorite things to do with Creative PaperClay is to turn it into a "sludge" and use it for texture!  Here is a quick and easy tutorial so that you too may use it for eye-catching details that have people asking "How did you do that?"

Materials:

Creative PaperClay

water

container for making "sludge" (I used a metal lid)

stencil or texture sheet

plastic wrap

surface to layer paste on (watercolor paper, canvas, wood, etc.)

Step 1:  Open the package of Creative PaperClay and pull a small amount off.  Place into the container for making "sludge".  Wrap the remainder in plastic wrap taking care to press the air out or you may be sorry!

Step 2: Add water a little at a time and mix into the clay.  

NOTE:  I have a spritz bottle that I purchased at the Dollar Tree (a set of 3!) that makes it very easy.  I use my finger to mix, but if you don't like getting messy use a popsicle stick or the back of a spoon.  Mix the water in like you are kneading a loaf of bread.  Add more water as needed.  Make the "sludge" too watery and it will flow under the texture or stencil.  Keep it too thick and it won't spread smoothly.  Once you are happy with the mix, it will be time to move on to the next step.

Step 3:  Place the texture sheet or stencil in place.

  

Begin smearing (yes, that is the technical term) the "sludge" over the texture, pressing it into the nooks and crannies.  I find that spreading in one direction and then coming from the other direction makes it easier to fill.  

Step 4:  Check to make sure all desired areas of the texture/stencil are filled.  Then carefully remove the texture/stencil to reveal the raised design below.  

NOTE:  Sometimes there will be a little overflow into areas where you may not want the texture to be.  Easy peasy, lemon squeezy fix!  Just use a fingernail to gently remove the extra OR press the overage over.  For the design below I wanted the texture to remain in the one rectangle area of my painting, so I gently pushed the "sludge" over into the rectangle.  In a couple of other areas, I simply removed it by scraping it off the page.

That's it!  Set your project aside to let the Creative PaperClay dry.  I used watercolor paper for my design.  Once the Creative PaperClay dried, I painted the rest of the project.

I hope you have enjoyed this quick & easy tutorial.  

Have fun creating!

Introducing C. Rona

Preparing for my post this month in a time of continued stay-at-home orders, I was drawn to a cartoon on the internet by Don Landgren titled "Little Shop of Misinformation".  Many artists have been creating their own renditions of the "virus", so it is not surprising that as soon as I saw the drawing, my mind flashed to a project in clay...and Qtips...and watercolor!

Materials:

Delight Air Dry Modeling Compound

1 round glass (or plastic) Christmas ornament

Qtips (I purchased mine at the Dollar Tree)

Watercolor paints and brushes

Water

Scissors

Cutting tool (knife or blade)

Bamboo skewer or stick of some sort

Small piece of foil

Acrylic roller, rolling pin, or glass

Optional: bud vase 

Texture (I used a clean sponge)

Step 1: Remove the metal cap from your Christmas ornament and set it aside.  Wrap the end of the bamboo skewer or stick with foil and compress the foil tightly enough that it will fit inside the Christmas ornament.  (Note: This will allow you to manipulate all of the materials without handling them directly).  

Set this aside (I placed mine in a bud vase for stability).

Step 2: Prepare the Qtips!  Let me say to be sure you paint enough Qtips ahead of time.  I thought that I had enough, but once I started layering them (look ahead to understand what I mean) I discovered I needed more.  No real issue, since you can always paint them afterward, but so much easier to have them painted before placing!

You will see in the pictures that I only applied paint on one side of each Qtip.  Obviously, painting both sides would have been a better choice!

Dip the Qtip end into the water, then roll (trust me) in the chosen paint color.

By rolling in the paint, the Qtip will stay intact rather than shredding! Use your finger or a paintbrush to draw the color down into any areas that are unpainted.  Repeat with the remaining Qtips (I end up using about 30 total).  Set aside to dry.  

Step 3:  Cut open the package of clay and cut the block of clay in half.  Rewrap the part not being used (I put mine in a Ziploc baggie and squeezed out all the air).  Begin flattening the clay.  

NOTE: I start by flattening it with my fingers before placing it on a work surface to roll with the acrylic roller. I kept the thickness between 1/8"-1/4".  Once flattened, wrap the ornament completely.  Seams can be sealed by dipping a finger into water and smoothing over (I suggest using a finger over a brush for this step since there is more control).  Continue all around the form, adding more clay if necessary, until it is covered.

Step 4:   Press over the entire surface with your texture.

 

Step 5:  Now the fun begins!  As I mentioned, I was inspired by a cartoon, so I kept my inspiration close by for reference.
Pull off a small amount of the remaining clay (in Ziploc baggie) and roll it into a snake.  Taper both ends of the snake into points.  Dip a finger into the water and smooth the snake before placing it where desired on the form (I apologize but I don't have a photo of this step. It would help if I had more hands!).

Once placed, use more water to help smooth the seams (one finger at a time or you will be sorry!).  Once the first snake has been placed and smoothly attached, create a second snake from a little more reserve clay and repeat the above directions. Retexture areas as needed.

Step 6:  In the original sketch the virus had a tongue sticking out.  I tried to add this feature, but it obviously needed some support (it kept breaking off), so I made the artistic decision to change the vision (haha).  Even though my "virus" has what looks to be a smiling mouth, I began to add teeth...sharp teeth.  To create the teeth, pull off tiny bits of clay and pinch them into triangles.  Cut a flat edge.  Dip a finger in the water and apply it to the back of each tooth before placing it in the mouth.  Press each into place before moving on.

Step 7:  Time for the Qtips!  Begin by cutting the tips off each side.  

(NOTE: The Dollar Tree Qtips are on a great hollow plastic stick.  If using this brand, reserve the sticks to use later. )  Gather 3 tips together and press into the clay to resemble the virus barbs.  Repeat around the whole ball. "Barbs" are not necessary down the length of the foil-covered stick (this will be cut away after the clay dries).  Continue adding tips until you are happy with the look.  

Remember the unused sticks mentioned above?  I cut those into tiny bits and pressed them into the clay as well. 

If you do not have usable hollow sticks, bits of clay rolled into balls and pressed into place will work.  Beads are also a good replacement, but will probably need to be glued into place once everything has dried.

 Notice the white Qtips??  As mentioned above, I ran out of the painted ones, so added unpainted.  Trust me, so much easier to have them painted beforehand!

Step 8:  Time to paint.  I began with a teeny tiny brush and black paint to carefully paint the inside of the mouth.  I followed that with the lips (a mixture of red and pink, layered), "barbs" (straight red), and finally the "head" (grey overlaid with periwinkle blue).  If the paint is too dark, adding more water will help to thin the color and spread it.  HOWEVER, try no to use too much water or the texture will disappear and the red from the Qtips may bleed.

You may have noticed I peeled away the extra clay from the foil-covered stick.  This is an optional design choice.

A single "barb"? Again, design choice.  Make this your own by adding your own touches! Maybe you want to continue the clay down the stick and keep it covered!  Add some leaves (think of what silk leaves could add to this...oooooooo!)

You may have noticed places where the grey base touched the red "barbs" (Oops!).  This area can be retouched if desired...or not, you choose.

Once the painting is complete, set the piece aside for 24 hrs to allow all the layers to dry completely.  Once dried, if the barbs fall out, a dab of glue will keep them in place (I suggest "The Ultimate" tacky glue).  I pulled out the sick and cut the bottom even with the opening of the ornament.  Then I replaced the metal cap (Again, optional decision).

 

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial.  I think it is a way to put a comedic spin on this challenging time.  I may have to add a little fabric or paper mask to him/her!  Prayers that things will soon return to "normal".  Until then...
Everyone stay safe!