Heart In Hand For Mom by Diane

Hello creative friends!
 It's great to be back this month to share a fun and easy project with you.
This would be great for a Mothers day gift and can be tailored to your Mother's specific style and colors.

Heart In Hand Picture...

Getting started, you will need to gather a few supplies;
Creative Paperclay®. to purchase click here or go to any Hobby Lobby or Michaels store.
Basic sculpting tools.
paintbrush.
Hot glue or E6000.
Saran wrap.
Sharp knife or toothpick.
Scissors.
Your desired paint colors.
Your desired heavy cardstock.
A piece of paper for a template.
An old doily (optional)
styrofoam.
Frame
and Composimold ( if you want to make several molds of hands). to purchase Composimold go here.
Baby powder if using a mold.

This step is optional:
Because I wanted to use this frame for many projects, I decided to create a mold using ComposiMold.

Using a sharp knife, I cut out a piece of Styrofoam and placed it snuggly in the center of my frame.

I created my mold according to the directions on the ComposiMold product. However, in using the ComposiMold several times with other projects, I have found that using your mold release generously gives excellent results. For one of my tutorials using ComposiMold, where I go more in depth visit here.

After I created my mold, I made a cast using Creative Paperclay®. ( keep in mind, you will want to dust your mold with baby powder before you push your clay into the mold ).

Allow the clay to set about 10-15 minutes before removing from the mold.
Then, off to the oven at 200 degrees, turning over if needed to prevent curling or bending.
Bake until dry.

While the frame is in the oven,
Make a hand template and cut it out. I drew this hand, but it would also be so cute to use the outline of a childs hand.
 Roll out your clay on a piece of saran wrap to about 1/4-1/2" thick. place your template onto the clay and cut out with a sharp knife or toothpick.

With a wet paintbrush smooth and round out your edges.

With a toothpick create the fingernail on the thumb, and the cuff. then set aside.

Roll out more clay and cut out a heart using your toothpick or you can use a cookie cutter if desired. It can be as small or large as you like, you can judge by looking at the hand you just made.

Using a toothpick, I did a quick free hand design on the heart, then smoothed a bit with water.
Then, off to the oven for the hand and heart.. 200 degrees until done, turning if needed.

After the pieces were dry and cooled, I painted them using acrylic craft paint, then sealed each of them with a mod podge sealer.

Putting it all together, I created the back by making an oval backing using heavy card-stock, then cut and attached my desired colored card-stock to the heavy card-stock. I then cut the doily to fit and glued it onto the colored card-stock, then attached the hand and heart.

As you can see this quick and fun project can be done in so many fun and cute ways, this is just a basic design and tutorial that I've made, but your creativity and colors will make it your own.

Thanks for stopping by!
~Diane
Dianie Mac Designs

Peep Easter Basket, by Diane MacNaughtan

Hello creative friends,
 Diane here with a fun Spring / Easter project! I was so excited to jump into Spring creating and this little Peep basket got me even more excited for the warmer weather, green grasses and the sweet smell of flowers.

Remembering my childhood years at Easter time always makes me smile.  One year in particular, I received a little chick basket. I loved that basket and after the candy was devoured, I kept my little treasures in it.
 So, I was inspired to create a few Peep baskets this year in hopes to bring a little bit of happy to other little ones and older ones..

This was very easy to create.. It may look like many steps, but I wanted many pics. This is a great project to do multiples at a time.
If you want a larger view, click on the pictures.

Here's the supply list

1. creative paperclay
2. 4" paper Mache egg ( Hobby Lobby, Michaels)
3.tin foil
4. crepe paper, ribbon
5. pipe cleaner 
6. Paint; FolkArt-Raw Sienna,Straw, Pueblo.  Apple barrel-Whit,Black,Pale Daffodil
7. Matte Varnish or Polyurethane spray sealer
8.measuring tape
9.colored pencil
10.paint brushes and water
11.sculpting tools, straight pin
12. sharp knife or xacto
13. needle and thread
14.artist chalk or pastels
15. Candy for your basket
16, glitter (optional)


Let's get started!!!!

1. The Armature 
   With tin foil, I made a neck 1/2" tall. Then a ball about 11/2"             round. 
    Next, take your paper mache' egg and cut out a section to create       your basket. This is how you do it..The section to cut out is 21/2"     wide at the top, 2"          in length, and 11/2" at the bottom. Mark     and cut with sharp knife    or Xacto. 

 
 With the paper mache piece you cut out, cut length wise right           down the middle. 
Now you will have 2 pieces. The slightly long curved side will be     the top of your wing. you want to cut the bottom corner off, like       shown in the middle pic. Now set the wings aside for a moment.

Next, at the wide end of your egg mark a dot and one dot for the     opposite side. Pierce with the point of the xacto or sharp Knife.                                                            
    

Using hot glue, attach the neck to the wide part of the egg, then the tin foil ball to the top of the neck.

2. Adding Clay  
    Roll your clay out. Wet your egg and cover the paper mache             egg. Press and move the clay adding more if needed, then smooth     out.

Cut a 11/2" round cardboard disc and place it at the bottom of the basket. Turn your basket right side up and move disc around until you like the way the basket is sitting, then turn it back over,cover with clay and smooth. Using a little water as needed.

3. Facial Features
 Cover the head and neck with clay and blend into the body.
 Roll out 2 little balls for the cheeks add to the face and smooth in.  Then repeat for the chin, using a smaller ball of clay. Smooth to    make a nice contour.

Now that the little face is shaped we will  put in the features starting with the eye sockets.
With a flat sculpting tool, push the flat tip down at the top of the cheek, then press  in, and pull upward.
Then in the center of the socket you just made, use your ball tool, wet it then make a eye by pressing in making a circular motion.

The beak and eyebrows are next.. Take a piece of clay and form a triangle. Wet the end and position on the face, then blend the beak into the face. 
With a straight pin, draw a couple of eyebrows into the clay, then move down to the beak. Add your lines to make a smile and bring a line right around the beak. Take your flat tool and just kinda work the beak open a bit. Use your paint brush and water to smooth the lines and open the beak up more and define it.

To create a little tuft of hair take a piece of clay and pinch it into a little triangle,blend in and shape with your wet brush.

Before we go any further we need to give the little peep some baking time. Place the little fellow in the oven at 175 degrees for about 1/2 hour. Just enough to dry the face a bit so you don't mess up your masterpiece while going to the next step.

4. Giving it wings
Roll out your clay and cover the wings. Add water to the chicks body where the wings will be placed. Attach, adding clay if needed. blend in to body ,smooth out. 
Using the straight pin, add lines, follow up by smoothing the lines with a wet paintbrush.

Create the rim of the basket by rolling a long snake. Wet around the opening of basket with water and apply your clay. Wet the clay you just added and press gently to adhere. The top of the zigzag towards the basket opening, roll just the tip of the clay zigzag over and onto the inside of the basket to make sure it adheres well. You can define your basket rim with your wet brush.

Return the Peep Basket to the 175 degree oven for about an hour or until thoroughly dry.

5. Painting the Basket
Ready to paint! I wanted my peep baskets to have the vintage look, so I gave it a light sanding, then gave it two good coats of Raw Sienna, I also did the inside of the basket.
Then I applied Straw by FolkArt over the entire basket. I applied this using the dry brush technique, though I didn't dry my brush to much, leaving  just a bit of paint on the brush . The idea is to leave some of the Raw Sienna showing through in the cracks and crevices to give an aged look.
Next, I applied Pale Daffodil by Apple Barrel over the basket using the same dry brush method.
A tiny bit of white for the eyesockets ,then black for the eyes.
Pueblo by FolkArt for the beak.

After the painting was complete, I gave the basket a couple of coats of a matte sealer.

 

6. Finishing Touches
Create a collar using crepe paper with a gathering stitch. Attach around the neck and fluff. 
I added a bow and flower.

For the handle take your pipe cleaner from the outside going in, run one end of pipe cleaner inside the basket and roll into like a coiled snake, hot glue to the inside of basket. Repeat on the opposite side.

And Wallah! You just made a darlin' little basket for gift giving or for your Spring decor.

Thanks so much for stopping by The Creative Paperclay Blog to 
read  my tutorial. I sure hope you'll give it a try. As always, if you have any questions or if you loved the tutorial, I'd love to hear from you, just leave me a comment.

~Diane
dianiemacdesigns.blogspot.com

A Delight-Ful Tip, By Diane

Hello there,
 hey, how was Valentine's day?   Did you spoil your Valentine rotten!  That's what we creatives do.. right?   We express ourselves with love, kindness and a heart-felt handmade gift ...

  I kinda have to  brag here for a second about our Design Team, THEY ROCK!  Don't they?  I hope you all had a chance to visit each of them on the Creative Paperclay's® Blog Hop,Link Party and try out some of their projects. 

My head was just spinning with inspiration after visiting each of those creative gals. If you haven't had a chance to visit you can go HERE to see the amazing creations/ tutorials from our Designs Team.

 Today for my tip, I would like to talk about Delight Modeling Compound . As you may remember, I used this modeling material for the first time on these two tutorials. " My Eye Is on You Valentine" & " A Monster Ornament/Treat holder".

 I loved working with Delight.  It is a different clay in some aspects, like it's texture is light and fluffy- kinda like a marshmallow and when it dries, it reminds me of one of those long foam pool noodle toys, and it's so light. Perfect to use with push molds, scrapbooking amd mixed media art.

 The one thing that sticks out that I'd like to share is- I found that  whether you are using it in a push mold, sculpting it, or cutting it out, it is much easier and in the long run, quicker to smooth away your imperfections, seams and unwanted edges using your damp finger or a paintbrush.  before you allow your piece to dry.
 I found by doing this, I was able to eliminate the sanding process once my Delight piece was dried.
 Gosh, it's okay with me if I can skip the sanding step...right?

 I'd like to thank you for visiting the Creative Paperclay blog today and I hope this tip comes in handy while working with Delight Modeling compound.
If you get a chance, come on over to my place. and have a look around.

Take care and happy creating!
~Diane

My Eye Is On You Valentine, By Diane

Hello Creative friends! 
Diane here with a fun Valentine project . This is a project that is "KID FRIENDLY" ages 4 and up, with a little help and guidance from an adult.
And what could be more fun for a kid to make, then a ONE EYED MONSTER!

Let's get started, shall we?

 SUPPLIES:  Here in the pic are the main supplies. There are a few supplies I don't have pictured and I will list them as well.

1.Cookie Cutters (Sesame Street) I purchased mine on eBay but any monster like cookie cutter will do. You can even use just a plain circle cookie cutter, in the end it will still be a cute "One Eyed Monster".
2. Paper straws- available at Walmart or any craft store.
3. Delight modeling Material. I chose this clay over Creative Paperclay® because it's light, and since it will be in children s little hands, it's less likely to break if dropped. You can purchase Delight Modeling Material here.
4. Googly eyes- I purchased mine at the $ Store.
5. A small heart cookie cutter or stamp - I also purchased my heart stamps at the $ Store.
6. Craft Paint. Purple and Pink.- at any Walmart or craft store.
7. Black Sharpie.- at any Walmart or craft store.

SUPPLIES not pictured: 
1. child scissors
2. glue dots
3. Card-stock scraps
4. Wax paper
5. Rolling pin
6. Hot glue gun for the adult.
7. Wet Rag for wiping your hands.
8. Foil wrapped Chocolate Hearts

Step 1-  Lay a piece of wax paper down as your work surface.With adult help add some paint to the Delight. Let those little hands mix it up. Then shape into a ball and flatten slightly. kids love this step.

Step 2-  Clean the tiny hands off with the wet rag .Lay a piece of wax paper over your colored ball of Delight and begin to roll it out. You will want it to be a minimum of 1/4" thick. Remove wax paper and cut out your Monster shapes.

 Step 3- Using your heart stamp or cookie cutter, lightly make an indentation for cheeks, as shown in pic above.
Now you can let your little Monsters dry thoroughly. Turning them every so often will keep them from curling.

Step 4- This step may require help from an adult if a child is making them.  Monsters are imperfect little creatures and squiggly wiggly mouths and cheeks are always super awesome, especially when a kid creates it.
Create the facial details by dry brushing or painting the outside edge of your Monsters face purple.Then with the same purple paint, create a smile going from one point of the heart to the other point of the heart as in above pic. Then, paint in your hearts with pink paint. Lastly, go back over your mouth you previously created with purple paint, but this time use your sharpie.This just defines the mouth.

 Step 5- Hooray for the "EYEBALL"!  Put a glue dot in the center and press an eyeball on that monster.

 Step 6-  An adult can hot glue the straws to the back of the Monster. Leave about 3/4" of your straw at the top of the Monsters head. This will create his hair . Now, make 3 cuts and slightly bend down. Your Monster now has hair.

Step 7-  For the Bow-tie, I took 2 candy hearts, points together and traced around, leaving about an 1/8" edge, this gave me a bow-tie template. I  traced as many as I needed onto card-stock and cut them out. This is where the kids scissors come in handy and kids love to cut things out.
Lastly,  dry brush the edge of the cut out bow-ties using your purple paint.

 Step 8- Take another piece of your scrap card-stock, preferably a different color and cut out strips 4 and  1/4" long and 3/4" wide. Then with your sharpie you can write your message. My "EYE" is on you Valentine. You can also print these on your computer if desired.

Step 9- Using your glue dots, add your wrapped candy hearts.

Step 10-  An adult can hot glue the tag to the straw, then the candy bow-tie.

YOUR DONE!  Now you have some sweet Valentines for all the Lil' Monsters that bring you joy .

Thanks so much for stopping by the Creative Paperclay® Blog today. I encourage you to visit often, as there is always a fun new project or tip from our Design team.
And in case you haven't heard, The Creative Paperclay® Blog is having a Blog Hop Link Party February 8th Mark your calendars!
There will be fun projects from the Designs Team and I believe there will be a drawing or two.
And as always, your welcome to visit me at my place.
Happy creating,
~Diane

A "SLIP"pery Tip, by Diane

Hello and welcome creative friends!

Diane here, ready to share a tip that I use everyday in my studio, while working with Creative Paperclay®

I'm going to talk about "SLIP" 

Slip is something I like to keep right on my worktable at all times while sculpting. 

When I create a sculpt and it has dried, sometimes there will be a few small cracks on my dried piece.

There are several methods for filling those cracks, but for me I have found that filling the cracks in with slip is a quick and efficient method. 

This is how I create my SLIP.

Making a batch of slip:
When I am working with my clay, I may have small scraps. Those little scraps dry and get a little crusty on the ends very quickly and I don't want to use those crusty pieces on my sculpt....

So, they get tossed in my little air tight plastic container.
As you can see in the pic above, I break the clay up into small pieces. I add just a little water, maybe a teaspoon or so. Then I place the lid on the container and let it sit a couple hours, or sometimes overnight if I get sidetracked..

When you come back to your slip it will have absorbed the water and have a fluffy, yet slimy appearance.
I stir it up and try to get all if any lumps out. You want it to have  smooth consistency. I try to get the consistency a little thicker then cake batter... maybe a thick mustard. I add a couple drops of white glue ( Elmer's) and mix it well. By adding water, its breaking the clay down and loosing some of its strength. By adding the glue, it gives the slip its strength back when dry and it also adds to the nice smooth flow and ease when filling in your cracks.

Here is a crack that I am going to fill in.

With my paintbrush I apply the slip to the crack.

Work your slip in the crack and smooth out. Allow to dry thoroughly, then sand your sculpt.

after filling in all your cracks, replace  the lid to keep your slip slippery ;)


Thanks so much for stopping by to see one of my tips. I hope it has been helpful with your Creative paperclay®  journey!
~ Diane
dianiemacdegns.blogspot.com