Monday, March 28, 2016

Trinket Box


In today's lesson, I recreated a simplified version of a project I made in art school. My original box was very large and made from terra cotta clay. The Creative Paperclay version is very light, but still very durable, and only takes a fraction of the time to make. I hope you enjoy it!

Day One:
  1. I start by rolling out a slab of clay 1/4" thick.
  2. Cut out your desired shape for the base. I made a round box.
  3. From another slab of clay, cut a strip that will become the sides of the box.
  4. Fit the strip around the base to determine the length and trim accordingly.
  5. Using a serrated metal rib, score the edges to be joined. If you don't have this tool, you can use a needle tool or even an old fork.
  6. Add water to the scored edges and attach.
  7. Press the seams together.
  8. Roll out another slab of clay. This will be the lid of the box, but you can trim it to size later once it's dried.
  9. Allow to dry overnight or until completely dry.
Day Two:
  1. Sand everything smooth and trim and sand the box lid.
  2. Cover the box edge with a layer of aluminum foil and a piece of masking tape. (This prevents the new clay from sticking to the dried box as you make an edge for the lid.)
  3. Allow to dry overnight or until completely dry.
Day Three:
  1. Remove the foil and masking tape and check the fit of the lid.
  2. Sand the box if necessary to improve the fit.
  3. Use a craft knife to trim the edges of the lid.
  4. Sand everything lightly and add a coat of gesso (optional).
  5. Paint the box and allow to dry completely
  6. With a small brush, add areas of Paverpol in your desired pattern. (If you don't have Paverpol, you can use any white craft glue that dries clear.)
  7. Allow the Paverpol to dry.
  8. Add a handle to the lid. Small drawer pulls work nicely, but you could also use old jewelry, large beads, buttons... let your imagination guide you!






About Kerrie
I am a mixed media sculptor working primary in clay. Though clay is my passion, at the core, I'm simply a maker, a builder, a creator. Making things makes me happy.


I make videos about making things and post them on my channel KerrieLeeArt on YouTube and on my website KerrieLee.com.

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Adding the Narrative with Creative Paperclay®

 As a narrative mixed media artist, I love the story telling elements that I can create with Creative Paperclay®. Most of my work starts out as abstract paintings until I start adding the narrative to it. This piece, Man on the Edge of a Big Decision, is one example. It takes so little to add a lot of impact.

SUPPLIES

Silicone mold
Creative Paperclay®
Stamp
I made my little man using a push mold made from a figurine and Creative Paperclay®. I prefer to clean up my edges when dry by using a dremel. However, you can trim the edges before it dries with an exacto knife.

Have fun with art & dream in color.

Darlene Olivia McElroy

Monday, March 21, 2016

Sandee's suggestions

Well, it's time for...what have you learned Sandee that another beginner might enjoy?

I have been learning and enjoying how flexible and forgiving Creative Paperclay really is. When I was working on my Book of Life canvas, I used a cookie cutter mold to make the bunny rabbit in ...which is when I ( by accident mind you ) discovered that Paperclay is quite flexible. 

Originally I made 2 rabbits from the mold ( just to make sure I had an extra in case I messed one up ) and when they both looked good enough to use I decided to stack them together to create some dimension and that's when I discovered I had pulled an ear slightly off when removing it from the mold.
 
(The bunny on the left has the "pulled ear" and I drew a line where the other ear goes so I would know where to put my glue, except I decided to stack them differently but you get the idea.)

But joy, joy, it looked great because that gave him a 3-D appearance!
( I love accidents, don't you?)

Next, I noticed that one of the feet had warped a little while it was drying and I love how wet glue just softens up the Paperclay enough so that you can clamp them together and it straightens itself out.

A little sanding and painting and he was ready to hop down the easter trail!

Hope everyone has a "hoppy" Easter!

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Altered Organizer Box With Creative Paperclay Accents

I am a completely organized/disorganized mess!  Right now it is what it is - and I look forward to a bit more in the future, where I will be able to spread out and have my own space to create in!  In between time, I am going to have some fun in getting READY for that day, and today's project...well, lets just say it will really look great in my imagined space I am planning for!


Supply list:
Creative Paperclay and Delight products
Box
3 cans
Paper
Border tape
Mod Podge
Glue gun
2 sheets paper
White paint

This is the type of project that needed a video, instead of directions on how to create it!  I am really happy with how it turned out, and can't wait to see what I end up making next using the same "recycled" products!  I have a few things I am working on, including a bulletin board with decorated push pins made out of Creative Paperclay, and a few gift items for special ladies for Mothers Day coming up

 


For the title - check out the video on my Memories in Tyme blog that will show you how to use scrapbook templates and the Creative Paperclay productAs for the inside - you can see how I have everything from scissors to my trimmer to paint brushes...all inside this box!  I might even have to make a few others to match this one!  



So many things I am working on - and now a really nice thing to put my creative supplies in!  I am starting to create again, so having a nice place to put my supplies in - is perfect for me!  I hope you have enjoyed this project, and I hope you share with me YOURS!  

Thanks for stopping by,
Lynda Jeffs
Creative Paperclay Design Team 2016  

Friday, March 18, 2016

Three Dimensional Dragonfly

This three dimensional dragonfly started as a flat slab of Creative Paperclay®.

I began by rolling out a ball of clay about 1/8" thick, and large enough to cover my embossing folder. I pressed the folder into the clay, leaving impressions on the clay slab.

Next, the pieces were put aside to dry. I've discovered that drying the clay on a kitchen cooling rack helps to reduce warping. Using a cooling rack allows the clay to dry on both the top and the bottom at the same time. This also eliminates the need to turn the clay.

When the slab and pieces were partially dry and still flexible, I cut out a second set of dragonfly wings, and used wide rubber bands to secure them in place around a jar until they were completely dry and firm.

When the slab was dry, I cut out the dragonfly shape using scissors. Any rough edges were buffed with an emery board and Sandits.

Next step was to paint the pieces. I began by sealing all the surfaces with PPA, an acrylic medium. When the sealing coat was dry, I layered several colors of mica powders mixed with PPA Gloss to achieve the luminous colors.

I used E6000 adhesive to attach the second set of wings to the front of the body and to attach a filament for hanging. I chose to use the filament rather than a jewelry bail, because when the dragonfly is hung I wanted it to appear to be hovering midair.


Carole

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Tori's Tip - Dimensional Drawing


Hi, it's Tori again, still experimenting with and learning new things about Delight™ air dry modeling compound.  When I started on the Design Team more than a year ago, I had very little experience with this material, but I am finding new uses for it all the time.  My tip for this month is to try your hand at drawing on dry clay.  You may fall in love, though it takes a bit of getting used to.

As you can see in the work-in-progress flower drawing, the technique consists of layering the pencil(s) very gently at first, a little bit at a time, then varying the pressure to create a dimensional drawing.  Fill in larger areas with the a dull pencil tip or the side of the pencil.

I particularly love this for black and white doodles, using pencils of various hardness.  A kneaded eraser works well for making changes or correcting mistakes in the early stages, but of course won't restore the clay once it has been pressed firmly.  You can also use blending tools as in drawing on paper, but again, start with a light touch and apply pressure when you want to indent areas of the image.

Here is a close-up of the doodle in the picture - which I will probably use for a pendant at some point.  For now, I'm just having fun with the process and seeing how far I can take the medium.  I can foresee many uses such as scrapbook page embellishments, jewelry, decorative objects (because you can still draw on it even if it isn't flat!), etc.



Thanks for joining me here again!


I'd love for you to join me for more projects & art adventures on my personal blog
Find me on Facebook, or peruse & ponder pics with me on Pinterest


Monday, March 14, 2016

Kerrie's Tip: Paperclay Slurry

What is Paperclay slurry?
It is a mixture of Paperclay and water. 

Okay, so what can I do with it?
Lots! You can join two pieces of wet clay. You can use it to smooth imperfections in an already dry clay project. You can coat a piece of clay with slurry and make some really cool textures. You can put Paperclay slurry in a small bottle or syringe and draw designs on your project. You can use it like a glue to attach embellishments to clay.

Sounds cool! Where do I get it?
Great news! You can make your own Paperclay slurry with the dried scraps you have leftover from your other projects.


Really? Tell me how!
Okay!

First, collect dried scraps of Paperclay. When I have Paperclay dust from sanding a project, I usually put this straight into my slurry container. Add the scraps to a large container with a lid and add water.





Close the container and store away. The water will break the Paperclay down in a liquid clay. After a few days, you can use the slurry right from the container. Or, once you've collected a lot of slurry, you can separate the smoother slurry from the lumpy slurry.

Using a sieve, strain the lumpy slurry into a separate container.


This is my smooth working slurry.


And this is my lumpy slurry where I store the scraps with water and wait for it to soften into a liquid.


Keep both jars closed tightly, and add more water as needed. 


How are you using Paperclay slurry in your projects?

--- 
About Kerrie
Dreamer. Dabbler. Noodler.

I am a mixed media sculptor working primarily in clay. Though clay is my passion, at the core, I'm simply a maker, a builder, a creator. Making things makes me happy.

I make videos about making things and post them on my channel Kerrie Lee:Dream Up on YouTube and on my website KerrieLee.com.

Friday, March 11, 2016

Lynda's Beginner Tips and Video's



I am going back to the basics - and using Creative Paperclay in various ways with your scrapbooking and stamping products!  I love to make my own embellishments, and this video will help you with the basic of technique - flattening out the Creative Paperclay product!  

 

Once you learn this - it is very easy to think of various ways you can use this with your craft products!  Make sure you have something to keep the leftover product in - so you can use what is left another time!  And - you can always roll up the leftover pieces together - and then flatten the piece out as one piece!  Stop by in 2 weeks and you will see just what I am creating - using a box and cans, Creative Paperclay product, along with a bit of imagination!!! 
Thanks for stopping by,
Lynda Jeffs
Creative Paperclay Design Team 2016   

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Play House Delight-fully

Delight is a great product to make doll house furniture with. If you have small children or grandchildren, this is a great way to spent a rainy or snowy day. All I used here was styrofoam for the bed structure and a spool for the table, some stamps for texture and Delight®. I like shabby chic white but you may prefer painting them to add color.

Have fun and dream in color.

Darlene Olivia McElroy

Monday, March 7, 2016

Book of Life

Spring is getting closer and since it's too early for spring flowers I thought I would create my own by making this mixed media wall hanging using my Creative Paperclay. The first thing I did was cover a small canvas with the Paperclay and once it was dried I painted the background and book edges with some ColourArte Primary Element Arte Pigments that were mixed with a gel medium.
I love that I learn so many things when I am creating with my Creative Paperclay, like patience and what I might be able to use as a tool. Trying to duplicate the paper edges of a book perplexed me at first. Finally, after letting the clay harden for about 2 hours I came back and scraped the surface with an old tootbrush and it worked like a charm!

The flowers were all made from molds and once they dried I layered on some ColourArte Twinkling H20's and then glued a bead into the center of each flower. I love how the look so glossy, almost like clay that had been dried in a kiln!

I also experimented with Paverpol in bronze to make the bookmark. I admit I was intimidated with this product but I was amazed at not only how easy it was to use but how well it worked! Although the ribbon hanging from the bottom didn't have to have an application of it, the top part did or the ribbon would flop over onto the front of the book when it was hanging on the wall. So I made a slice into the side of the book where I wanted it to go...then painted on the Paverpol and laid the ribbon ends into the slot and let it dry. Oh my word, again I admit I was doubtful it was going to be stuck into that small slot, but YES, it is! lol

Another texturizing tool is your handy dandy kitchen plastic wrap, perfect for adding a leather like surface to the spine of the book. It's easier to do this by rolling your clay onto a sheet of plastic wrap which will automatically wrinkle and place those onto your clay. OK, so I admit I discovered this by accident, but hey, it worked out beautifully!

I just love my little book I created by covering a canvas, you can lay it on a surface or display it but hanging it on a wall. It's full of texture and color and just makes me smile.

"Despite the forecast, live like it's spring"
Lily Pulitzer

Friday, March 4, 2016

March First Friday Fan Day


Need some inspiration for your next Creative Paperclay® project? Check out what folks are making with Creative Paperclay™.


Bunny Love figurines
Bunny ornament
Easter chick decoration
Easter Bunny figurine
Whimsical face charm
Backgrounds and embellishments

Duck Charms
Doll Making

HELP US FIND YOU!!
  1. Use the hashtag #CreativePaperclay on all your social networks.
  2. When using Facebook, be sure the your posts and images using the #Creative Paperclay hashtag are set to public, otherwise we won't be able to find you.
  3. Share your projects on the Creative PaperClay® Facebook page.
I'm always trolling the web, looking for great Creative Paperclay® projects. If you find something, post it on our Facebook page.

GOT QUESTIONS???

Find the answers to your paperclay questions. See what other folks are creating. Stop by our Facebook group and say, "Hi!" Creative Paperclay Q&A
Carole

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Fairy House - Trash to Treasure!



Spring is on the way!  The fae will be on the lookout for new garden homes, so now is the time to work on yours.  I was going to show you how to use clay and natural materials on a cardboard house form, but my youngest daughter, Jessica, came up with the idea of using some broken pottery!  Thanks, J!

You can craft this house from an old (or new) broken pot or ceramic vase.
For this project you will need:

a broken pot
Creative Paperclay® modeling material
glue water & sculpting tools
natural materials
Paverpol textile hardener
acrylic paints, paintbrushes, and a brush for applying Paverpol (large and med. soft bristles for getting the hardener into all the nooks and crannies of the piece - It will get sticky while you are using it, but can be cleaned with soap and water if the medium is not allowed to dry in the brush)
plastic wrap
plastic grocery bags or similar for creating form.  You can use paper and cover it with plastic wrap also
optional but suggested - UV varnish - I'm using Josefine "very matte" also from the Paverpol company
sculpting tools - a craft stick and old paintbrush will work just fine





Gather up the pieces of your pottery and start re-assembling it, leaving openings for doors and windows as you see fit.  Glue the pieces together and tape in place until the glue is dry.  Try not to get glue on the front of the pot, as this might affect the paint layers later on.


When you've assembled the pot to your liking, play around with the natural materials you've gathered and see what you'd like to add.  I will be adding some lovely sticks and stones with clay, then adding some additional decorations by gluing them on with Paverpol.


Wet the edges of the pottery and apply the clay, then embed natural materials as desired.  Use a stiff paint brush or sculpting tool to get the clay in the cracks and crevices.


To add a door, place a piece of tracing paper over the pot and trace the edges of the opening.  Cut a piece of cardboard to roughly this size, trim and fit as necessary, then place it in the pot with additional clay.  You may need to do this a little bit at a time, depending on how large the door opening is.  If necessary, allow the clay supports to dry before covering the rest of the cardboard with clay.


as you can see, I've broken off one of the branches in front of the door.  I may glue it back on later, it depends on how I think the house looks at that stage.


Sculpt the door as you see fit.  I always like to add stairs to my fairy houses so that I can nestle them into the dirt a bit without dirt getting in the front door!



Now I've done some sculpting on the other side of the pot, and it looks like a complete mess.  No worries, I can clean the clay off.  I'll be adding more natural materials and details to this window when I apply the Paverpol.



Create the windows by painting a layer of Paverpol all around the inside of the pot and applying a piece of plastic wrap to cover the window completely.  Then paint Paverpol over the wrap.  It will get bubbles, etc.  I like the look of this frosted type window, because it doesn't allow the sun to shine all the way through the piece, and creates a nice effect if I put a tea light in the house later.  You will need to apply several layers on the inside and outside to create a hardened "glass" window.  Allow each coat of Paverpol to dry before applying the next.



When you've finished sculpting and have at least a layer of Paverpol on the windows, create a cap for the pot by bunching and taping plastic bags to the shape you desire.  Remember that the clay over top of this will sit lower when the piece is finished, so keep that in mind when shaping your form.  Cover the top with one single piece of plastic so you can remove the clay top from the form later.


(I really wanted to use that dried artichoke over the door, but now I can see that there won't be enough room if I make the top like I planned - oh well, I'll save it for another project!)

Roll or press out clay to about an 1/8"and apply to the roof form.  If desired, press natural materials into the wet clay.  I've used dried leaves, which I soaked in water until they became pliable, then put on the clay while they were wet so they would take the shape of the clay.  I also sculpted the clay around the dried pumpkin stem so that it would look like the stem was part of the roof.

I ended up adding another layer of plastic bags to support the edge of the roof since
I wanted it to stick out further and have a slight tilt upward to the edges


Allow all of the clay to dry, then paint as desired.


Here is my painted piece drying in the sun.

When everything is dry, coat the entire piece with Paverpol.  This medium is sticky, so you can also add more branches, tendrils, etc. by coating them and holding in place for a few seconds.  Paint the bottom of the roof section and, when that is dry, glue it to the pot with Paverpol also.  You will need to brush the medium on gently around the fragile leaves, etc., and it will appear lumpy, but have patience, it does a pretty good job of "self leveling" and not showing all the brush marks.  When all of the Paverpol is dry, apply a UV varnish for further protection, if desired.  When the varnish is dry, the house is ready to be placed in the garden!  Look for the fairy footprints, and you'll know where to place their new home.

I haven't quite decided yet, there are footprints all over the place here.  Here are some pics of the finished house.

I love the way the leaves turned out on this roof!  I plan on using this technique again!

The back window

Possible placement?  It looks pretty cozy here.

Thanks for joining me here again!


I'd love for you to join me for more projects & art adventures on my personal blog
Find me on Facebook, or peruse & ponder pics with me on Pinterest