DIY Sitting Bird Ornament

Hello! Welcome to another Creative Paperclay® Design Team tutorial. Today I have a sitting bird ornament to share with you. Not only do I show you how to sculpt this, but also how to apply a crackle and a gilding wax.  Isn't that exciting? It is actually very easy and when you are finished you will have this cute little bird sitting on your shelf.

The supplies you will need are:

Creative Paperclay®
foil
toothpick
a stone to help weigh-down bird
white glue
gesso
white acrylic 
black acrylic 
Golden Acrylic- Inference Gold
Americana Multi-surface Acrylics-

• Jade Green
• Mushroom

Decoart Media Crackle Glaze
Pebeo Gilding Wax - Empire Gold
jute twine
scissors
Sculpting tools
glue gun and glue sticks
sandpaper
paintbrushes
stencil brush or cotton swab
paper towel or soft cloth 
gloves
water
template for birds feet


Let's get started!

Step 1

Place a stone in a large piece of foil and wrap tightly. This will ensure your sculpture sits without toppling over.

 

Step 2

Add more foil as needed until you are happy with the shape.

 Step 3

Form the wings and attach with hot glue.

 Step 4

Form the beak with foil wrapped around a toothpick and insert. Secure with hot glue.

          

 Step 5

Coat armature with diluted glue. This is not absolutely necessary but I like to ensure my clay sticks to the armature properly so all my hard work is not ruined. 

Step 6

Cover with Creative Paperclay®. Ensure you press down carefully so no air bubbles are trapped.

Step 7

Cut out the feet using your template. Poke a hole in the heal of each foot using a toothpick.

Step 8

Roll two balls of clay for the eyes and attach. Set aside to dry.

Step 9

Roll out some clay and cut out two circles for the eyelids. 

Step 10

Cut off about one third of each circle.

Step 11

Paint on a little diluted glue and attach eyelids blending in seams. 

Step 12

Set aside to dry.

Step 13

Paint your bird whatever colors you choose.

Step 14

Leave to dry overnight. It needs to be thoroughly dry before you apply the crackle.

Step 15

Cover with a coat of crackle medium and let it dry overnight. Don't use a fan, hairdryer or heat gun. Let it dry naturally.

Step 16

Use a stencil brush to apply a coat of gilders wax. Work in a well ventilated area!

Step 17

Wipe wax off of surface leaving in the cracks.

Step 18

Drill two holes in base to attach the legs.

Step 19

Use a needle to thread twine through hole in each foot. Tie a knot to secure.

Step 20

Now to attach the legs. Place a bit of glue in each hole on the base and insert the other end of the string.

Congratulations! You are done! Isn't he cute?



I have also made a video if you would like to follow along.

I do hope you enjoyed this tutorial! You can share your creations with us on our Facebook page. We would love to see them! For more inspiration have a look around the blog. There are tutorials for many levels using Creative Paperclay®. You can also visit my blog www.papermachepatch.com.

Thanks for stopping by!

Suzette