Clay Works

I started out by using old boards from my daughter's disassembled toddler bed. But you can use just about anything, even canvas. I like especially like using canvas boards as they are firm enough to hold the clay but you can also cut through them to incorporate glass into the clay. I have used canvas boards to assemble entire candle holders (see photos above). If you start with wood boards, make sure to cover them with a couple coats of gesso to create tooth for the clay to adhere to. Note - I have found that chalk paint is not a good substitute for this although in other instances chalk paint is said to provide similar benefits as gesso.

Make sure you have planned out your design in advance and have the materials ready before you start sculpting with paper clay. It dries fast so you will want to incorporate any pattern into in to the clay before it dries. Some of my favorite things to use are letter stamps, leaf stamps, and trinkets like jewelry and keys. I have even incorporated fabric into clay pieces!

If you are not confident in your painting abilities then this is the medium for you. The clay itself makes the pictures. All you need to do is create an imprint in the clay and use paint washes to see the picture revealed. See the tree in the first picture above for an example of how the pattern in the clay creates the picture. And definitely read Artful Clay - it explains all about paint washes to create this effect.