In this post you will learn background information about using air-dry clay and silicone molds. Then watch a video to help you create a gourd covered with clay textures! This is a great easy and fun project!
Most gourd artists are using two brands of air-dry clay. These are available at most craft stores and online through Amazon. DAS is the main clay used for structure and in molds. The Creative Paperclay is wetter and with a finer grain, so this is used for fine details.
You can make air-dry clay. Watch a video of three processes.
How Gourd Artists uses Air-dry clays
DAS is used for most structured pieces and has less cracking. The Creative Paperclay is fine grained and is used for small delicate things like hands and textured details. Both clays are also used for adding feathers or scales to an animal.
My favorite artist, Cara Bevan is a master at creating realistic birds and animals using these clays. Check out the post and video I did on the blog page.
Most of the time gourd artists use these clays for adding arms, hands, and facial features to a character.
Let’s start with some basic information about using these clays. The process is about the same as any other clay. The major problems are drying it slow enough that it does not crack and getting it out the molds.
Storing the clay
Roll up any excess clay and press it to the clay in the package and use the package seal to tightly wrap it. I then like to store it in a clear plastic sealable container. I have saved it this way for over 6 months!
Preparing the Clay
Tear off a small amount and begin kneading it in the palm of your hand. This will warm it up and make it pliable. If you will be working in a dry climate, you can wrap the prepared clay in a damp cloth to keep it moist. If you decide to add water, then just a few drops. Too much and you won’t be able to work it.
Buy the Right Air-dry Clay Molds
Mold comes in many materials and patterns. The concern is trying to release a pattern made of very thin lines. If the pattern has varied depth and thinness, you may find that it is more work than you need. Before you use them. brush some cornstarch over the mold and this will help in the releasing process.
Getting the Air-Dry Clay into the Mold
Some roll a coil and squash it into the mold. Others just take a ball of clay and press it evenly into the mold with their fingers. You then scrape the excess clay off the top with your fingers or I like to use the edge of an old credit card.
Removing the Air-Dry Clay from the Mold
Bend the mold on the tabletop back towards letting gravity help the clay release itself and carefully pull the pattern away from the mold.
Adhering the Air-Dry Clay Pattern to the Gourd
Next, I like to use wood glue or some gourd artist like super glue on the back of the wet clay pattern and then press it into place.
Drying Process for the Gourd and Air-Dry Clay
Wrap the gourd with a damp cloth and cover it with a plastic grocery bag. Place it in a cool area with no draft. You want the clay to dry slowly to avoid crack
Collecting molds
These are often found at thrift stores, and garage sales and for this next project, you might want to borrow them from friends. My favorite site for southwest molds is Miriam Joy’s website
The process does take practice and patience and it can be messy. But it is also a lot of fun. Keep all your air-dry supplies in one container and you are ready for all kinds of fun.
Gourd Artist, Annelie van Rensburg, is from South Africa and takes you through the entire process for my inspiration gourd project. Let’s go over the steps before you view it.
Step 1
Once the gourd is clean, you can set up your work area and gather all your molds and prepare your clay. You can work on the project until it is finished or stop and properly store it until the next day. Also, keep some baby wipes handy to clean your hands!
Place your first piece in the center of your gourd and work around it.
Apply glue to each piece and press them onto the gourd
You will cover the entire gourd with the clay mold patterns.
Step 2
Once the clay is dry, she covers the entire gourd with chalk paint using a soft brush. She uses a grey. I think a light neutral color is best for this project.
Step 3
Once the chalk paint is dry, she brushes on an antique gold glaze.
You could use a gold paint thinned with water.
Then she uses a cotton pad to dab off the excess glaze and lets that dry.
Step 4
Next she uses gilders paste to daps gold highlights on the edges of the clay patterns.
Work adding and erasing until you get the look you like.
Step 5
Now give it a final coat of your favorite gourd varnish.
The finished Gourd!
Have done somethin similar? Can you offer us some tips?
Please, share your thoughts here in the comment box or share them with all the gourd artists on our Facebook Group Page.
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So enjoy your blogs! I am learning so much…thankyou!
Thank you so much for sharing and teaching us how to use clay on gourds.
Dom
Glad you found some information you can use. Please come again!
Thanks for sharing these techniques with us the gourd is beautifully made .