Daily Sculptors Page
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The latest photos from our readers:
Thanks Joni, this is really helpful, and you were somehow able to intuit exactly what I was making, the giraffe is exactly the sort of low-relief look I’m going for.
I’m not sure I can build up layers that are thin or delicate enough with the foil and paper, so now I’m going to look into how to carve EPS foam.
The adventure continues. I’ll post the finished product if I can crack the code
🙂
I can’t wait to see it! Have fun. 🙂
Thanks for your generous sharing here, Joni!
I’ve cut a shape in foam core that’s about 24″ x 24″. I want to layer paper mache clay on it to give it depth and form (probably about 1.5″ at the thickest).
I have two questions:
Which clay recipe(s) should I use? I want a very smooth surface, so I’m thinking of one clumpy clay to create the main bulk and then another thinner one to smooth on the top. Or is there a better idea?
What about shrinkage? The foam core is not rigid, will the clay shrink and bow the backing? Is there a way to avoid this?
Many thanks!!
Hi Sarah. The clay does shrink a little, and it will cause cardboard to warp. However, I would not suggest that you apply either the paper mache clay or the air dry clay in a clump that’s 1.5″ thick. Air would only reach one side and it would take forever to dry. It would probably also crack, because it will dry on the outside first. Terry’s giraffe was made using the paper mache clay over Styrofoam, and it didn’t warp, but the Styrofoam was glued to a heavy piece of cardboard first. I would suggest building up your shapes with crumpled foil and either masking tape or hot glue. Test the glue before using it, because I don’t know if it will melt the foam or not. After the shapes are on, you could then add a very thin layer, first with the paper mache clay, and then another one with the air dry clay. You would only need very thin layers, of 1/8″ or even less.
Some of my readers might have more suggestions for you. Have fun with it! 🙂