So...it's my husband's birthday this Saturday...and after 25 years of gift giving...I was at a loss about what to do this year. So I decided to make him some art. And about the only thing I know he would like is a fish. So I used this opportunity to experiment with making a free form paper clay piece...one that is not on a board or canvas.
I used balsa wood, matte board and tape for my backing. Unlike ceramic clay, paper clay would be too fragile and flimsy to use without a support on the back.
Below is my process. And I like how it turned out. But I need a better backing than balsa wood because it warps. But it actually gave the fish some roundness, so it worked out. But I am still on the search for a better backing material that is easy to cut.
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| I cut a fish form out of balsa wood and taped on, then glued the fins to it. |
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| Then I covered it with paper clay and sculpted my fish with details. |
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| After painting the clay with finishes, I painted it black. |
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| Then I removed the black paint, leaving it in all the indentations. |
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| Then I painted it with transparent acrylic paints. |
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| To cover the back, I drew around the fish on black felt with a gel pen. |
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| I cut out the felt and before gluing it to the back, I painted all the edges black. |
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| I made a loop hanger out of ribbon and glued it and the felt down with wood glue. |
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| Nice and tidy back. Important detail. |
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| Finished fish. It's about 15" long...a good size for a fish...definitely a keeper. |