Decorative clay butterfly
Clay sculptures are representations of your imagination and creativity. Whether the design is a simple vase, an image of your great-great-grandfather or a free form abstract, the clay is simply a tool for your personal expression. Create clay sculptures to add a charming element in your garden or in your home.
Garden Pillar
Create a clay sculpture in the shape of a column or a garden pillar from a series of clay tiles. Decorate the individual clay tiles with butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, snails and other common garden creatures. Look for tile molds to fit the designs or create your own with household objects. For example, use a small, sturdy cardboard box as a mold for a square clay tile. Non-stick cooking spray or vegetable oil can act as an inexpensive release agent for the tiles. Mix your favorite clay recipe and pour a 1- to 2-inch thick layer in the bottom of the box. Make impressions in the top of the clay according to the shape of the desired decoration. You can also glue smaller clay objects onto a smooth clay tile to create a clay sculpture with high relief. Attach tiles in a vertical row onto a wood or metal column to complete the sculpture. Tile all four sides of the garden pillar and place it as a focal point in the space.
Clay Tree
Build an armature for a clay tree sculpture with craft wire and a wooden block. The block is the base for the tree and the wire forms the shape of the tree as well as contributing to the strength of the sculpture. Gather at least 10 strands of 18- to 22-gauge craft wire in a bundle to form the trunk and the branches of the tree. The length of the wires will determine the height of the tree as well as the length of the branches. Join the bundle in the center with another strand of wire, and then separate the strands to shape the individual branches. Drill a small hole in the wood block and insert the base of the wire trunk into the wood. Cover the entire tree with polymer clay to complete the sculpture. Paint the clay as you like and use the tree as part of your home décor or as a hanger for jewelry.
Clay Urn
Use a large coffee can as the armature for a decorative clay urn. Remove the advertising from the can and cover it with a 1-inch layer of polymer clay. Add a polymer clay band to the top of the can to create a decorative rim for the urn. Add the rim to the clay around the coffee can by smoothing the seam with your fingers. Insert glass cabochons or mosaic tiles into the sides of the clay sculpture for added decorations. Bake the clay urn in the oven according to the manufacturer's directions. Use the urn sculpture as a planter, a vase or a reservoir for a garden fountain.
