Crafting just got cooler! Learn how to create a 3D church with the help of air dry clay and silicone moulds.
Alright, friends, are you ready to take your clay art to the next level? Today, our focus is on how to use air dry clay to create a 3D church, with the help of silicone molds and paint. Air dry clay is a wonderful product, and the best part? It doesn’t need baking or firing in the oven – it dries all on its own. It’s also inexpensive, easy to use, and when coupled with silicone molds, It’s like a match made in creative heaven; offering a myriad of possibilities. This technique is ideal for crafters of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned creators. So, find your crafting corner, gather your materials, and join me for one of my favorite air dry clay projects.
SUPPLIES USED
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Scrap wood
Exacto knife
Corn starch
STEP ONE – How to use Air Dry Clay and moulds to Make Church Design
It can be a little tricky when first learning how to use air dry clay in moulds, but it doesn’t take long to get hooked. To design my church, I used products by Iron Orchid Designs (IOD); the Trimmings II silicone mold and air dry clay. IOD silicone molds are wonderful products. The designs are numerous and unmatched in quality with their thickness and artistic details. Additionally, they have trademarked rims which allow for easy removal of excess clay.
Learning how to use air dry clay is easiest with the Iron Orchid Designs brand. It is the best clay to work with. It’s very soft and dries white.
First, you want to dust your silicone mold with corn starch before using air dry clay. The corn starch will help the image release easily from the mould. Now, break off some clay, roll it in your hands to shape, and press firmly into mold. Remove excess clay around rim using your your thumbs.
Tip: Make sure surface of clay is smooth before removing from mold. A smooth surface helps image adhere firmly and evenly.
Here are the molds used for the individual church pieces:
Trimmings II – Church outline
Roses mould – Cross & Door
Classic Elements mould – Window
Floral Swags mould – Door knocker
Scroll down for a video tutorial if you learn better visually!
STEP TWO – Lay Out Clay Images to Form Design
After using the air dry clay to create the different pieces, arrange them on your board to form a church or house design. I used an exact-o knife to easily cut clay to fit pieces on board.
STEP THREE – Glue Mould Castings Down
My favorite glue is TiteBond Quick & Thick! It dries clear, dries fast and holds very well. Spread glue evenly on back of casting and gently press image down. I want to stress the word gently, because the details can be smudged if you press too hard. After you glue your castings down, allow to air dry and subsequently harden.
TIP: Glue castings down while still pliable. If several casting are made ahead of time, place in plastic bag to keep moist.
STEP FOUR – Allow Air Dry Clay to Dry
Air dry clay will dry on its own, and will dry hard. If you want to speed it up, you can. I usually take a heat gun and move it back and forth over my images. Do not hold in one position too long. It’s important that the clay is hard before you paint them so you won’t smudge the designs in the process.
Need some tips on how to make good castings, without the shrinkage and cracking? Sign up below and I’ll send them your way!
STEP FIVE – Paint Church with Metallics
After the castings dry, they’re ready to paint. First, I painted the entire board white, then blended DIY paints in the colors Prom Queen and Bead Board for the sky. Once the blended colors dried, I added Sheer Bliss to give it a bit of sparkle. Sheer Bliss is a sheer metallic paint by Paint Couture. It’s such a wonderful product; When painted over any paint color, it gives a metallic appearance. I then painted the church frame and body using another favorite metallic, called Stardust. Stardust is such a beautiful color! It’s somewhere between a gold and a silver. Next, the cross and door knob were painted with Pale Gold Metallic. Finally, the Door was painted with DIY Marquee and Sheer Bliss.
TIP: When it comes to Sheer Bliss, less is more; One thin coat is all that’s needed.
That’s it! The song, Isn’t She Lovely,?” is playing in my mind! I really love how this turned out; in fact, I made several more and just changed out the door colors. I hope this was helpful and you’ll give it a try. Leave me a comment and let me know if you do!
Here’s some video too!
Want all my tips and tricks for beautiful clay images using moulds? Sign up below and I’ll send you my exclusive video tutorial showing you all you need to know to be successful with your clay!
Thanks for reading! Talk soon!
Joanie
