critter Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 (edited) My first foray into the world of paper clay has proven successful (in my eyes). After a TON of research, lots of intimidation, even more hesitation and gallons of coffee I pushed myself to gather up my materials, clear a spot on that ridiculously messy work table and start applying the paper clay to my Orchid. I was really nervous at first but after jumping in I was surprised to find the similarities of paper clay to ceramic clay. There are the obvious differences such as density and workability but other than that it brought me back to my ceramics class last semester! It took a while to get my stone technique down but after about an hour I had it down pat and was carving away with my red comb. (Hey, I use what I can find here! LOL!). I found myself unable to quit, even when the effects of the coffee kicked in I had a hard time walking away from it! I just kept carving away! I really wanted to finish the chimney but it's getting late and I have to get up very early so I had to drag myself away from it. I'm totally addicted to paper clay. So ANYWAY, check out my Orchid album for the latest updates to the house. And, as always, I love to have input from everyone! Thanks! Edited January 14, 2009 by critter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
butlerestates Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 It's exciting when you try something and it turns out. Funny how you can totally let time go by with out knowing it. Can't wait to see more pictures of how it turned out. In the meantime don't forget to sleep once in awhile! :wicked: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steelwoolghandi Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 Vary nice I love the way that the stone work looks, I could not tell it was your first time working with paper clay? A red comb huh interesting choice in tools! :wicked: I can't wait to see more....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chesterfieldzoo Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 It looks good. The comb is funny, but if it works... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eglefther Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 I'm impressed with your chimney and fireplace they look great!!! Only things I can think of to do with the non-working window upstairs is to either make it look like an open window...a faux window so to speak. Or cover it with a bookcase, shelves or a closet. The outside could be covered with siding...depending on what you are doing for the outside of course Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nileke Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 I'm very impressed, Christie! Your chimney and your fireplace look fantastic. The stone pattern is immaculate. Are you leaving them that off white color or will you be painting them later? It's also very helpful for me that you mention how much time is involved. I never knew that before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 First time in the Paperclay Zone? NO WAY! That looks SO good; I can't wait to see it painted. Spackling compound does it for me, but whatever you get results from that's fun to use is the way to go! BTW, when I first saw the header for this topic I thought you were referring to the cracks that can sometimes appear in the clay as it dries!lol Haven't had my coffee, yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minis On The Edge Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 You did a Fantastic job on this!! :groucho: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christinee Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 Your masonry work looks great! I admire anyone who has success with paperclay the first time. My first attempt was a disaster, I couldn't even get the clay rolled out (I think I was using the wrong tools) and when it dried, it looked like a 3 year old did it. Keep up the great work and post more pics of your progress! Christine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
critter Posted January 14, 2009 Author Share Posted January 14, 2009 Oh thanks so much to everyone for your boosts of confidence! I have been itching to get back to that paper clay since I left the house this morning! Only a few more hours to go until I can get back at it! And to whomever had bad luck because you "didn't have the right tools": I used a drinking glass, the pointed end of a hair comb, and the rounded end of a paintbrush to do all of my work. I wanted to wait and go buy all kinds of fancy tools but I just said the heck with it and went rummaging through my house trying to find objects that could suffice! It was a fun little scavenger hunt. :xmas_tree: I intend to paint the stonework to look grayish brown maybe add a little moss growing in some of the cracks. I'd like for it to look old; like it has been a part of the foundation for many many years. Thanks to everyone for replying and giving input! You have NO idea how much it helps me! I will certainly keep the updates coming!! P.S. I do believe that the addiction has set in...This is only the beginning. :groucho: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lauker Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 The paper clay work you've done looks great!!! I have yet to work with paper clay myself, but your dh is very inspiring. :-D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeninky Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 you work is awesome! My first try looked like a 3 year had done it too lol Also did you make your Chimmey from scratch??? It looks great!! Did you do it free hand or did you go by a pattern?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eveningstargazer Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 Very impressive! It certainly does not look as if this was your first try! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
critter Posted January 15, 2009 Author Share Posted January 15, 2009 I just used some photos and my memory for reference with the chimney and fireplace. I used illustration board (because it was handy) to construct it. I admit that it's not perfect but I think it does the trick! I am enjoying adding on to this house! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 Illustration board, foamcore, heavy posterboard, whatever sill do the job of serving as a structural base to mount the paperclay on will do the job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corwin Posted January 16, 2009 Share Posted January 16, 2009 Verry nice!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justmesue Posted January 24, 2009 Share Posted January 24, 2009 WOW! Superb for a first try! You are a natural! More pics please.......!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TinyJudi Posted January 24, 2009 Share Posted January 24, 2009 Your stonework is wonderful. You must have a natural talent for working with paperclay. I am a spackle gal, like Holly. I usually end up with a mess when I work with paperclay on a large scale. Keep up the great work. Looking forward to seeing more pics! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shy Spirit Posted January 24, 2009 Share Posted January 24, 2009 Beautiful work! I, too, am addicted to paperclay. Funnily enough, I used combs to put the bark texture on a paperclay tree - I think a comb is a very useful and perfectly valid tool! :yes: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted January 25, 2009 Share Posted January 25, 2009 Next to old credit cards combs are the best texturing tools out there, no matter what medium you work iin! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmgervais Posted February 7, 2009 Share Posted February 7, 2009 My paperclay on my house looks nothing like yours - yours is amazing. I'm happy with what I was able to accomplish, it was a lot for me, by I can really appreciate the talent you have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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