Turtle Themed Artwork Design Problem


Three turtle-shaped paperclay ornaments painted with flowers and paisley designs.

The theme for this month’s design problem from Artwork Components was turtles. As with each month-to-month problem, we had been free to selected the medium and interpret the theme in as some ways as we wished. Or, extra virtually, in as some ways as we’ve got time. A month might appear to be a very long time nevertheless it usually goes by faster than you’d assume. Listed below are my turtle themed artwork designs for the problem.

The primary piece of turtle themed artwork I’m sharing for this design problem was really made months earlier than the theme was introduced. Earlier this yr, I used to be feeling the presence of a turtle spirit information, reminding me to persevere and it impressed me to sculpt some sea turtle hatchlings in paperclay. Whereas I shared photos of the sculpture on my social media, I didn’t weblog about it. So I’m together with it right here though it technically wasn’t created for the month-to-month theme. It’s my weblog, my guidelines.

Worktable with paperclay sculpture in progess.
Working in layers is one of the simplest ways I’ve discovered to reduce cracks within the paperclay because it dries. On this case, the background layer of clay across the glass jar was allowed to dry fully earlier than I utilized the turtle particulars in a second layer.

After I made this jar, I’d been working with paperclay for about two months. I’m nonetheless very a lot on the uphill aspect of the educational curve, however I get higher about being affected person with this medium. And myself. I miss working with polymer clay, and sit up for cooler climate after I can take that up once more. However I’m additionally having fun with studying to work with paperclay.

Upcycled glass jar with paperclay sculpture of green sea turtle hatchling on blue background.
This aspect of the upcycled jar has a bit of inexperienced sea turtle hatchling. I used acrylic paints to paint the wavy blue background and the hatchling. I’m studying how one can paint with acrylics along with how one can sculpt with polymer clay. As a rule, colours don’t go in line with plan. However on this case, I did handle to get the impact I used to be aiming for.
Upcycled glass jar with leatherback turtle hatchling sculpted from paperclay.
That is the opposite aspect of the turtle jar, with a leatherback hatchling. I discover it practically unimaginable to go away the again aspect of a design clean. Not that I take into account this the again. It’s simply the opposite aspect. And may I point out how time consuming it was to make all that texture? There’s no straightforward button for that sort of element. I’ve regarded.

The primary piece I designed after the problem theme was introduced was a micro mosaic utilizing epoxy clay. I’m nonetheless avoiding buy of latest artwork or craft provides. As a result of I’ve a lot already. And but, it’s by no means precisely the best factor when it comes time to create. On this case, I used to be wishing for various colours of beads. Additionally, the epoxy clay I’ve was lower than preferrred as a result of I first opened it greater than a yr in the past. Recent clay would have been higher as a result of the older it will get, the harder it’s to combine and the faster it cures. I used to be positively racing the clock to get all of the parts into the clay earlier than it hardened.

Rectangular metal box with micro mosaic design of sea turtles crawling from the beach into the ocean.
The bottom for this micro mosaic is a small tin with a hinged lid, barely bigger than an ordinary enterprise card. The sample for the ocean waves was created by embedding rows of measurement 10 and 11 seed beads into the clay. The turtle hatchlings are brass charms. I didn’t have any sand coloured beads for the seashore so I embedded embossing powder for a bit of texture.

The ultimate venture for this month’s problem was an experiment with paperclay. I do know individuals use it to make ornaments and determined to make a couple of check turtles. All of them dried with out cracks, which was superior. They every additionally warped a bit of as they dried, which was much less superior. It doesn’t detract from their look or operate. However I’m pondering how one can get future ornaments to dry flat.

Two turtle shaped paperclay ornaments painted with bright flower designs.
The flower designs on these two turtle ornaments had been stamped into moist paperclay. I used each the constructive and detrimental sides of an embossing folder: one decoration has a stamped texture and the opposite has a raised sample. The decoration on the left was coloured with Inktense ink pencils and the one of many proper with Posca acrylic paint pens.

The opposite a part of the experiment with these check turtle ornaments was utilizing Inktense ink pencils and Posca acrylic paint pens so as to add shade. I’ve used each on polymer clay and was moderately certain they’d work on paperclay. Within the case of the paint pens, I obtained a really opaque shade protection, which was anticipated. With the ink pencils, it appears as if the ink doesn’t dry. It’s not purported to be re-wettable as soon as dry. And but, after I went to brush on a layer of gloss medium, the colour lifted and moved. I’ll be aware that earlier than portray, I handled the cured paperclay with layers of gesso and gloss medium. Possibly the undercoat of gloss medium retains the ink from drying?

Paperclay turtle shaped ornament with blue-green paisley pattern.
The paisley design on this turtle decoration was created by rolling a silicone texture sheet over moist paperclay. I used Inktense pencils for shade once more. This time, as an alternative of plain water on the comb, I used gloss medium diluted with water to moist the ink. I used to be nonetheless capable of raise a bit of shade after I assumed the ink was dry. Nevertheless it didn’t transfer round after I sealed the decoration with a later of gloss medium.

There was purported to be an embroidery venture this month too. I’ve been neglecting my stitching and thought I might attempt a painted turtle for this design problem. Alas, I obtained distracted by shiny objects – or possibly books – and by no means even began a hoop. There’s all the time subsequent month. Thanks a lot for stopping by my weblog right this moment. I hope you loved the turtle themed artwork and the time you spent right here. Please depart a remark if the spirit strikes you.



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