Make Mushroom Ornaments with Air-Dry Clay by Cindy Willingham

All levels | 27 min 2 sec

Make Mushroom Ornaments with Air-Dry Clay
Overview01:10
Materials01:57
Sculpt three mushrooms10:15
Add details and dry07:51
Paint ornaments05:49

Taught by Cindy Willingham

Pique your clay curiosity by working with an air-dry variety, which doesn't require expensive tools or a kiln. Texas-based painter and potter Cindy Willingham finds inspiration in nature and in this class, she teaches how to sculpt three different kinds of mushrooms. These mushrooms are so whimsical and enchanting, and in the process of making them, you'll learn how to condition, shape, paint, and seal air-dry clay. Plus, add a wire hanging loop to turn your mushrooms into charming ornaments. If you prefer to work with kiln-fired clay, all the hand-building techniques are applicable, and you'll swap out air-drying for kiln-firing and paint/seal for glaze. Discover the secrets of the forest as well as your love of clay.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Air-dry clay (Cot crayola or clay with a fluffy texture - Cindy uses Trinity)
Porous work surface such as wood, cork, fabric or slab mat
Small bowl of water
Tool with rounded tip such as a paintbrush end
Tool with a straight edge such as a palette knife or pottery rib
Two pairs jewelry pliers with wirecutter and rounded tips
17 gauge wire
Paper towel
Acrylic paint and brushes
Acrylic Maker's Magic Varnish/sealer
Plastic wrap
Clay carving tool

Note: this project may be done with kiln firing clay and glaze, but air dry clay and kiln firing clay must not cross contanimate - you'll also want to use high fire wire and glaze instead of paint.

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