Thursday, June 30, 2016

POLYMER CLAY ADVENTURE: Works In Progress- Howard The Turtle Part Two

You met Howard last week. Click here to see. As with most of my polymer clay adventures, it takes weeks some times to complete anything. Believe it or not, this guy is about to get his fourth "face lift." What do I mean? Well, look at this face and then when I post the next article, you will see the change. It is so important to me, to make him as perfect as possible.
My husband just learned that turtles are reptiles. I got to say, "I told you so!" They can live under water, that is what makes them NOT amphibians, like he thought. Did I know that? The reptile part, yes. The reason why. Nope!
Since We Last Met...
Hope you are a wee inspired to create or at least something here makes you smile!I also have been carving pieces away with a sharp craft knife. Be very careful. Cooked clay carves easily. It is a tad addictive! 
Here is how Howie is looking as of now.
Howard the Turtle in progress. Made using polymer clay, with black onyx eyes and liquid clay.
By me, Anita Berglund

Decided to change him from a Sea Turtle to the authentic turtle from CBC's Razzle Dazzle kids show in the early 60s. There are his stubby legs.




I've only Just begun....



I layered multiple sheets of clay to create a mokume-gane cane stack to cover Howard's shells.

sliced and ready to be used....

Howard needs a shell!




Liquid clay, silicone shaper and sharp blades to slice the mokume-gane cane. Used cover the pre-baked shell.


Howard the Turtle in progress. Made using polymer clay, with black onyx eyes and liquid clay. By me, Anita Berglund

Howard the Turtle in progress. Made using polymer clay, with black onyx eyes and liquid clay. By me, Anita Berglund


Baking his shell...



 Oven Temperature Matters!
I foolishly baked Howard's shell at 375 fahrenheit instead of the required 275F! Oops! All the dark brown parts below are scorched and crispy. I am surprised, I didn't smell the fumes or see smoke. Thankfully, it was on a 30 minute timer. Mental note, ALWAYS double check your temperature before baking polymer clay!
All scorched at 375 Fahrenheit!!

All scorched at 375 Fahrenheit!!


I also have been carving pieces away with a sharp craft knife. Be very careful. Cooked clay carves easily. It is a tad addictive! 



Let Cool Completely!
I made the mistake of fiddling with Howard's toes while he was still hot from the oven and OOPS! I  lost a toe :0(

HeArtfully Creating,
Anita

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