DIY Network

Dimensional Clay Fish Illustration Visit DIY's Craft Lab to learn how to create a beautiful ocean-theme clay illustration. From "Craft Lab" episode DCLB-105

Guest Consuelo Okdie joins host Jennifer Perkins to create a unique dimensional clay illustration with an ocean floor theme. She starts by building the background canvas out of masonite board; plans the drawing; cuts the texture blue clay shapes to form the background water; applies clay to form the sand and ocean floor texture; stamps and applies clay coral; and finally creates a playful textured fish.

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	Guest Consuelo Okdie demonstrates how to create this colorful clay fish illustration.
	PDF Download pattern 1.
	PDF Download pattern 2.
	PDF Download pattern 3.

Project designed by Consuelo Okdie.

Materials:

Premo Sculpey Clay in following colors:

pearl—one 2 oz. block
pearl blue—five 2 oz. blocks
pearl green—five 2 oz. blocks
pearl red—one 2 oz. block
gold—one 2 oz. block
sea green—one 2 oz. block
zinc yellow—one 2 oz. block
white—one 2 oz. block
black—small amount

texture sheets: "Party Favors", "Dancing Spirals", "Spring Fling Flowers"
craft knife
clay blade
needle tool
pasta machine
acrylic rod
separate oven thermometer
clay cutters
mini sculpting tools—small circle
embossing powders: mango, orange, yellow
work surface (glass or card stock)
white craft glue
Lumiere paint in the following colors:

pearl white
pearl green
pearl red
orange
yellow

heat gun
Phillips-head screwdriver (any size)
screw heads, bubble wrap, lace—anything that will create a texture on clay
several small size (4" x 4") ceramic tiles
paint brushes—1-2 large for applying glue and sealer, 1 small for detail

Note: Before beginning condition all clay by running through the pasta machine 8-10 times.

Mix colors for illustration as follows:

1 part pearl blue and 1 part pearl green = pearl teal—mix four 2 oz. blocks of each
mix 1/4 of teal color and 1/2 of 2 oz. block pearl = light pearl teal
mix 1/4 of teal color and 1/2 block of pearl blue = pearl blue teal
mix 1/4 of teal color and 1/2 block of pearl green = pearl green teal
mix 1 part of Zinc Yellow and 1 part white = white yellow

Note: Download the printable patterns (PDF files), right.

The illustration begins by creating the background.

Building the Background

1. Prepare masonite board by coating with a thin layer of white craft glue and let dry—surface will still be tacky when dry. Put board aside.

2. Use water background templates to cut out the different shades of teal clay as follows: use template A to cut pearl teal, use template B to cut pearl green teal, use template C to cut light pearl teal, and use template D to cut pearl blue teal.

3. Apply water background pieces according to pattern, gently rolling each piece with the acrylic rod or knitting needle starting from the center of each piece outward to ensure there are no air bubbles. (Persistent air bubbles can be pierced with the needle tool then rolled again with the rod.)

4. Texture background using texture sheets, rubber stamps, corrugated blade or any other tools you like to use (i.e., screw heads, Phillips-head screwdriver tip, nails, etc.)

5. If there are any gaps between the water pieces use the acrylic rod to push the seams together. Work gently with the rod, taking your time to ensure all gaps are closed neatly. Press the tip of the Phillips screwdriver along all the seams—in addition to adding more texture to the background this will give your piece a more polished, professional look.

6. Shape most of the yellow shades of clay into rough sand hills and gently press into place on the bottom (or foreground) of the illustration. Set a small amount aside for later use.

7. Use your fingers to press some areas of the sand hills down to create "low" spots for the seaweed, grass and coral. Set background aside.

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