DIY Network

Clay Plaques Creative carving makes cool clay art. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-509

Who needs a kiln? Michele Beschen shows how to carve up creative plaques with self-hardening clay in this easy B. Original how-to. Scroll down to get started.

Create anything from a classy blossom...

To a whimsical fish with air-dry clay.

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Clay Plaques

Materials: self-hardening natural clay sculpting and carving tools wood backing decorative tacks craft knife skewer or awl shellac

About air-dry clay: This clay is not food-grade. Don’t plan on using your creations to hold food or water. The finished pieces will not be waterproof unless they are sealed after they dry. Read the label. Every brand is different; check the package instructions for specific information on the product.

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

• Start with a fist-sized chunk of clay and roll it out. Use a clay roller, rolling pin or even a wooden dowel (figure A).

• Use a knife or carving tool to cut a design out of the clay. Michele Beschen chose to carve a fish (figure B).

• Don’t wait for the clay to dry – carefully peel the clay design from the work surface and position it on the wood backing.

• Use decorative tacks or upholstery tacks to hold the clay on the wood (figure C). Press each tack into the clay and gently hammer it into the wood until it is just flush with the clay. Don’t let the head of the tack sink into the clay.

• With the design secure, carve and shape the clay. Natural clay takes impressions very well; look around the house for items that will make interesting marks in the piece. For example, Michele Beschen used a round rasp to create scale patterns on her fish (figure D).

• If desired, mix a little clay with water to create slip, a glue to stick two pieces of clay together. To add a piece to the plaque, score both clay surfaces at the point of contact, apply some slip to both surfaces and put the surfaces together. Rub more slip around the joint to seal and smooth the connection.

• To create freestanding plaques and markers for the garden, roll out some clay and cut out a square tile shape.

• Carve your message on the square and finish it off with a decorative border (figure E). Scraps of decorative wood trim make some attractive borders.

• Use a skewer or awl to create holes in the tile.

• Let the piece dry thoroughly for a few days on a flat surface, then seal it with two or more coats of shellac.

• Use rope or wire to hang the marker from a crate or container (figure F). Or, attach it to a stick to create a standing marker.

• Roll any leftover clay into a ball and mist or wet it slightly. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.