Garden Fairy Story
I loved how this little garden fairy story unfolded. In eight DSLR photos, I was able to show the transformation of her character, from paper to a three-dimensional clay sculpt.
STEP 1: SKETCH CONCEPT — In this beginning step, a concept is sketched out and colors are imagined. Each new clay design starts this way, from a one-of-a-kind figurine, to a made-to-order custom ornament.
STEP 2: BEGINNING SCULPT — In the early 3D design phase, the rough sketches become simple clay sculpts. Each new clay design in 3D starts with estimating the main parts of the concept and attempting a “pattern” to be able to recreate the ratios, in case this trial becomes the finished prototype sculpt (sometimes to replicate.)
STEP 3: CONTINUED BASE — Continuing the base, more features are sized through trial-and-error, gauging their size to the original sketches. Notes are periodically taken, in attempt to remember the sculpt in case more will be made in its likeness.
STEP 4: ADDING DETAILS — After having sculpted the main features, the fun begins through adding in smaller details. This is one of my favorite parts of the process, as these details really start giving the piece its unique character.
“I loved how this little garden fairy story unfolded. In eight DSLR photos, I was able to show the transformation of her character, from paper to a three-dimensional clay sculpt.”
STEP 5: FINISHED RAW SCULPT — At this stage, the clay sculpt is essentially finished and it is time to start custom finishing steps. If more than one finished clay piece is needed for an order, where the items need to match or coordinate with each other, it is this stage where the process can be replicated best. All of my clay colors are custom recipes and science affected many of the steps in my process, so the finishing steps are the way science plays a unique hand in allowing each item to truly be one-of-a-kind.
STEP 6: DIMENSIONAL SHADINGS — Adding dimensional shadings gives every clay sculpt a feeling of being a three dimensional illustration. Rarely do I used shadings that are “store bought,’ rather I combine combinations of many different shadings to my pieces. Some of these shadings are very unique to my items, made from processes that are unconventional. Some shadings are applied before baking, as their chemistry needs heat to occur, whereas some shadings are applied after baking.
STEP 7: PATINA PHASE — After baking and all dimensional shadings are achieved, custom water-based patina washes are added in different ways. Every polymer clay sculpt I make features a range of these finishes, as they settle into the baked clay grooves, adding more details to the dimensional sketch.
STEP 8: FINISHED PIECE — The finished piece is truly a keepsake. Every sculpt is highly unique and one-of-a-kind. As you can see, one of the talents I enjoy most is my ability to illustrate in two and three dimension. This little garden fairy was photographed with my DSLR camera. She measured 3 1/2″ H x 3″ W x 3″ D.
PLEASE FOLLOW ME as I embark on a quest to enjoy, learn from, and raise my bamBEANos, in the best way this Mama Chickpea can. Art is my “balance” to life and I enjoy all the DIY therapy I can handle! To learn more about Mama Chickpea, click HERE.
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All content and artwork © Shelly Arroyo, A.k.a. Mama Chickpea.
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