Page 22 - Creating Whimsical Characters Using Simple Wood and Paper Forms, Wire, Paperclay, and Encaustic Medium

Sculpting with Paper Clay

There are many recipes out there for making paperclay, but I prefer

the ease and consistency of Creative Paperclay®. It’s a water-
based, air drying, modeling clay. It’s nontoxic, odorless, and easy

to use. And it feels similar to clay, even though it doesn’t contain
any clay.

It can be sculpted, molded, or shaped while it's moist. When it
dries, you can mist it with water and add moist clay to fix cracks or

add additional details.

When the clay is dry, it’s very lightweight and durable. And it feels
like a cross between paper and soft wood. It can even be carved or

sanded after it’s hardened.

You can paint it with any kind of paint that can be used on wood or
paper. You can even knead water-based paint into the paperclay

while it's still moist. If you’re using water-based or oil paint to
finish your sculptures, you should seal them with a coat of lacquer

or varnish. If you are using encaustic paint, apply a single coat of
R&F Encaustic Gesso and allow it to fully dry before painting. Below

is a list of supplies and materials I’ve used when sculpting.

Creative Paperclay® - 16 oz, for $9 to $12

Wax paper - For sculpting and drying sculptures.

Large cookie sheet - Use as sculpting area. Cover with foil and put
a layer of wax paper on top. Change the wax paper as needed.

Disposable gloves - I prefer non latex and no powder.

Glass jar with lid - To hold water for wetting and cleaning sculpting

tools.

Atomizer bottle or spritzer - For misting water on paperclay to

prevent drying while sculpting.

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