Need more help getting started with QuikWood (QW) go to this page: Quikwood Tips and Tricks
Getting Started:
Mix sliver of QW and roll into a coil that is 1” long. Insert dowel into center of pointy end of egg with about ½” showing. Wrap coil around dowel and blend clay down onto Styrofoam, and then blend clay up on dowel, use extender if needed. Allow to cure.
Making Antlers and Flowers:
To make the antlers mix 1/8” of QW and pinch and flatten into a 1/16” pancake. Using small star cutter, cut out one star; remix clay and cut a second star the same thickness.
Use the remaining clay to make flowers. Pull off ¼” balls of clay and roll into a 1” coils and then press and flatten on parchment paper. Let stars and flowers sit 5 minutes.
For antlers pinch two points together, this will be the base of the antler. Pinch each of the other three points to make them thinner and then push the side points up a little. Wait 5 more minutes.
Pick up antlers and continue shaping to give them a little more shape. The top point should be a little longer than the side points. Let the antlers cure.
To make flowers pick of piece of clay and begin folding end in. Continue rolling on an angle so that the top edge flares out. Continue rolling until you use all of the clay. Repeat to make the other flowers.
Attaching Head:
Press 1 ½ ball on top of dowel and then remove. Mix ½” of clay to cover head. Roll into a ball and then begin pinching between your fingers to make a flat pancake. Lay on top of ball and then begin pressing and pulling to cover ball. Keeping working with ball until it is nice and smooth. Place on top of dowel and press to secure in place. If needed, place hook in top of head by folding over a piece of wire and then trimming to ½”. Insert into top of head. Allow to cure.
Inserting Antlers:
Pick the best side for the front of the face. Decide where you want the antlers and then press them into head making sure they are about the same height. . I have them about the center top of head with about a ¼” space between them at the base. Push clay against antlers if needed. Allow to cure.
Making Arms & Legs:
For the arms mix 1/4” of QW and divide into two. Roll each piece into a coil that is about 2 ¼” long. Lay on a piece of parchment paper and gently press pointy end on top to make a little fatter, then gently flatten a little. Using pointy tool put a hole in top of leg so that you will be able to put your wire through to attach legs to body. Allow to cure.
For the arms mix 1/4” of QW and divide into two. Roll each piece into a coil that is about 2 ¼” long. Lay on a piece of parchment paper and gently press pointy end on top to make a little fatter, then gently flatten a little. Using pointy tool put a hole in top of arms so that you will be able to put your wire through to attach arms to body. Bend each arm out at the elbow. Let arms sit about 10 minutes. Pick up and position on Styrofoam body and bend so that the arms conform to the shape of the body. Keep checking them until they hold their shape. Allow to cure.
Attaching Legs:
Mix up 1/8” of QW and divide into two. Cut two pieces of wire each about 3” long. Fold wires in half using round nose pliers. Slip wires through holes in the legs. Pick the side that you think would be the best for the face and then insert them into the bottom center. Have them evenly spaced and about 3/4” apart. Leave the wires out of the body about ½” to ¾”. Roll clay into a coil that is about 1” long. Wrap around the top of the wire and have it connect together. Shape it into a little mound and have it securely press against Styrofoam. Repeat on the other leg. You want to make sure you have enough room for the legs to swing freely. Adjust them in or out as needed. Allow to cure.
Attaching Arms:
Mix up 1/16” of QW and divide into two. Cut two pieces of wire each about 2” long. Fold wires in half using round nose pliers. Trim to about ¾”. Position arms and then insert wires through holes in the arms. The one prong of the wire should go in the arm and the other should go to the back of the arm. Leave the wires out of the body about ½””. Roll clay into a coil that is about 1” long. Wrap around the wire next to the body. Make sure the clay is connected in the center and then blend the edges out onto the body. Repeat on the other arm. You want to make sure you have enough room for the arms to move freely. Adjust them in or out as needed. Allow to cure.
Covering body with clay:
Mix a small amount of QW up at a time. Pull off a small piece and flatten between your fingers and then lay it on the body where there is no QW. Press the clay to the body and then press and pull it out to cover the body. This is just a thin layer of QW that you are putting on the body. Continue until the entire body is covered. Allow to cure. (Video)
Adding Ears, muzzle, and nose: