Sculpting Tips:
When working with QuikWood (QW):
- Quikwood is a two part resin. When mixed together you have about 20 minutes of open time before it begins to cure. It will fully cure in 24 hours.
- Only cut off as much as you need at a time.
- Make sure it is thoroughly mixed together (no swirls of color) or it will not cure.
- Do not wear jewelry especially rings when working with QW.
- Apply Avon Silicone Glove before starting and as needed when working with the QW.
- Use DecoArt Extender to blend QW being careful not to use too much or it will make your QW gummy.
- Lay parchment paper over pattern when sculpting flat shapes.
- Before painting finished piece wipe with baby wipe to remove any excess oils.
Video on QW Basics:
Sculpting:
Finishing Ornaments:
- I am talking about ways to finish ornaments before we get started so that you can make some decisions on finishing them. Most of the ornaments are wide and depending how you want them to hang you might want to have more than one hanger.
- One way that you might want to hang them is by placing a hole in them with a tool before the QW is cured. If the QW is cured you could also use a drill to place a hole in them.
- You can also make a small hook by cutting 1 1/2” of wire and bending it in half with round nose pliers to make a U shaped hook. These could be pushed into your clay before it is cured or you could place a small piece of clay on the back of your ornament and press the hook into the clay.
- These ornaments could also be used as pins. If the designs are not smooth on the back you could add a little clay to make them level and easy to add a pin back. Also adding a little extra clay and blending it to the back will make them more secure and look nicer.
- For a pretty swirly hook to hang your ornaments cut about 5” of 20 gauge wire. Using your round nose pliers blend one end into a small circle. Use your flat nose pliers to make the swirl larger. Then fold hook up and slip through hole or hook and then bend wire over branch at desired height. This hook could also be slipped under an ornament to hang such as the tail of Santa’s hat or the bend of a candy cane. You can also use string or ribbon to attach your ornaments to the tree.
Video on finishing ornaments:
Ornament Tree:
- Getting Started: For the tree cut a 3/8” dowel to 24”. Cut a 1/8” dowel into the following lengths: 13 ½”, 10 ½”, 7 ½”, 4 ½”. Drill holes for 1/8″ dowels starting ½” from top of 3/8” dowel. Place next hole 3 ½” below top hole. Continue adding 3 more holes each 3 ½” below the previous one. The top hole can be used to slip hanger for angel ornament, so it is higher on the tree.
- To center dowels in tree, measure each cross dowel, minus ½” and divide in two. Measure that length from end to center and place a pencil mark, place another mark ½” from that mark. Insert dowels into tree, place a drop of Super glue Gel on center section of dowel and then center dowel making sure they are straight. Wipe off any excess with a paper towel and allow to dry.
- To make tree branches more secure. Cut 1/8” of QW and divide into 4. Roll into a coil about ½” and wrap around each branch next to center. Blend to branch and tree using extender. Cut 1/8” more and repeat for the rest of the branches. Allow to cure.
- To make the ball on top of the tree cut ¼” of QW and roll into a ball. Using pointy tool or #2 pencil, press opening in ball and open it up more by rotating it in a circular motion. Once large enough for the top of the dowel place on top and begin patting and pressing to get it shaped the way you want it. If needed use a little super glue gel. When happy with it let tree stand to cure.
- Cut 1/4” of QW and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball. To make it easier to work with allow to sit about 10 minutes.
- Using pointy tool or #2 pencil press opening in each ball. Working one at a time, place a dot super glue gel in hole then place on end of branch. Gently pat and press until you get desired shape. Continue until all balls are on the tree. When happy with shape of all balls let tree stand to cure.
Ornaments:
- There are 4 different size ornament balls in this project. They are all made the same way, but each use a different amount of clay.
- To make the tops of the smaller balls cut a sliver of QW and roll into a coil about ¼”. Flatten by pressing with hand. On bottom edge pull with fingers to create bevel edge. Use blade and cut tops ¼”. Allow to cure. Make one for each ornament.
- To make the tops for the larger Ornaments cut 1/8” of QW and roll into a coil about 3/8” wide continue as above and cut tops about 3/8” wide.
- For the smaller ornaments cut ½” QW and divide in two balls with one being slightly larger. Place a piece of parchment paper over pattern. Take the larger piece and put on the slightly larger circle which is 1 1/8”. Begin patting and pressing to fill pattern with more pressure on the outside edge to create dome shape. If clay sticks to hand use a little extender on palm of hand. Create smaller ornament the same way (1 1/16”) using small ball of clay. When happy with shape gentle lift ornament and place top underneath. Gently pat in place and allow to cure.
- To make the larger ornaments use 3/8” of QW to make the 1 ½” ornament and ½” QW to make the largest ornament (1 ¾”). Continue the same way as the smaller ornaments.
Note: If you have trouble slipping the tops under the ornaments they can glue on after curing.
Santa and Snowman Face and noses:
- For each face cut 3/8” of QW and roll into a ball. Place piece of parchment paper over pattern and lay ball on top. Begin patting and pressing to fill pattern with more pressure on the outside edge to create dome shape. If clay sticks to hand use a little extender on palm of hand. Allow to cure.
- Cut sliver of QW. For Santa’s nose pull off a small ¼”ball and roll into a cone about 1” long and lay in center of face slightly below center. Use blade to square off end of nose. Allow to cure.
- For snowman’s nose pull off ¼’ ball of QW and roll into a cone about 1” long. Lay on center of face with nose pointing up. Keep watching and lifting end of nose if it starts to droop. Allow to cure.
Finishing Santa:
- Cut 3/4″ of QW each for beard and hat. Roll each into a cone 5” long making sure the tip is skinny.
- For the hat take the first cone and flatten slightly at the top using your palm. Pick up and at top of cone begin pressing in center and pulling up on edges. Begin flattening along top edges. Lay on top of head right above nose and press into place.
- Flatten top of second done with palm of hand. Lift and begin pressing in center top and pulling up edges to form side burns. Lay on face under nose, leaving enough room for mustache. Begin pressing and pulling tabs so that they go to hat. Press into place.
- Fold hat over and then begin curling tail up and down with it ending in and upward curl.
- Flip beard up and have it go up and down with a swirl at the end that attaches to the hat tail.
- Cut ¼” of QW and roll into a coil about 1 ½” long to make a band for your hat. Lay across edge of hat and gently flatten into place.
- Make a hook by cutting 1 ½” of wire and folding it in half using your round nose pliers. Insert in back of hat.
- Make sure the tip of your hat has a nice point on it so that you can come back and add a ball to it. Allow to cure.
- Mix 1/8” of QW. Pull off two balls about ¼” to make mustache. Roll each into a cone about ½” + long. Place fat end of each under nose and gently press in place. Bend ends slightly up.
- Pull off two small pieces for eye brows. Roll each into a small cone and attach to the bottom of the hat band.
- Pull off about 1/4 “ ball to make ball for hat. Roll into ball and press hole in to it with pencil or tool. If needed place a little super glue gel in hole. Place on end of hat and reshape if needed. Allow to cure.
Finishing Snowman:
- Cut 1/2″ of QW, and roll into a cone about 3 ½” long end skinny. Flatten fat end and begin pushing in the center and pulling on the edges. Lay over top of head. Have tail go up and down and end in upward swirl. Allow to cure,
- Mix up ½” of QW and pull off a small piece for a ball. Divide clay in 4. To make hat band roll one piece into a coil about 1 ½” wide. Lay on top edge of hat and gently press in place.
- For the first piece of the scarf roll take two pieces and roll into a coil ¼” wide and 4” long. Lay under neck and have it connect to edge of hat.
- Take other piece and roll into a coil 2” long. Lay over other scarf and bring down. Have larger section of scarf wave and connect to hat. Have smaller section wave, connect to top scarf and then come down.
- Use exacto knife and cut ribs in brim and scarf by pressing straight down. Leave a section at the ends of scarf for fringe. Go back and cut top and bottom edge of each rib. At ends slice through and separate sections to form fringe.
- Put hole in ball using tool or pencil. Add drop of super glue gel and place on hat, reshape if needed. Allow to cure.
Angel:
- To make face mix ¼” QW and roll into a ball. Place piece of parchment paper over pattern and lay ball on top. Begin patting and pressing to fill pattern using more pressure on the outside edge to create dome shape. If clay sticks to hand use a little extender on palm of hand. Lift bottom of head and insert 1 ½” length of 1/8” dowel under head. About ½” of the dowel is under the head. Pat to reshape and secure dowel. Allow to cure.
- To make wings mix ¾” QW and pull off a ½” ball. Roll into a coil about 2 ½” long. Lay parchment paper over pattern. Lay over top of wings and gently flatten. Pull off two balls of clay about 3/8” and roll each into a cones about 1 ¼” long. Lay on outside edge of each wing with fat side down. Gently pat and attach to top coil. Pull off two balls about ¼”+ and roll into two cones about 1 1/8” long. Lay next to first cones and attach to coil. Gently press first and second cones together to secure them. Divide remaining clay in two and then divide each piece in three with each piece being slightly smaller than the other. Roll largest pieces into an inch long cone and attach to top coil and side cone. Roll next size balls into ¾” cones and attach and the final balls into ½” cones and attach. Make sure they are all attached to each other and the top coil. Using extender gently blend top of wings together. Place head onto wings with about ½” of dowel above top of wings. Gently press into place. Allow to cure.
- To add heart mix ¼” of QW and divide into 2. Roll each into a cone about 1 ¼” long. Lay on parchment paper with bottom touching and top gently going out. Gently blend bottom together using QW. Let lay on parchment paper about 5 mins and then lay on top of angel. Keep watching to make sure tip of heart is not drooping. Allow to cure.
- TO MAKE NOSE cut off a sliver of QW. Pull off ball a little less than ¼”. Roll into a cone about ¾” long and place on center of face. Square off bottom of nose using clay blade. Allow to cure. Sorry I missed making the nose video but it is the same method as making the Santa nose just a little smaller.
- To make hair mix a sliver of QW and pull off a ball about ¼” and roll into a coil 1/16” wide and 1 ½” long. Start slightly below her nose on your right and begin making a backward curl. Then have coil swirl back and then forward with it ending going back again at top of head. Repeat on opposite side of head. For top hair pull off ball just a little less than ¼”. Create a coil about 1 1/4”. Start at your left and place next to top of head, have it go across top of head and then have the end swirl forward. Allow to cure. Note: If you let the clay sit about 5 minutes before doing this step it should be easier.
Reindeer:
- To make antlers mix up 1/8″ of QW and let it sit about 5 minutes. Pinch with fingers to create flat shape, then lay on parchment paper and flatten with palm of hand to even out. Using next to largest star from Kemper star set cut two stars. Remove excess clay. Lay pointed end of toothpick in center of each star between two points. Pull points on each side of toothpick up and blend down on toothpick. Shape other three points into antlers by gently tapping on point to round and pull two side points up a little. If firm enough pick up and blend and shape using extender. If needed wait a few more minutes. Keep working on them until you have desired shape. Allow to cure.
- To make the face mix up ¼” of QW and roll into a ball. Place piece of parchment paper over pattern and lay ball on top. Begin patting and pressing to fill pattern with more pressure on the outside edge to create dome shape. If clay sticks to hand use a little extender on palm of hand. Trim antlers so that they are about 1” from top to bottom. Gently lift head and insert antlers into top of head and then pat into place. Place bottom of one of the toothpicks under bottom of head leaving about 1” sticking out. Gently pat into place. Allow to cure.
- To make tree mix up ½” of QW begin pinching from center to create flat pancake. Lay on parchment paper and with extender on palm press and flatten. Cut out largest hand using hand clay cutters. Reroll and flatten extra clay and cut medium hand, then do the same for the smallest hand. Wait about 5 – 10 minutes to assemble tree. Pick up largest hand and lay on toothpick with the flat end of the toothpick down and the fingers of the hand pointing down. About the same amount of the tooth pick should be showing on top and bottom. Pinch top edge in a little. Lay medium on top and up a little, pinch top edge in a little. Add top hand and pinch top to form point. Allow to cure.
- To make nose and ears mix up 1/8” of QW and let sit for about 5 minutes. Pull off very small piece of clay for nose and roll into a ball. Lay aside. Divide clay in two and then divide one piece in 2 again. Roll each piece into a cone about ½” long. Lay on parchment paper and flatten fat end of cone. Pick up ear and lay tool or pencil on ear with point coming across ear. Wrap edges of ear around point of tool or pencil, position by antler and press and blend into place and remove tool. Repeat for other ear. Take remaining clay and roll into cone about 1/2” long. Flatten fat end of cone and position on center of face. Shape and attach nose to end. Allow to cure.
- To assemble ornament, mix up 3/8” of QW and pull off a small ball and lay on lower right branch of the tree. Roll remaining clay into a 4” coil. Trim bottom of toothpick on reindeer to about ½”. Lay center of coil on deer toothpick leaving about ¼” of toothpick showing under chin. Give arms a little tug. Slide tree under deer’s head and over left arm. Wrap hand up and attach to tree, bring other hand over and attach to bottom of tree trunk. Allow to cure.
- To make turtle neck and cuffs mix up ¼” of QW and pull off two balls about ¼” each. Roll each into a small coil and lay on arms were you want the cuffs. Gently pat and then use blade to remove excess off of edges. Take clay this is left and roll into a coil about 1” long and lay under neck for collar on sweater. Using tip of exacto knife place small marks for ribbing on top of collar and end of cuffs. Allow to cure.
Mitten:
- To make birds for mittens cut ¼’ of QW and divide into 3. Off of each piece pull off 1/3. Roll each of the larger pieces into a cone about ½” long. Lay on parchment paper with fat end of cone up and use finger to pull and flatten bottom of point. Divide what is left in 2. Take one piece and make ball and add to top of body for head. Repeat for other two. Cut a very small piece off of tip of tooth pick and press into head for beak. Reshape if needed. Take remaining piece and divide in 2. Roll each into a small cone and attach to shoulders for wings. Repeat for other 2. Allow to cure.
- For glove mix up ¾” of QW and roll into a cone shape about 1 ½” long. Place fat end of cone on bottom of mitten and begin pressing and patting to fill in finger portion of mitten. At top gently press and pat so that clay goes to the top of the pattern.
- Mix up 1/8” of QW for the thumb and roll into a coil about 1 ½” long. Lay fat part of coil at tip of thumb. Press and pat into place and blend thumb to body of glove. Allow to cure.
- For pine in mitten mix 1/2” of QW and begin pressing and flattening starting at center and working way out to edges. Lay on parchment paper and gently flatten using extender on palm if needed. Using small hand cuter cut 5 branches. Place three pieces of pine along top edge of mitten. Then sit the three birds in the mitten. Use remaining clay and roll into a coil 2” long. Flatten to about ½” wide. Use blade and put marking on band to resemble ribbing. Lay band over birds and wrap around edge. For two remaining pieces of pine pull tops to form point and lay on front of band.
- Mix 1/8” of QW and pull off 3 small berries and lay on top of pine on band. To make heart on mitten divide remaining clay in two and roll into cone about 1” long. Lay on glove against each other with top pulled out. Gently pat unto mitten. Allow to cure.
Candy Cane:
- Mix 1/2” of QW and roll into a 3 ½” coil. Place on parchment paper over pattern. Gently pat to flatten. Allow to cure.
- For berries and pine mix 1/8” of QW. Press flat and use small hand clay cutter and cut out two hands. Allow to sit 5 minutes. Pick up hands and pinch back and shape into a V. Flip one hand and place on candy cane; add other hand above and to the side of the previous branch. With excess clay make berries and place on pine. Allow to cure.
Stocking:
- For figures in stocking mix up ¼” of QW and flatten to cut out top of gingerbread man. Using medium gingerbread cutter, cut out top half of body. Remove excess clay. Pull down on bottom of gingerbread man to create beveled edge. Using ½ of the remaining clay roll a coil about 1 ½” long. Lay over candy cane pattern. Press and blend bottom to create a bevel edge on part of cane that goes in the stocking. Create pine and berries same as for the candy cane. Allow to dry.
- For stocking mix 1 ¼” QW and roll into a cone about 5 inches long. Then pull at end and begin rolling in order to have a curl at end. Lay on pattern following design. At tip if you need it to be a little longer gently roll end and curl. For stocking area begin pressing and patting to fill in pattern making sure clay goes to top of stocking. Add candy cane and gingerbread to top of stocking. Allow to Cure
- To make cuff mix ¼” of QW and roll into a coil about 11/4” long. Flatten and square off edges, the cuff should be 1 ½” wide and about 1” deep. Lay over top of stocking and gently pat in place. Allow to cure.
Wreath:
- To start wreath cut 3/8” of QW and roll into a coil about 6” long. Lay on parchment paper over pattern which is a 2 “circle. Connects ends and gently pat on it to slightly flatten. Let cure.
- To make branches for leaves cut 1” of QW and begin pressing and flattening starting at center and working way out to edges. Lay on parchment paper and gently flatten using extender on palm if needed. Using small hand cuter begin cutting branches. Remove extra clay and reroll and recut until you have about 13 hands/branches. Begin attaching hands to ring by laying on ring and connecting the back of the hand to the ring. Then move back about ¼” and connect the next hand flapping it upside down. Keep tips of fingers standing up. Continue attaching hands and flipping every other one. When you get to the end lift tips of first branch and slip back of hand underneath first branch. Where you are going to attach the bow flatten branches slightly. Where you started and ended the wreath would be a good spot got the bow. With the extra clay begin making small berries and attaching them to the wreath. Allow to cure.
- Before adding the bow I gave my wreath a coat of paint. Cut 3/8” of QW and divide in 2. Roll each into a coil about 3 ½” – 4”. Gently press and flatten to about 3/8” wide. Let rest for about 5 – 8 minutes. Cut V in the center of one piece to make the two tails. Make sure you know the place you are going to place the bow and position the wreath so it is at the top. Lay pointed end of each tie on sides of wreath and bring to top center. Remove any excess clay. Take other piece and place centered on top of ties with the top side down. Decide on size of loops and bring them the ends to the center. Remove any excess. Make sure to keep loops open. With extra clay make a small coil about ¼” wide and flatten, Wrap over center of bow and trim excess. Allow to cure.
House:
- To make the chimney on house mix up a sliver of QW and pull off a ball less than ¼”. Lay on pattern and shape into a small rectangle. Insert piece of 20 gauge wire into top of chimney. Allow to cure.
- For the roof of the house mix up ½” of QW and roll into a coil about 1 ¼” long. Lay on piece of parchment paper over pattern and begin pressing and pulling to fill in the shape of the pattern. Position chimney on roof and press into place. Allow to cure.
- To make trees and bottom of house mix up ¾” QW and begin pressing and flattening starting at center and working way out to edges. Lay on parchment paper and gently flatten using extender on palm if needed. Using small hand cuter cut 4 hands. Roll what is left into a 2” coil making it a little fatter at the top. Lay on parchment paper over pattern for bottom of the house and begin pressing and patting to fill in the shape. Then press and bevel the top of the clay and lay roof on top. Allow to cure.
- For the trees use 2 toothpicks. Lay first hand about 3/8” from top of toothpick. Add second hand over top of first hand with it almost touching the top of the toothpick. Using fingers begin shaping and pulling until you have a point on the top of the tree. Repeat for second tree. Allow to cure.
- To finish house mix up ¼” of QW and divide in 2. Position trees beside house and mark on trees where the bottom of the house would be, then cut them to that length. Take one of the halves of clay and divide in 2. Roll each ball into an oval and position on each side of the house like a little snowbank. Slid trees into place behind them and gently press into place. Roll remaining clay into a coil about 4 ½” long. Place center of coil under center of house. Run along bottom of house and curl ends up on snow bank on each side. Allow to cure.
Star Garland:
- Cut 1/4″ of QW; begin pinching with fingers to flatten. Then lay on parchment paper and press to flatten with hand. Using smallest star cutter begin cutting stars. Remix extras and fatten in same way. Using pointed tool or pencil put two holes in each star. Allow to cure.
- Continue to make stars in same matter until you have the desired number.
Enjoy!
Shara’s website: https://www.angelthyme.com/
Jane’s Website: http://www.janeallencreates.com/