At first glance, a panel like this can look quite advanced, but the process is much easier than it seems. By working in stages and using a few clever painting tricks, it becomes a relaxing and enjoyable project with stunning results. Watch how in the full tutorial video with Sheena.
What You'll Need
Cornflour or vegetable fat (such as Trex or Crisco)
Step 1 – Prepare the Clay A good tip before using air dry clay with detailed moulds is to let it sit out of the pack for a short while before starting, so it is slightly firmer and less wet. Only leave the amount you intend to use out of the pack. Leave it for 5 mins and if you can feel a difference then it's ready to use. To avoid a stark white finish, mix the white clay with a small amount of brown and a touch of orange or red. This gives the finished panel a softer, warmer base colour. Roll the clay into a rough rectangle and flatten it just enough so it would cover most of the mould design. Aim to keep one side as smooth as possible, with no creases, as this side will be pressed into the mould.
Step 2 – Using the Mould Apply a tiny amount of vegetable shortening (eg. Trex) to the Cosmic Shimmer Enchanted Forest Scene Silicone Mould using your fingertips. Concentrate on the finest detail areas, especially corners and the sky section. Only a very small amount is needed — just enough to help the clay release cleanly. Place the smooth side of the clay onto the mould and begin pressing it in methodically. Start by anchoring the clay into the corners, then work across the mould section by section. Take your time and press straight down rather than dragging the clay, which can cause a double image. If there is too much clay, remove it in larger pieces rather than lots of tiny scraps, and store any excess straight away in a sealed bag or container so it does not dry out. Once the design is fully pressed in, flatten the back gently with your hands or a smoothing tool. Tidy the edges so the panel has a clean, sharp outline.
To release the panel, gently loosen the edges first, then turn the mould over and ease the clay out. It should fall out quite easily. If there are any slight imperfections, such as an extra line in the mountain area, these can usually be softened with a clay tool or smoothed gently with a damp fingertip. Lay the panel flat on kitchen paper and allow it to dry for several hours. Turn it over after the front has dried, then continue drying the back. Leave overnight if possible so the panel is completely dry before painting.
Step 3 – Prepare the Journal Cover This project works best on a journal with strong, rigid covers, as they are sturdy enough to support the clay panel without warping. Paint the front and back covers with a coat of chalkboard matte paint and fully dry. This creates a good base and helps keep the final look muted and earthy. Place copy paper inside the journal to protect the inner pages before decorating the cover. Then use a damp, irregular piece of kitchen sponge to apply matte paint in soft layers over the grey base. Deep red, muted green and soft yellow work beautifully for this woodland look. Dab the colours on in a random pattern, blending them slightly so the cover develops a marbled, softly weathered effect. If any area looks too strong or too patterned, go over it again with a damp sponge to soften it. Dry the cover with a heat tool and, if needed, add a little extra paint around the edges to blend everything together.
Step 4 – Paint the Woodland Scene Before painting the panel, it helps to have a plan. Think of it like painting a landscape where you would start with the sky and background then work your way towards the foreground. Because the Cosmic Shimmer Water-Based Inks are very concentrated, it is useful to dispense them into a palette and label the colours. This makes mixing much easier.
You can use any colours you like but if you want to replicate the same look as Sheena you should begin with the sky using diluted blue tones, then add the mountains in a soft blue-grey. Once dry, paint the distant pine trees in muted greens, followed by the tree frame in warm browns, wiping back gently to reveal the moulded bark detail. Finish by painting the leaves in brighter greens and the toadstools with orange and red caps, adding warm grey underneath and white spots last. Work in light layers, dry between sections, and use water wipes to lift colour from raised areas to highlight the detail.
Step 5 – Attach the Panel to the Journal Once both the journal cover and panel are fully dry, apply Cosmic Shimmer Glue generously to the back of the clay panel. Position it carefully on the front of the journal and press firmly, especially around the edges, until it begins to grab. Because the back of the clay panel is slightly irregular, holding it in place for a few minutes helps it adhere evenly.
Finishing the Project If you want to give the whole journal extra durability, apply a spray of polyurethane varnish once the panel is attached and the glue is fully dry. Do not seal the cover before gluing the panel on, as this can make adhesion more difficult.
This enchanted woodland journal cover is a lovely way to showcase the detail of the Enchanted Forest Scene Silicone Mould. By combining air dry clay, transparent water-based inks and a softly sponged journal background, it creates a magical finished piece that looks intricate but is very achievable when tackled in stages. It makes a beautiful gift, a special keepsake, or a journal to treasure and fill with your own creative ideas.
