Cast the Clay
Lightly dust the Let the Adventure Begin mould with cornflour to help with release. Press the clay into the mould along the full length of the character. Make sure the clay is pushed firmly into all details, especially around the finer details such as the teddy bear. Smooth the back so it is as flat and even as possible.
Release & Dry
Gently bend back the edges of the silicone mould, using the mould lip to help release the piece. Work carefully around the character, easing the cast out. Leave to dry completely (up to 24 hours) before painting.
Base Coat
To add depth under the metallic layers, start with a dark, rich base. Mix Chestnut and Midnight Chalk Paint in approximately a 50:50 ratio to create a very dark brown. Using a stiff hog’s hair brush, apply the paint all over the clay cast. Work the paint thoroughly into all crevices and textures avoiding very thick application that may fill in the detail. Don’t forget the sides and the back! This seals the clay, making it easier to glue later and prevents the glue from soaking in. Allow the base coat to dry completely before dry brushing.
Dry Brush: Stage One (Rich Oak)
Ensure the brush is completely dry. Add a small amount of Rich Oak Shimmer Paint to the tip of the brush and wipe most of the paint off on paper towel. Lightly brush over the raised details in multiple directions, just catching the highlights on the mould detail. Gradually build up the colour in thin layers; the effect should be subtle at first, adding warmth and metallic sheen over the dark brown. If too much paint is applied, allow it to dry, repaint with the dark base mix, and repeat the dry brushing.
Dry Brush: Stage Two (Tarnished Gold)
The second metallic colour adds more definition and richness. Add a tiny amount of Tarnished Gold to the brush and wipe most of it away. Focus this layer of paint on the higher peaks of the moulded detail. You’ll see the piece start to take on a more classic antique bronze appearance.
Dry Brush: Stage Three (Antique Gold)
A final, very light highlight brings everything to life. Load the brush with Antique Gold, then wipe almost all of it away – even more than before. Using barely any pressure, gently skim the highest details. Each dry-brush layer gets lighter and more selective. This final touch adds a realistic bronze shine without losing the layered depth built underneath.
Create the Clay Sentiment Plaque
To coordinate with the focal image, the sentiment is also created in clay. Roll out a piece of white air-dry clay until flat and even. Ink the Let the Adventure Begin sentiment stamp with black Archival Ink, keeping the ink pad parallel to avoid inking the edges of the rubber. Gently press the stamp into the clay, just enough to leave a clear impression and keep the ink sitting neatly in the lettering. Remove the stamp and let the piece dry completely. When dry lightly blend Antique Photo Distress Ink over the surface to create an aged paper look. Use Pinecone Distress Oxide around the edges to deepen and darken them, giving a vintage effect.
Assemble the Card
Now everything is ready to build the card design. Arrange the bronze character and clay sentiment on a piece of Cosmic Shimmer Mixed Media Card to find a pleasing layout. Use Cosmic Shimmer Specialty Glue to adhere the character. Glue the sentiment plaque into position. Because air-dry clay is light, the finished piece is ideal for cards, tags, journal covers and flatter mixed media surfaces.
