Make your own storybook woodland with this enchanting decorated frame project, created using Hearty Air Dry Clay and a collection of beautifully detailed silicone moulds. Layered with branches, textured leaves, woodland toadstools and a charming central scene, that features Andy Skinners' Let the Adventure Begin Silicone Mould as a focal point, this design transforms a simple frame into a keepsake full of imagination and storytelling charm.
Perfect for mixed media and home décor enthusiasts, this project is a lovely way to combine moulded embellishments, layered composition and painted detail. Watch how the moulded elements are brought together to create this enchanting scene.
What You'll Need
Picture Frame - 8 x 6 inch (with 6½ x 4½ inch aperture)
Forest background scene image CLICK HERE to download
Cornflour or vegetable fat (such as Trex or Crisco)
Paint brushes (various sizes)
Paints – watercolour or acrylic
Instructions
Step 1 – Forest Scene Moulding Lightly brush the Enchanted Forest Scene Silicone Mould with a release agent such as cornflour. Press Hearty Air Dry Clay firmly into the mould, ensuring you capture all the intricate details of the trees and toadstools. Use a rolling pin to level the back and remove any excess clay. Gently flex the mould to release the casting and allow it to dry completely. Once dry, paint the trees and toadstools with watercolour or acrylic paint.
Step 2 – Model the Adventurer Prepare the Let the Adventure Begin Silicone Mould and press in your air-dry clay to create the boy character. Carefully demold the figure and let it dry. To bring him to life, paint his shirt a vibrant red and his shorts a classic blue, then use a fine brush to add detail to his hair and the small teddy bear he is carrying.
Step 3 – Craft the Woodland Details Use the Rose Leaves and Forest Leaf Green Man moulds to create a variety of leaves for your scene. Press clay into the moulds, release, and once dry, paint them in a mix of autumnal oranges, deep reds, and forest greens. For the finishing touch, use the Believers Mini Plaques mould to cast a sentiment; we chose "Good Times Ahead," painting it in a dark wood tone with highlighted lettering.
Step 4 – Prepare the Frame Take your dry Enchanted Forest casting and, using a craft knife, carefully cut out the central area following the line of the inner trees. This transforms the casting into a dimensional "window" frame. Glue this in place on your frame and paint the outer edges in a deep, bark-like brown to match your moulded scene.
Step 5 – Assemble Your Enchanted Scene Insert the downloaded woodland scene into the frame or choose your own background. Position your painted leaves around the top and sides of the frame then secure in place with glue. Finally, glue your adventurer into the center of the path and attach the "Good Times Ahead" plaque to the base.
