Project by Lucy Arnold of Novato, Calif.Lucy took a ceramics class. At the teacher’s suggestion, Lucy crafted a clay shoe. That was the beginning of her fantasy shoe collection. She makes whimsical shoes with their own little histories. For this segment, Lucy made her "Baby Blue Elephant Stomp" shoe.
Materials:
Polyform uncolored Sculpey polymer clay
orange stick or chopstick
oven or toaster oven
acrylic gesso
paint brush
nail polish or acrylic ink *
oven-proof plate
denatured alcohol
cotton swab
* Lucy uses Pearlescent liquid acrylic colors by Daler-Rowney.
Steps:1. Knead a piece of polymer clay until smooth, soft and pliable.
2. Work the clay into the desired shape. I may use an orange stick (for nails), chopstick or other small utensils as well as my fingers (figure A). Make sure the shoe can sit flat on a surface without falling over.
3. Bake on an oven-proof plate in a 275 F degree oven for about 15 minutes per 1/4 inch of thickness. Make sure there is good ventilation in the room. Avoid over-baking. Do not use a microwave oven; a toaster oven is fine.
4. After it is completely cooled, wipe entire surface of shoe with denatured alcohol. A cotton swab can help you reach every nook and cranny.
5. Coat the shoe with acrylic gesso with a brush (figure B). Wash brush immediately after use. Let dry thoroughly.
6. Use nail polish or acrylic inks to paint the shoe (figure C). Several layers may be needed. Allow to dry thoroughly between layers.
E-mail: lucy@lucyarnold.com
Website: www.lucyarnold.com
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