Steampunk Tutorial: Ghoulish Delights

Well, it’s once again time for that very sad moment … signing off an another book. There are only two books left in our Friesen Project for 2013. This is the last & final project in the Steampunkery book by Christi Friesen.  There is also a free project on Christi’s website for more intricate ghoulies.

Materials:

• Christi Friesen’s Steampunkery (on page 31)
• Your choice of polymer clay in glow-in-the-dark. (See this post for more information on glow-in-the-dark clay).
• Steampunk gears, gadgets, & gizmos and lots of them!
• Mica Powders (Several Options – My preference is a Perfect Pearl Set as they are permanent & do not require a varnish due to the resin )
• Acrylic paint in a dark color to use to add an “antique” effect – my preference is brown or sienna
• Acrylic paint brush (please use a different brush for mica powders, chalks, paint, & gloss finishes)
• Baby wipes or soft sponge
• Varnish
• Sculpting tools
• Exacto Knife
• Oven – to bake your finished piece

Steampunk Tutorial: Ghoulish Delight

Sometimes the simple things really are the most fun. Today’s tutorial comes from Christi’s Book, Steampunkery, on page 86. It’s a one page tutorial that will leave you wanting to make lots of “Ghoulish” creatures! As with all my designs, mine has a “cute” factor … but take one look at Christi’s book and you’ll see some really cool ghouls that you can see popping out of a cemetery near you (or something like that).

• Condition your clay.
• Roll a ball of clay approximately the size of a walnut.
• Shape it into a teardrop shape.
• Add your Steampunk bits of gears, cogs, nuts, bolts, keys, etc.
• Add details like eyes (or in my case, eye…)
• Accent & highlight with mica powders if you choose.

FINAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Depending on the type of clay used (premo, fimo, sculpey, cernit, kato, or pardo): bake in the oven at 265 degrees, covered in foil or a paper tent, for approximately 45-60 minutes.
• NOTE: Check your clay package instructions for appropriate baking times & temperatures.
• Add a antique finish to pick up the details of your gorgeous piece!
• Varnish this piece with a clear coat varnish, being careful not to get the varnish on any beads or cogs.
• NOTES: You do NOT have to varnish this piece if you choose not to. However, if you have used Pearl-FX powders, they will rub off over time, so varnishing your piece would help. If you have used Perfect Pearls (my favorites) they contain a built in resin and are permanent after baking. In other words, they will NEVER rub off.

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Want more fun “Ghoulish” projects?

Check out Christi’s Website for these spooktacular Ghouls in a FREE downloadable PDF.

or

Watch Christi Make a Ghoulie!

Here’s My Steampunk Ghoul

Well, like most of my designs, this is cute too.  Can you tell I like “cute?” I decided to use a few nuts & washers in this design, as well as wire gizmo-thingy-ma-bobs. It changed the look of the design from straight steampunk into interesting monster.

The Friesen Project

The Friesen Project is done in conjunction with Christi Friesen. All tutorials are retaught here with her expressed permission. Please make sure to read about the project here, and get answers to the most common FAQS here.

See you next Friesen Friday,

Until then, Happy Claying,