Project #219

Steps

• Step 1
  Crinkle some newsprint into the shape of a cone and secure with masking tape.
• Step 2
  Cover the outside of the cone with a layer of air-dry clay, about 1/4" thick. Leave the base uncovered to allow for more even drying.
• Step 3
  Divide the cone into 3 parts: the top will be the hat, the middle will be the face and beard, and the bottom will be the arms and rest of the body.
• Step 4
  Using modeling tools and more clay, create a rim for the hat.
• Step 5
  Sculpt details on the face, using more clay as necessary: eyes, nose, mouth, cheeks, etc.
  Tip: If you won't be able to finish the sculpture in one session, wrap it in wet paper towels and seal in an airtight bag to keep the clay moist.
• Step 6
  Add a beard and sculpt hair; add eyebrows and a mustache, too.
  Tip: Watch our YouTube video for more details on adding facial features.
• Step 7
  Create a cone from clay and bend it to make an arm. Attach to the body, with the widest part at the bottom, and repeat for the second arm. Sculpt hands and add them to the arms.
• Step 8
  Create your own crystals! Pour hot, almost boiling water into an empty jar. Add 2 tablespoons of alum and stir until dissolved. The crystals will grow on the bottom of the jar in a day or more. Use these "seed crystals" to grow larger crystals, if desired. See our video on YouTube for more in-depth crystal growing instructions, plus variations for shapes and colors!
  
  Once the crystals are finished, use them as accessories for your wizard: a wand, staff, crystal ball and more. You can also press crystals into the clay for accents to the robe.
• Step 9
  Let the sculpture dry completely, for 3 or 4 days. Then paint with acrylics.

Products Used

• Crayola White Air-Dry Clay, 2.5 lb. (B-55050)
• Crayola White Air-Dry Clay, 25 lb. (B-55001)
• Crayola White Air-Dry Clay, 5 lb. (B-5055)
• Jacquard 1 lb. Powdered Alum (JP-CHM1006)