Terracotta Clay Done Four Ways

Hi! Tina here today with FOUR projects...yes, you read that right, four projects! 

Okay, I might be a little obsessed and crazy, but when I started playing with terracotta clay and my stencils, I just couldn't stop!

Three of these projects all started with this one little piece of 'stenciled' terracotta clay.

Using your StencilGirl stencils with clay is super duper easy!  Following the package directions, roll out your clay to the desired thickness.  (my clay is approx. 1/8in thick).  Place your stencil on the clay and brayer over the stencil, leaving an imprint into the clay.  Remove your stencil and set the clay aside to dry.

This was one of those ideas that I didn't have an end project in mind, so I wasn't sure what to do next with my 'stenciled' clay.  Paint it and hang it?  Perhaps.  Incorporate it into a mixed media project?  Perhaps.  How about both?  ;)

After painting each circle center with acrylic paint, I added doodling with more stenciling, painting, and pen work.

This would have been really cool hung on a raw piece of barn wood, but I wanted more.  So, I did the unthinkable!  I placed the clay piece into a plastic bag and broke it into a bunch of small pieces.  These pieces could be used for multiple projects and I really love how they resembled faux broken terracotta pottery.

p.s. really want to stretch your creative imagination?  Cut or break up journal pages and stencil projects into smaller pieces.  Each small piece becomes a masterpiece all on it's own.  I really love how the subtle detail shines in these smaller pieces.

Now what?  Now that I have a bag full of small clay pieces, what do I create?

Since I love to create mini books, why not use some of the small pieces on pages in a book?

In addition to the stenciled clay pieces, I added scraps of stenciled ATC cards that I created for another project.

Now that my mini was created, I wanted to create an assemblage project, using my clay pieces in jewelry findings.

I cut the clay pieces to size and embedded them into the jewelry bezels.  I added clear resin and viola!  Instant embellishments.

Notice the stenciled ATC card on the background of my canvas?  This was such an easy and simple way to add color and texture with little effort.

For my third project, I borrowed the resin idea and embedded several clay pieces into a resin square to make a background for a mini flower canvas.

I still have a lot of pieces left ready for a future project.

I love the stenciled clay idea so much, I created another project, using a different stencil. 

I knew I wanted to hang this piece, so I added/removed/added paint, then adhered it to a stencil wood base.  I 'elevated' the clay from the wood base with mini bobbins.

StencilGirl Stencils Used
Circles Circles
Mixed Grid
Greek Key
Story Time

I challenge you to use clay with your next stencil project!  I can't wait to see what you create!

If you want to see more pictures and close-up of each project, please visit my blog:  a dog's life.