Polymer Parrot

[Al W]

Hi all,

I read about this technique and I was intrigued.  So I tried it.  The oval is roughly 6X11 inches and I used 1/8" Baltic Birch (BB) plywood.  I glued the cutting to another piece of BB and filled the cavities with different colors of polymer clay.  The item was placed in a 275 degree (F) oven for about 13 minutes, removed and allowed to cool.

I sanded the overfill clay with an 80 grit Random Orbital sander, then switched to 150 1/4 sheet sander.  Note:  Make sure to over fill the cavities if you want to try this idea.  Next step was to apply some 50/50 mix of Boiled Linseed Oil (BLO) and Mineral spirits.  It is still in the drying process and I plan to apply about three coats of shellac.

Not a great example, but I wanted to try something and I am not overly displeased with the results.  I am going to give this another go with a more elaborate cutting of a different parrot and take more time in setting in the clay.  Another suggestion:  make sure you knead enough clay for the area you are working in, an addition to the area shows up on the sanding.

Thanks for taking a gander - stay safe out there.

[newfie]

i did a bit with the clay awhile back,your parrot is pretty cool looking thanks for sharing

[Judy Hunter]

Nice.  I used to sculpt with polymer clay.  a great way to soften it for use is with a cheap pasta roller.  I will be looking forward to your next projects

[Tomsunnu]

Al,looks beautiful 

Mahendra

[saggioculo]

I think this came out awesome.  Love it!

[DWSudekum]

Great job Al however I think that is a woodpecker not a parrot   Thanks for sharing this with us.


DW

[wombatie]

Looks very nice Al, but I have to agree with DW it's a Woodpecker.  Very pretty one now.

Marg

[smitty0312]

I like that alot, might have to give this process a try. Thanks for sharing.

[frankorona]

Beautiful work, the colors are great, thanks for sharing.

[EIEIO]

That looks great. You could make some nice "stained glass" looking images.

[Marcellarius]

nice and colorful job!

[Russ C]

Great job, I think it is really nice. Thanks for the pic. 

[Keefie]

I too think it's a woodpecker, but either way it's an awesome bit of work.

[Al W]

Okay, you folks win, and are correct, after looking at the pattern, it IS (or was) a woodpecker - now one strange looking woodpecker (at least it has a red head  ).  Alas, my error, but I still had some fun and learned something.

Thanks for the comments, I appreciate them greatly. 

Al

[Marshall]

You've showed some of us up ... pretty ..