I’m trying something new this week. My most recent custom order called for an umbrella. Gravity is quite challenging when it comes to polymer clay, especially when it’s time to bake it up. I was also concerned about throwing off the balance of the sculpture.

Because of this, I decided to do some experimenting with air dry clay. I had bought some from Sophie and Toffee, but I’ve been too afraid to open it up and risk it drying out. This project, however, provided the perfect opportunity to bust it out.

You can also apply the basics of this to polymer clay. The wire will especially help keep the shape.

Supplies:

• Wire (I used 20 gauge)
• Wire cutters/needle nose pliers
• Air dry clay
• Water for the clay (not shown)
• A tool to smooth the clay/seams (optional)
• Something to use as the umbrella stand. I had a small wooden dowel from a craft store.
• Acrylic paint in your choice of colors
• Paintbrush

Step 1: Prep your base

To keep the curved umbrella shape throughout the process, we first need to make an armature. I took 5 pieces of wire and twisted them together.

The twisted wire will be the little nub at the top of the umbrella. I then fanned out the wires and curved them to make the arching shape an umbrella has.

Step 2: Cover the wire

Once your wire is shaped the way you like, it’s time to mold your clay around the wire. I wrapped a small piece around the top to cover the twisted wire. I’m terrible at twisting wire, so securing the top and letting it harden gave me a stronger base to work off of. Then it was time to add the rest of the clay.

I did this by flattening out sections of the clay and dealing with one part of the umbrella at a time. For air dry clay, you’ll want to have water on hand to keep the clay soft and malleable. It makes it easier to smooth out the clay too.

You don’t want to soak the clay, just dip your fingers in a bowl of water and run them over the clay. Wrap the clay around the wire to secure it in place and cover it.

These triangular sections were added until the whole thing was covered, smoothing the seams between the sections.

Once it is set up enough, take a small piece of clay and adhere it to the underside, smoothing out the edges. Stick your stand into it so it creates a hole. You’ll be able to glue the stand into it once everything is set up.

Now you’ll want to let it dry. The package of your clay will probably say how long it needs, but I left mine overnight.

Step 3: Painting time!

My project required a yellow umbrella, so I gave mine several coats of paint. Once the layers were to my satisfaction, I painted the nub at the top in black, as well as the stick I’m using for the stand.

I finished everything off with glaze to protect the paint.

Step 4: Assemble

Now we’re ready to put everything together! Use a strong glue to hold the umbrella stand and top.

Here’s what mine ended up looking like when it was finished.

I was quite pleased with the way it turned out, and it was so nice and light that I didn’t have to worry about the sculpture’s balance!