Introduction: Glow in the Dark Sugar Skull
This project is so easy a child can make it! Celebrate the day of the
dead by sculpting a sugar skull out of air dry Hearty Clay!
Materials required:
Wax paper
Dull pencil or Stylus
Sculpting tool with flat edge or mini Popsicle stick
Plaid FolkArt Glow in the dark yellow and white acrylic paint
Permanent marker set
Clear nail polish or Plaid Mod Podge clear sealer
Wire, ribbon or twine to hang
Wet the work surface with a sponge and put a sheet of wax paper down to work on. Pull off a piece of Hearty Clay the size of a large walnut.
Step 1: Begin to Shape the Clay
Wet the work surface with a sponge and put a sheet of wax paper down
to work on. Pull off a piece of Hearty Clay the size of a large walnut.
Roll this into a ball and then begin narrowing the end into the shape of an egg. This shape should look more like a light bulb now.
Step 2: Add the Features
Press this shape down onto the wax paper and begin flattening out with your fingers.
Take note where the eye sockets should be and press your fingertips into the clay to create the sockets. Take the stylus and press in an upside down heart for the nose. Press the clay in where the cheekbones would be.
Take the flat sculpting tool and draw a line where the teeth would be and then vertical lines on top and bottom of the line to represent teeth. I pressed a few holes in around the eye sockets to add interest. With stylus make a hole at the top to hang or make a necklace. Let this dry completely. It should be hard yet still a bit flexible when dry.
Step 3: Paint the Clay
Now you are ready to begin painting your piece. Paint your sugar skull a bright color of your choice. I used Plaid FolkArt Glow in the Dark acrylic paint to have some fun! This seals the clay and makes the markers easier to use. Let this dry
Step 4: Have Fun Decorating
With markers make a line of dots in the shape of flowers or whatever design you would like. Use your imagination and have fun! Use the tip of a dull pencil to add accents with the Plaid FolkArt yellow and white acrylic paint. Let this dry. Seal your project by brushing with Mod Podge. Let dry. Thread a ribbon, wire, or string through the hole in the top of your sugar skull. What a fun way to celebrate the day of the dead!!
Artwork and Photography by Karen Lowrey