Decorative Pumpkin by Madeline Arendt

Decorative Pumpkin 

Designed by Madeline Arendt 

Who doesn't love pumpkins - real or not?  This month I knew my project had to be related to the Fall season and what better object to choose than a pumpkin!  The challenge was to use as many of the techniques and Makin's® tools that we worked with so far.  This project combined mixing in paint, using the Ultimate Clay Extruder™ and the Clay Cutters.

Materials:

Makin's Clay® - white, red, yellow, greens
                        - Professional Extruder with Discs (round)
                        - Cutter Set - Halloween B
                        - Non Stick Mat
Glass Container
Paint
Brush
Braided Jute Cord, natural
Beacon's™ Premium Tacky Glue
Latex gloves
Moss

Instructions:

1.   To make enough pieces to cover the glass container, use one package of white clay, 1/4 of red, 1/4 of yellow; mix the three together well.

2.   Add orange paint to the clay and mix.  Add more if needed.  NOTE: Use latex gloves for mixing in the paint.

3.   Roll the clay to fit into the extruder.  Form tubes to fit the length of the container from the top edge to the bottom.  NOTE: The clay does not extend over the complete bottom.

4.   Continue to form tubes and place them side by side onto the glass container. Work on opposite sides adding the tubes for the sections of the pumpkin.  (Refer to photo)  Use five tubes per section for most sections.  Fill the remaining areas with as many tubes that will fit.  NOTE: While placing them onto the container push them together slightly to touch and curve them in at the top and bottom to form the shape.

5.   With all the extruded tubes in place, carefully press each section onto the working mat to smooth them and push them together, but allowing a texture to show. Refer to the photo below to see the looked. NOTE: Don't press too hard, so the glass doesn't break.  

6.   Use the plastic knife tool to press into the line to define the sections.  Trim any excess clay from along the top edge, but allow some clay to remain on the edge if possible.  Set aside for the clay to harden.  NOTE:  During this drying process you may need to push some of the seams together. Repeat if necessary until the clay dries completely.

7.   Use the leaf shape cutter to cut leaves from a mixture of green clays or mix in paint to darken the green for the leaves and tendrils.  NOTE: If using only green clay, use about 1/2 of a package. Shape the leaves.  Pull out the edges with your fingers and press out the clay to create a more authentic leaf. Repeat with several others.  Use the pointed tool to create veins in the leaves.  Allow to dry.

8.   Use the remaining green clay to create tendrils using the extruder and a smaller round disc.  Wrap the thinner tubes around a thin dowel or paint brush handle; remove the twisted clay and allow to dry.  Refer to photo for shapes.

9.   Use a dry brush technique to add color and shading to the pumpkin.  NOTE: I used orange paint and a metallic copper.

10.  Glue a length of natural jute cording around the top edge of the container with tacky glue.  Allow to dry.

11.  Glue the leaves and tendrils onto the top edge as desired.

Use as a candle holder, a container for pumpkin seeds, nuts or candy or just fill with moss and use as a decorative piece.