How to Carve a Water Texture in Clay

Sculpting clay gives texture to your creations.

When you're working with clay for sculpting or other projects, knowing how to texture it improves the look of your finished product. One texture, for example, is the effect of oceanic waves. Whether you're making a 3-D sculpture or a piece of polyclay jewelry, make textured waves of water to give your crafting project more variety.

Things You'll Need

• Clay sculpture/item
• Clay sculpting kit
• Palette knife

Instructions

1. Hold the palette knife in your dominant hand with the edged blade pointing outward, either left or right, at an 80 degree angle.

2. Press the tip of the blade into the clay sculpture or other item you've created firmly enough to slightly indent the clay with the tip. The sculpture should be firm, but still pliable. Depending on the type clay you use, this could be a few hours after forming the sculpture, or a few days. Press down firmly enough to slightly indent the clay with the blade tip.

3. Twirl your wrist in a clockwise motion as you sweep the palette knife outward, creating a crescent-moon-like shape in the clay. Repeat to create as many waves as you need.

4. Use a narrow tool from your clay sculpting kit to accentuate the waves. Carve lightly around the waves to create a more pronounced outline.

Resources

• Youtube: Carving Curved Clay HD