How to Build With Straw & Modeling Clay
Building models with straw and modeling clay uses the same basic methods as home construction in the middle ages, a process called wattle and daub. There are some differences. For one, your clay will contain no fecal matter. For another, you can only really build models out of straw and clay anymore. Straw and clay panels aren't strong enough for regular construction, and certainly don't meet building and safety codes. Still, you can make some very attractive models using this technique.
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Things You'll Need
- Modeling clay
- Clean, straight, semi-rigid straw
- Other materials as called for by specific projects
- Craft knife (such as an X-acto knife)
Instructions
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Base Panel
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1
Lay four to six straws parallel to each other, almost touching.
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2
Weave four to six straws into the first six straws. Each straw should alternate going over and under the straws it is being woven through. Individual straws should alternate their starting state: if one straw starts going under, the next goes over.
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3
Add straws, four to six in a single direction, alternating directions, until you have completed your panel.
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4
Cut the woven panel to the dimensions needed for your project.
Add Clay
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5
Knead your modeling clay, adding water if necessary, until it reaches a workable consistency. You should be able to spread it out, but it should hold its shape when left alone.
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6
Dab an amount of modeling clay about the size of your thumb onto the center of your straw panel. Spread it using circular motions.
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7
Add another thumb-sized dab to an area that touches the clay you started with. Spread it out using circular motions. Continue adding and spreading until your panel is covered.
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8
Allow the modeling clay to set. It doesn't have to dry completely, just enough to retain its shape when you flip the panel.
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9
Repeat steps one through three with the opposite side of the panel.
Integration
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10
Complete as many panels as your plan calls for. For example, a simple model house would need four panels, one for each wall.
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11
Cut any features, such as doors or windows, out of the appropriate panels using a craft knife. Glue or pin on other features, such as shutters.
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12
Attach your panels using whatever materials are appropriate for your project. For Tudor-style homes, you can pin the panels to appropriately stained balsa wood "beams". Other projects will have different assembly methods.
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