Monday, March 28

Clay Lamp?


I did some research on the gooseneck lamp I am trying to make for the garage. It seems the original ones were made of porcelain. My first one was made with cardstock and a bead. Since it is too big, I thought I would try making one out of clay.



I found this video at Garden Of Imagination. She is making a bowl but I thought the shape could be used for my light? If I made a bead for the top, I could run the wire through that. This is what I am trying to make.



This is what I've done so far. I don't know what it is with me and clay but things just don't seem to turn out as I imagined.

Guess I'll keep trying.


11 comments:

Katie said...

lol... I have days where the clay works... and then days when it looks like crud. Anyways... the one that's closest to us doesn't look that bad. Maybe if you put a couple of coats of paint on it, it will work? Paint cures everything:)

Tabitha Corsica said...

I think you've made a good start. What are you using to form the bowl shape? I'd bake the bowl shape first, then add the top with some liquid sculpy as a bonder and form it. You can make the hole in the top for the wire before baking and then drill the rest of the way after.

I agree that the one in the foreground looks ok but yes, Keep on till you are satisfied. Much of what I do in clay (that I actually show people) is the result of MANY attempts.

Kathi said...

I have no pride, I show everything! LOL
I'm not sure what to use to make the bowl shape? The clay stuck to everything I tried...
Suggestions???

Marisa said...

I think those are wonderful if you look at outdoor lights they get beat up a lot during the years and some get quite rusty and a few even get dinged up fom ladders and such

hugs
marisa :)

Kim said...

I agree with Katie- paint fixes everything. I am LOUSY at polymer clay. I think these don't look too bad though- is the clay fighting you? Don't people sometimes cool down their clay so it will take a shape better? What a great idea for a lamp for the garage- perfect! Good luck Kathi :)

Caseymini said...

Kathi, here's another direction to go....How about cardstock? Using the method that people make the mini "metal" pitchers. You could do it in two pieces. One for the bottom that is slightly curved and more straight up and down. then the top more like a circle with a pie wedge cut out of it. The top piece could have tabs that fit down inside the bottom part. The neck could be a third piece. Then you could use crochet cotton or some other kind of cord glued around the edge for the lip. Then paint the whole thing. Just another way to go. Good luck!

Kathi said...

Just had another thought. These look like the bottom of a toilet plunger! NOT quite the look I was going for, but maybe I can use one for that?!

Tabitha Corsica said...

Where would you get a mini toilet plunger to use??? heheheh. When I shape the domed crowns of my hats, I use a cigar tube. I have 2 sizes, in metal and glass. They were given to me by a friend but if I had to, I'd go buy it with the cigar... Or you could use a large bead. If your clay is sticking to things, put it in the fridge for a few minutes. I actually like Casey's idea and have used painted card stock for things like this. It looks quite realistic when completed.

Kathi said...

Just looked at photos of cigar tubes. They look like blood drawing tubes. I know exactly where I can get one of those! I'm going to try the cardstock again and maybe the tube idea with the clay too?
Thanks so much for all of your helpful comments!
:D

Susi said...

La lampara original me recuerda a un tubo de pomada, de pegamento, de pasta de dientes.....quiza te sirva de molde, no se, es otra idea mas¡¡¡ ya nos contaras, un beso
minieden.blogspot.com

onbeingaminimum said...

You couldn't get better advice than from Casey and Tabitha but the main lesson I am learning is just to keep on trying. I find using clay very difficult but one day I will create something I actually want to keep!
Chin up!