Step by step instructions on how to make a leather sculpture on canvas
MATERIALS: Self-Hardening Clay, follow instructions on package Water-Base Primer Leather (cowhide without fur) All Purpose Contact Adhesive Copper Wire Acrylic Paints Flat Wooden Base
TOOLS: Ceramic Tool Kit Brushes Scissors
Step 1: Making a mold 1. Create a mold out of self-hardening clay (air-dry clay). Take a piece of clay, and place it on a flat wooden base. Start shaping it using ceramic tools and fingers until desired result is achieved.
2. Gradually, add features to the face, such as the nose, the mouth and the eyes.
Step 2: Softening leather 1. Cut a piece of leather, and place it in a plastic container fill with water, and allow it to soften for one day.
2. Trim any excess piece that is not going to affect or alter the mask.
Step 3: Molding leather on mask 1. After leather is completely soft and flexible, remove it from the water and place it on the mold, and start to sculpt and manipulate it very tightly around the mask using the ceramic tools and fingers.
2. Let leather dry and harden for one day before removing it from mold.
Step 4: Curing leather 1. Leather has a porous surface, therefore apply two coats of water-base primer in order to insure a smooth and seamless surface of the mask.
2. Allow water-base primer to completely dry before starting to paint with acrylic, follow instructuions on container.
Step 5: Painting the mask 1. Paint leather mask as you wish with acrylic, or oil paints, preferably acrylic paint because of its fast drying capacity.
2. If you wish a glossy surface, apply two coats of acrylic polymer varnish on the mask.
Step 6: Mounting the mask 1. Using copper wire, tie mask to the canvas, and reinforce it with all purpose contact adhesive.
2. After the mask is secured to the canvas, work on the rest of the composition and subject matter.