Clay Toadstool Decoration

Clay Toadstool Decoration

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves start to fall, there’s no better time to get creative with some cosy crafting. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make a lovely air-dry clay toadstool hanging decoration, perfect for adding a touch of woodland magic to your home. Whether you're new to clay modelling or an expert, this autumn-inspired project is a fun way to bring the beauty of the season indoors. Grab your clay and let’s get started!

Note: This toadstool will take a few days to dry once you have sculpted it from clay, please make sure your toadstool is set before painting!

What you will need:

Part 1- Modelling the toadstool using air-dry clay and modelling tools

Step 1: Take out the desired amount of clay that you want to use. Begin kneading the clay on your work surface to eliminate air bubbles and soften it; this will make it easier to work with. After doing this, roll the clay into a ball using your palms. You can also add water to help everything blend together nicely.

Step 2: Begin to thin out the clay by squeezing it between your fingers and thumbs, making sure to rotate so that it is even. You can also use a rolling pin for this step if you have one. Once you’re happy with the size of your clay and thickness (make sure it's not too thin, ideally 5mm), place it onto your work surface and begin to smooth it out with your fingers and some water.

Step 3: Use the pointed edge of the modelling tool to sketch out a toadstool shape. Then, begin to cut all the way around the design.

Step 4: Remove the excess clay from around the toadstool design as shown until you’re only left with a toadstool shape. Next, use some water and your fingers to smooth out the edges, as they will be jagged from cutting the clay.

Step 5: Use the rounded edge of the modelling tool to further smooth out the edges and make any touch-ups that are needed. Then, use the same tool to create a hole at the top of the mushroom. Make sure to turn the clay over and repeat this for a more even finish - you can also use a small straw for this step if you find it easier! Even out the back of the clay using some water before you set it back down.

Step 6: Use the pointed edge of the modelling tool to create 4 small windows in the toadstool stalk. This is optional, you don’t have to add this if you don’t want to! You can also add any other details that you’d prefer instead.

Step 7: Finally, use your finger and some water to press down and rub into the clay to make a door-shaped detail. Then, use your finger and water again and gently apply pressure whilst gliding your finger across to create a line between the stalk and the toadstool cap. Again, these details are optional; if  you’d prefer to do something else, you can! Once any final touches have been made, let the clay sit in a cool, dry area until fully dry. Turn over the clay after the top has dried to help speed up the drying process.

Part 2 - Painting the toadstool and adding any final touches using Acrylic Paint and Decoupage

Step 8: Once the clay has fully dried, it’s now time to paint your creation. Start with using red paint to paint the cup of the toadstool, including the hole. Allow to dry and then repeat with a second coat.

Step 9: Mix a small amount of red and yellow paint with a large amount of white paint to create a beige colour. Apply this to the stalk of the toadstool and repeat with a second layer if needed. When dry, you can turn over the toadstool and paint the back of it. You can either copy the same colours used on the front or use a solid colour; I’ve chosen to use white.

Step 10: It’s time for all the details! Use some white paint to create dots across the toadstool cup. You can design this however you like! Let dry and repeat with a second layer if needed. I applied a thicker layer to mine to create texture, but you can apply two thin layers if you'd prefer it to be flush. 

Step 11: Mix some white and black paint together to make grey. Apply this to the door of the mushroom.

Step 12: Use some yellow paint to colour in the windows of the toadstool. I have mixed mine with the previous beige to create a lighter yellow.

Step 13: Use some green paint to create vines on the toadstool stalk. Here I mixed some green and white in with the yellow used previously for a lighter shade. I then added dark green to parts of the vines to add some depth. Remember, this is your toadstool! Feel free to add your own embellishments; the possibilities are endless!

Step 14: It’s time to add highlights! Use some white paint to add highlights in all the areas you’ve painted. I decided to add highlights to the windows, door, and vines. Let this dry completely.

Step 15: This step is optional! I have used a permanent fine liner to outline all of the features I've painted previously. This adds further detail and outlines the features better. 

Note: It is important to use a permanent fine liner to ensure it doesn't smudge when applying decoupage!

Step 16: To seal your design, apply decoupage to the entire toadstool. I started with the front, the sides, and then back, allowing each to dry first. This ensures that the paint doesn’t chip and your design stays protected!

Step 17: Finally, it’s time to attach some ribbon to complete your toadstool decoration. Use any ribbon of your choice and thread it through the hole at the desired length, trim using scissors if needed. Tie a knot in the ribbon, which will sit at the top of the toadstool as shown. Finally, tie a knot in the top of the ribbon and trim any excess if needed.

Your clay toadstool decoration is now complete and will make a lovely decoration for your home! It can be hung in multiple places (even the Christmas Tree!) and will make a wonderful, unique gift for someone special, especially if you’re interested in giving gifts with a personal touch!

Happy Crafting! 

Lian x

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1 comment

What a brilliant blog Lian. Instructions so very clear and easy to follow
Many thanks xx

Marian Richards

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