Last year, I shared a project I did with air dry clay (you can find it at the craft stores). This stuff is great for fixing little boo-boos around the house. I used it to fix a broken handle on an urn in that post and recently did a couple more things with this versatile stuff. You can mold and shape it into whatever you want and this time I used it on paper mache and pottery, so take a look at the results.
I forgot to take a before pic of this trashcan, but you get the idea. I gave my sister a monogrammed paper mache trash can (blogged about the shop here) just like mine a couple of years ago for Christmas from The Royal Standard (unfortunately, they closed the store here in Birmingham, but are still in LA). Her rambunctious and young at the time dog, Holly, decided to take some chomps out of it (why, I don’t know?), so it was pretty ugly looking with the paper showing through and a big bite out of it in 2 places and wouldn’t you know it, it was right on the monogram?!
I also had this cute pottery bird piece that I picked up at a yardsale and the tail was broken, so I figured while I was at it, I’d fix this too. So, out came the air dry clay and I molded it to fit both pieces. It smooths out to the touch and you can really make it do anything you want. I thought the little bird’s tail looked pretty realistic and much like the other one. Let it all dry well.
Then, get out the craft paints or leftover wall paint, whatever matches and paint right over the white clay after it’s dry. I used my wall paint that was a pretty good match. I didn’t try to get the glazing streaks in there, since it was a pretty good match without it.
Then, my Ralph Lauren Turett Stairs was a perfect match for the chocolate brown monogram. Filled that in, as well as the edging on the trash can and it really looks almost new again, don’t you think? My sis was thrilled that I fixed it for her.
You can hardly tell that it’s been repaired and touched up at all.
Same with the birdie’s tail, I got out my craft paints (which I’ve had for years) and found a blue to match him.
Paint it on and let dry well and they’re both good to go now. I even added some glossy mod podge on his tail so it would be shiny like the rest of him. Clever, huh?
I’ve got plenty of craft paint around for things like this and can usually match up just about any color.
So, do you have anything broken that needs to be fixed? This air dry clay is great stuff and I’d urge you to give it a try!
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wow Rhoda, great stuff – do you know what, I have to buy that for my son’s school project – he came home with instructions to go to the art shop at the mall, how strange that then I come here and see you with it!
oh and any chance you could let me know how you did the monogram – I just did a couple of baskets in white and would like to put my initial on the front, was thinking of a stencil but not found any suitable – no worries if you’re too busy
S
x
I will definitely have to look for this product. I have a LARGE candlestick I got from Hobby Lobby that has a place that needs repairing.
Thanks, Donna
Hmmm…this is great information! I’ll be putting it to good use!
Mending old photo frames, chips in pottery…endless.
Thank You!
Becky K.
Great tips, Rhoda! I’ve never heard of air dry clay before, but it would have saved a few things at my house. 🙂 It looks pretty easy to use too. I love your basket of paints…all those colors make me swoon. 🙂
That stuff looks great! I will have to keep that in mind!
And wow at all the paint!!
Imagine! I have never heard of such a thing. If only it worked on china and porcelain!
Love it, Rhoda! I started reading your blog about two weeks ago, and have now read every post, lol! You inspire me, in fact on Saturday I am going antique shopping alone and can’t wait to see the treasures I find!!
I have this stuff! I never thought to use it to repair things ~ thank you for a really great tip.
I really enjoy your blog. It’s so much fun and full of so many wonderful ideas. The post about the yard sale was great, especially the video. Sure looks like you all had a marvelous time!
Who doesn’t have an item or two that could use this?
Another fabulous idea from Rhoda. How do you keep coming up with this stuff? You’re amazing!
That’s a great fix! They came out perfect, I’m gonna have to remember that for future fix-ups..great idea! Thanks.
What a fabulous product. I had never heard of it, but I will remember for all those little oops that just seem to happen. You did a great repair on both. Hugs, Marty
Wow! this stuff works miracles! I have a few things I could use it on. Your sisters laundry room turned out soooo cute too, I love it!
Well aren’t you smart! Great idea Rhoda!
I did not know about this stuff, but apparently it is good to have on hand. You did a great job fixing your sister’s waste basket, Rhoda! I did an “uh-oh” under my breath when I saw the monogram was involved, but you fixed it up very well. Good job, you crafty woman, you! : )
Awesome stuff, you did a great job! Thanks for sharing the tip!
I do declare Rhoda, you are the most crafty person around! I do mean that in a good way. Here I just bought some gorilla glue to repair some glass pieces. Do you think this would work better? Also do you think it would work on a wood surface? I have some little areas that need to be filled in. Thanks for also pouring out so much info on your wonderful blog. 🙂
Donna
That is a fantastic tip! I love it. Thanks for sharing.
Great tip, Rhoda! I have a broken lamp base that needs a patch job and I’ve been wondering what would work the best. This just might do the trick… I’ll go get some!
Rhoda, this came in at just the right time! I found a lovely clay bowl that has a pretty big chip in the side and now I am going to try a repair!!! I’ve bookmarked this for my future reference…
hugs
Sandi
Great tip! Thanks for sharing and showing some real life examples.