Thursday, July 1, 2010

Attack of the Giant Ants!

Polymer picnic ants! I was inspired by RAZ Imports' tablecloth weights (the large, shiny, wrought iron ants).
They keep the tablecloth from flying away and they're adorable. I wanted to vary the sizes and also to see if I could make one or two from polymer. They turned out great.
To make an ant, I rolled 4 balls, strung them on a wire, attached them to each other by smoothing the joins, inserted the antenna and baked them. Then I took the lino cutter and carved 3 channels for the 3 wires on the ant's underside.
After cutting the 3 lengths of wire for the legs, I filed the ends to remove the sharp edges. Glued the wires onto the polymer, let dry, then applied liquid clay and secured the wires with a circle of polymer. Smoothed everything and then baked again. I carefully bent the wires into the leg shapes I wanted and then painted the wires.

5 comments:

coltpixy said...

They are way too cool! I just love them ♥

Anonymous said...

You are so creative with that polymer clay! These are indeed very cute, not to mention useful. You are right, they did turn out great!

Rhonda said...

Amazing work and so detailed. You captured them so well with your picnic photos.

bbdyevr said...

Perfectly set on your picnic/table scape...
I just LOVE these guys!!
I want them, they would go so well with my metal & wood spider, don't you think??
Guess I will have to make some...
I am loving all you are doing these days...keep it up,
I need the push & inspirations.
Hugs, Debi

In the Light of the Moon said...

These big ants are great and fun!!!!Warmest Regards,Cat