Gecko & Cactus Vase

I added a polymer clay gecko to this old vase.  I had this plain vase 16 or so years ago, but it cracked in the move from Chicago to Arizona in 2002.  I warmed up some polymer clay and filled in the crack from the inside to the outside and then "finger painted" with the polymer clay.  Applying it in layers and pulling it with my fingers and "smudging" it into the ceramic vase's surface.  Just like finger painting; it was really fun (click HERE).   I was aiming for an abstract cactus and really liked the way it turned out.  But, over time, I have wanted to do something else with it.  One of the advantages to polymer clay is the ability to change (add to) a finished piece even after many years.  The little gecko adds just the right amount of dimension I was looking for.  So, for now it is going to stick around for a little while more.

Brady's Finger Painting With Polymer Clay Technique

I know, you're asking yourself, "Finger painting with polymer clay? What?" But it is. Had this vase that I loved and in the process of moving to Arizona, it cracked. It didn't just crack a little, it cracked from the top to the bottom. I warmed up some green, copper and gold. Took a smidge of green and smashed it on there. The warmth from my fingers allowed it to thin as I applied pressure and it became easy to build layers. Took some copper and applied it over the green, pulling the ends out to resemble a cactus.

Added some gold here and there and that was it for the outside. The crack was covered and I was happy with the design. I did the same on the inside where the crack was apparent, finger painting a cactus design. I have a large convection oven just for curing polymer clay so the vase fit perfectly on its side. So far so good; the polymer has not chipped, cracked or peeled in six years.