Thing in a Jar: a polymer clay specimen

[oohmybees]

I really like the look of specimen jars, especially the ones with weird stuff in them, like two headed calves.  I didn't want a real one, but I knew I could make on with polymer clay.

I started out with an aluminum foil base and then used super sculpty to form the basic shape. 

I sculpted fins and other embellishments using polymer clay tools and baked according to the package.  This was so big it barely fit into my toaster oven!

I painted it apple green first and then over painted it with a swampy green that I wiped off.  It left the darker color in the recesses and turned out really spooky.
After all that I coated the sculpture with about five coats of rubber cement to make it look like shedding skin.
Helpful hints:  have your jar nearby to make sure it will fit inside(I got carried away with this one and had to buy a new, bigger jar) and to make the water look darker add a bit of soda (like Pepsi) to the water.
I have more detailed instructions and a few more pictures on my blog
I'd love to hear what you guys think, so of course comments are appreciated and welcome 

[Coma]

That looks seriously awesome. I wonder how long it will stand up to the wster. Will the rubber cement completely seal it?

[oohmybees]

The rubber cement was more for the peeling effect.  I don't know how long it will last, I did thoroughly cure the clay.  I will drain the water when I am done displaying it for the year and store it dry.  I think it should last a while.

[sheriffkarli]

Wow, looks amazing!

[TheMistressT]

What do I think? I think this is my new favorite Halloween decoration idea! It rocks and I'm pushing the button that says so.  Also I'm adding it to my favorites so I can find it later.  Woo!

[PinkPug,INK.]

Hmm this looks familiar...yes, I cheated & peeked at Day 3! 

Love it!

[abssinth]

I LOVE IT!     The colors came out awesome, and I love the detail in the tentacles.

[varifiresis]

I love making the jars but always threw in whatever was handy but yours is making me think about making a few reuseable ones. I love the rubber cement idea. Pure genius!

[vampedangel14]

Awesome!

If you want to keep it like that year round, instead of using water, how about colored resin? then you won't have to worry about something happening to the clay.

[Cannibal Lover]

WOW! This is totally creepy and awesome! Like a little baby Cthulhu.  I've been trying to think of things to do with Polymer clay.  I will definitely try this out!  I always get carried away and make things bigger than they should be with polymer clay hehe