Wreaths, candles, garlands and lights… all traditional ways to decorate for the holidays. But despite their timeless appeal, let’s face it – it can get boring pulling out the same décor year after year.
Relief sculpture can be a fun, unique way to freshen up your holiday decorations. Whether you’re looking to spice up your current décor, try your hand at a new craft, create a holiday project with the kids, or use up your stash of craft materials, there’s an art project to fit your bill.
But are you new to relief sculpture, or unsure what it means? Relief sculpture is created when you build an image outward from a flat surface, such as a panel, box or canvas frame. Here are three fun and easy ideas for unique holiday decorations you can create with relief sculpture:
1. Sculpt snowflakes with found materials
Use a flat canvas panel as your base. To create snowflakes, flatten a cardboard paper towel tube, then cut it into equal ½ inch pieces. Glue the football-shaped pieces onto the panel in a circular snowflake pattern, then let dry. Next, glue on beads, buttons and other craft materials of various shapes and sizes to enhance the snowflakes and let dry.
To finish your relief sculpture, spray paint the panel in your chosen colors (I painted one coat of black, then a coat of silver over it). Display on a mantel, or frame your panel for a unique, textured holiday decoration (and great conversation piece).
2. Sculpt a winter scene with Model Magic
Use a flat canvas panel or piece of cardboard as the base of your relief sculpture. It’s a good idea to create a sketch for your winter scene before you begin sculpting. First, cover the entire surface of the panel with a layer of Model Magic, then begin layering clay to create your sculpture, working from the back to the front. When all the pieces of your holiday scene are added, let the clay dry.
To enhance your artwork and make it appear like a worn metal, brush or spray on metallic paint and let dry. Next, brush black acrylic or shoe polish into the cracks of the sculpture, then wipe off the exposed areas. What a great way to create a vintage, antique-looking, new holiday decoration!
3. Decorate with polymer clay
Again, begin with a flat surface for your relief sculpture – use a panel, frame, or consider a paper-mache box (a unique Christmas gift idea!). If you’d like a textured surface, brush a layer of glue onto the panel, then sprinkle on tiny seed beads, glitter, sand, or other items. Or, you can leave the surface flat.
Next, condition your polymer clay by kneading it in your hands. Create winter images, such as snowflakes, snowmen, Christmas trees or other items with the clay. Bake the polymer clay according to package directions. When done, glue the hardened clay onto your paper-mache box or panel (and consider painting, or leaving as-is).
Relief sculptures can be a fun, new way to make unique holiday decorations for your home, or to give away as gifts. Whether you frame them, display on a mantle, or decorate the tops of boxes, this art technique will be a fun way to craft during the holidays by yourself, or with your kids.
More from this contributor:
– How to Make a No-Sew Advent Calendar from Felt
– Easy Snowflake Crafts for Winter Decorating
– Upcycle Tree Branches into Unique Holiday Crafts