Ernie Was Here

This post marks my first time working with modeling clay. Having never taken a ceramics class in high school or college, I was a bit nervous, at first, but also excited. Using GO CREATE EZ Shape Non-Dry Modeling Clay and Mod Podge gloss, I made a bathtub mat and rubber duckie to further accessorize the upstairs bathroom. 

The mat required almost the entire stick of purple clay included in the 20-color pack. With the top of a hairspray bottle, I rolled the clay flat against a sheet of parchment paper. Then I used a paisley embossed wooden rolling pin, a gift from my mother-in-law, to create a textured floral print. (Thank you, Vickie!) With both my fingers and a toothpick, I trimmed the edges of the print into a roughly oval shape that would fit the bottom of the bathtub. And then I started the whole process over. A few times, actually. Finally, once I was (mostly) satisfied with the end result, I applied a thin coat of Mod Podge gloss to seal the clay and prevent any dust from sticking to it. 

The rubber duckie was surprisingly less time-consuming and far easier to make. I shaped a small bit of yellow clay into a ball and then gently pinched the back of it to form a slightly upturned tail. For the head, I used approximately half the amount of clay I had used for the body. After washing my hands, I switched to the orange clay. (Side note: If you're working with this kind of wax-based clay, I highly recommend washing your hands every time you change colors; the potential for cross-contamination is quite high.) 

I formed the bill by using a toothpick to slice off one end of the tube of clay and then bisect that slice, creating 2 "lips." (Needless to say, I wasn't aiming for anatomical correctness.) With a new toothpick, I carved a wing into one side of the yellow body. Getting the eyes to match in size was a bit tricky, but I managed, and I kind of like how cartoonishly large they are. 

While making this little dude, I couldn't help but hear Ernie's signature song playing in my head. (Hence the title of this post.) If you grew up watching Sesame Street, as I did, enjoy the following trip down memory lane.

 
Happy Tubby Time!