Powertex Fossil

When I first bought some Powertex products for myself (rather than just attending workshops) I thought that I would try some different designs to learn different techniques and approaches. I had found a tutorial on-line (that of course I can’t find the link to now) of a fossil that I quite liked (that is actually pictured on the front of the Powertex Stone Art container). Stone Art powder is sort-of like papier mache that when mixed with Powertex fabric hardener forms a clay-like substance.

I had a piece of styrofoam that was about the right size and carved it into an irregular shape. Then I coated it with Powertex fabric hardener (I only had the Bronze colour at that stage rather than the terracotta but figured that it would probably work okay). I was a bit surprised by the next stage because you then sprinkle Stone Art powder onto the wet Powertex, spread it around and press it in, and rub off the excess so that it gives a stone-like look (but it still feels soft and fluffy to the touch).

Then mix equal parts Powertex and Stone Art to make some clay – adding more of either as needed to give a ‘dough’ that doesn’t stick to your hands too much. Roll a slightly tapered ‘sausage’ from the clay. Smear some of the Powertex onto the styrofoam where you want the fossil to be placed and create a spiral on top of it with the thin end of the taper in the middle of your spiral. Flatten it down a little and then make cuts every half inch or so to give a segmented look. I initially made my spiral too big and then took some of it off so that it looked a bit more artistic.

Sprinkle Stone Art over it, press in and rub off as before. You can also add some Powercolour pigments at this stage but I didn’t have any at the time. After it has dried, take a sponge with some Powertex Ivory and fill in between the segments, wiping off any excess with a damp sponge. I left more of it on mine than they have in the picture because I was trying to lighten the dark bronze colour that wouldn’t be an issue if you used terracotta as you were supposed to.

I did have my ‘fossil’ in my lounge with some real fossils for a while but it is better as a stand alone I think. I also find it very disconcerting because it does have a heavier ‘stone’ look but the light weight and soft texture are just wrong. I now have it down in my craftroom as an exhibit instead.