Louren Darcy
Creating proces starts with a good plan and materials.
Before we dive into the full process, I want to share something I've learned through a lot of experimenting. I’ve tried many different kinds of paper mache clays from different brands, textures and formulas — some were too dry, some cracked, some felt heavy or grainy. And every single time, I come back to DAS.
Their clay is soft, beautifully plastic, and stays workable long enough to form all those tiny details. It dries surprisingly fast and becomes really hard — almost unbreakable — and still remains lightweight, which is perfect for ornaments, especially Christmas tree decorations. It takes paint wonderfully too. Chalk paint and acrylics both sit on the surface like a dream, leaving smooth color and lovely depth.
For me, it’s simply the best base material for small sculptures like these mushrooms. Affordable, reliable, and so nice to work with — it makes the whole creative process enjoyable.
Mushroom
In this video I’m shaping the very beginning of the mushroom cap — a simple, tapered form that will later turn into something full of character. Using a metal ball-tool, I gently press tiny indentations into the surface, building texture and life into the piece.
It’s a slow, calming stage of the process: just paper-mâché, hands covered in clay dust, and small movements that gradually give shape to the idea. This is where the mushroom is born — from a smooth cone into a cap with its own personality.
Star ornament
In this part of the process I start by pressing paper-mâché into a silicone mold, making sure the mass is well packed so every detail comes through clearly. Once it’s firm and even, I gently release the finished relief and it pops out like a tiny sculpture — soft, fresh, still carrying the warmth of my hands.
Next, I place this decorated piece onto a star-shaped base made from the same clay. Two separate elements become one, turning into a delicate Christmas ornament full of texture and story. Step by step, the decoration takes shape — handmade, slow made, made with love.
Painting
After the pieces are fully dry, I move on to one of my favourite stages — painting. I start with a layer of chalk paint in white, giving the surface a clean, matte base that highlights every curve and detail. Once the paint sets, the magic begins.
In the next step I’ll show how I use the paint-wash technique to create an aged, time-worn look. I mix chalk paint in the shade Cocoa with water, letting it flow into the recesses and textures. Then, with a slightly damp cloth, I gently wipe away the excess — leaving the darker tone only in the shadows, as if the piece has collected stories and dust over decades. It’s a subtle transformation, but it brings depth, history and softness to the ornament.
This method always feels special to me — simple, a little nostalgic, and perfect for giving every decoration its own soul.