The clay witch hag is a fascinating and somewhat mysterious object of folklore and mythology. In different cultures, the witch hag is believed to possess various powers and characteristics, but one thing remains consistent: her connection to the earth and the use of clay. Clay is often associated with creation and the formation of life. It is a malleable substance that can be shaped and molded into various forms. The clay witch hag is said to harness this power, using clay to create her own magic and influence the world around her. Some legends depict the clay witch hag as a wise and benevolent figure, using her clay to heal and protect others.
Some legends depict the clay witch hag as a wise and benevolent figure, using her clay to heal and protect others. She may be called upon to cure ailments or provide guidance in times of need. In these stories, the clay witch hag is seen as a force of good, using her mastery of clay to bring about positive change.
Clay witch hag
A Moldmaking Tutorial for Latex Masks
This isn't the only way to mold a sculpture for mask making, but it's what I did for the Old Hag posted earlier this month (sculpted in WED clay), and it works pretty well.
First a light, even coat of crystal clear (Krylon is the appropriate brand to use, but I had Rustoleum on hand and it worked fine). This is to seal off the water content of the clay so it doesn't interfere with the plaster later. Ooo, shiny! Make sure to give it plenty of time to dry before proceeding.
Back inside. I decided to mold this one laying down, so I propped the sculpture face up on a piece of bubble wrap (to protect the back and keep it from rolling), then put some bricks and blocks of wood to fill in most of the space before I build the clay wall.
I used EM-210 White Clay (which is a fairly dark grey, for whatever reason) to build the mold wall.
I added keys and pry points, then did another round of crystal clear to seal the EM-210. Then a coat of mold release. Usually I use Epoxy Parfilm. This one is called Frekote Lifft. It seemed to make the plaster start setting up faster on the surface. I'm not really sure what was going on, so I'll have to experiment. Some kind of mold release is important, though, as you'll see later. Without it, the crystal clear would be going right up against the plaster, and can sometimes stick together.
So, plaster time. I'm using Ultracal-30. It's stronger than hydrocal, though it is less absorbent, which means when I run latex in the mold, it will take longer to dry, but I'd rather that than a mold that doesn't last as long for this.
I also added an "acrylic bonder and fortifier," Silka brand, from the cement department at Home Depot to the first batch on each half of the mold. This adds some extra durability. About 50/50 with warm water. Then the ultacal is sifted in.
. until you get a "dry lakebed"
I mixed by hand this time, but using a paint mixing drill attachment is more efficient. Let it cream (when it just thickens a little), then brush on with a chip brush. This is two batches of plaster with two layers of burlap inside. plaster, burlap, plaster, burlap. The burlap is wet slightly to help the plaster absorb into it, then dip the strips in the bucket of plaster. It takes some practice to figure out how to do it well. I'm still learning. The burlap, by the way, is another thing that will slow the drying of latex, but it adds durability.
I learned from a moldmaker friend that if you cover plaster while it's curing, it traps the water in and results in stronger plaster. Because of the way this was set up, it was inconvenient to make a complete seal, but I threw a bag over the top until it started to cool down.
Once the plaster was set, I flipped the whole thing over and removed the EM-210 to be able to make the mold of the back of the head.
You can see how cleanly it came away. This is because the sculpture was sealed before building the mold walls.
A healthy coat of vaseline over the exposed stone, and then the back of the head was molded the same way as the front (acrylic bonder in the first layer of plaster, two layers of burlap-soaked plaster, and a final "beauty coat" of plaster).
When the mold was opened (which took some careful prying, but that's what the pry points were there for), the clay peeled right out because of the combination of sealer and release.
So, plaster time. I'm using Ultracal-30. It's stronger than hydrocal, though it is less absorbent, which means when I run latex in the mold, it will take longer to dry, but I'd rather that than a mold that doesn't last as long for this.
However, not all tales paint such a friendly picture. In some legends, the clay witch hag is portrayed as a malevolent and sinister being, using her clay to bring about destruction and chaos. She may be depicted as a sorceress or a witch who uses her powers for her own selfish desires or to inflict harm upon others. Regardless of her intentions, the clay witch hag is often portrayed as a powerful and ancient figure. Her connection to clay is believed to grant her a deep understanding of the natural world and the forces that govern it. Some stories suggest that the clay witch hag can even manipulate the elements, using her clay to control fire, water, earth, and air. The clay witch hag is an enduring symbol in folklore and mythology, representing the power and potential of the earth itself. Whether seen as a force for good or evil, she remains a captivating figure, reminding us of the ancient connections between humans and the natural world..
Reviews for "The Clay Witch Hag's Tools and Implements: From Cauldrons to Broomsticks"
1. Jessica - 2 stars - I was disappointed with "Clay witch hag". The story felt disjointed and lacked a clear plotline. The characters were not well-developed and their motivations were confusing. I also found the writing style to be confusing and hard to follow. Overall, I struggled to connect with the story and it left me feeling unsatisfied.
2. Mike - 1 star - "Clay witch hag" was a waste of time. The pacing was slow, and I found myself getting bored by the lack of action or interesting events. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to engage with the characters. The ending was also abrupt and unsatisfying, leaving many loose ends and unanswered questions. I would not recommend this book to others.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to reading "Clay witch hag" based on the description, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The story lacked depth and the world-building felt underdeveloped. The magic system was not well-explained and it left me feeling confused. Additionally, I found the writing to be overly descriptive at times, dragging the pace and making it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, I was left with a feeling of dissatisfaction and would not recommend it to others.
4. Daniel - 2 stars - I found "Clay witch hag" to be a disappointing read. The book started off promising but quickly lost its momentum. The characters felt one-dimensional and their actions didn't always make sense. The plot dragged on and I became uninterested in the outcome. The author seemed to rely heavily on descriptions, often at the expense of advancing the story. Overall, I was left feeling bored and disconnected from the narrative.
5. Emily - 1 star - "Clay witch hag" was simply a book I couldn't enjoy. The writing style was convoluted and hard to follow, making it a struggle to get through the story. Additionally, the plot lacked originality and felt predictable. The characters were forgettable and lacked depth. Overall, this book was not for me, and I cannot recommend it to others looking for a captivating read.