Fiber paste is great for making flexible casts that can be shaped, cut with scissors or even sewn. This results in an archival acrylic skin that has the feel of handmade paper. It can be painted with acrylics after casting, or the paste can be tinted before casting. You can use this as your piece of art, a collage element or to make pages if you are a book artist. If you are unsure if it is totally dry, lift an edge to test. Wait until it lifts off easily. You will not be able to reuse the clay after use. It may take 24 hours to dry.
STEP ONE: Spray cooking spray on leather-hard or dry clay that has been carved. Wipe off any excess oil.
STEP TWO: Spread fiber paste over the clay and let it dry. When dry, pull off the clay.
STEP THREE: Paint, metal leaf or color rub can be applied to castings once the fiber paste has dried and been removed from the clay.
STEP FOUR: Another option is to color it with encaustics.