Raya’s bathroom is getting a little facelift right now, and there are two things she loves: Dora, and owls. Well, I don’t mind Dora 30 minutes at a time on Saturday, but I’d much rather embrace an owl theme when it comes to decorating. Owls are just way cuter. ;) I am not going all-out or anything, but I did want to add a few little touches. So I started with this little hook!
The hook base is a design-your-own hook from D. Lawless Hardware in oil-rubbed bronze. I got some goodies a while back and I realized that I could use polymer clay to personalize them exactly how I wanted.
This is not going to be a full tutorial today because it’s hard to explain as a step-by-step how to sculpt something… you kind of just have to wing it. But I’m happy to give you some tips!
I covered my work surface with wax paper to keep it clean, and just formed the ball and the owl by hand. For his eyeballs, I used a drinking straw to cut the tiny circles.
A few tips for working with polymer clay – be sure to follow the package directions precisely. Brand by brand, the baking directions can vary, but generally you’ll be baking it in a low-temperature oven for 30 minutes for each 1/4 inch thickness. That means these had to bake for about 2 hours.
Don’t use your kitchen utensils when you work with clay. Kitchen utensils work great – don’t get me wrong – but once you’ve worked with clay they will no longer be food safe. You’ll have to work it for several minutes when you first get started to condition it – I find rolling it out flat several times works best for me to soften it enough to work with.
I rolled out about a 1″ ball, and an owl just slightly larger.
I used tiny bits of other colors of clay to make his face and wings. Then, I used a drinking straw to poke a hole in each clay shape vertically.
Making my shapes only took about 20 minutes, but it did need to bake for a bit – around 2 hours. When it was done baking and cooled, I mounted the shapes on my hook.
It assembles in under a minute – all you have to do is put the screw through, and screw it into the hook base.
Then, all that was left was to mount it on the wall!
All right… I have to confess… this isn’t a towel hook in our bathroom.
Yeah. It’s been awkward trying to find a place to put this during potty training. But you can certainly use yours for something… more normal. (Moms of toddlers have no idea what normal means anymore!) ;)
So, so cute!
You are so talented, that owl looks awesome! And to tell you the truth you are pretty smart, our seat is sitting on the floor next to the toilet this is such a great idea for the potty training seat! Thanks so much for sharing on We Made That!
This is so cute!!! Potty seat needs a pretty hookr too!
SO crazy adorable!! Love.
You amaze me with the sculpting clay! Looks awesome! And I agree with you, Dora would not be my first choice for bathroom decor…. ;)
aww I just adore this!! You are amazeballs.
I would like to place this in my small cousin’s room.. He really loves owl.. Only because of the owl, he is awake in the night.. :)
He will surely love it :)
Thanks.!
SO cute! I’m in love with owls, and this is precious. I love the fact that you can design your own hook – what a great idea!!
Baaahaaaa I LOVE the last photo with the potty seat on the hook! Totally what a mom of toddlers would do! Your little owl turned out adorable! I’m super impressed that you were able to just free hand him. GREAT JOB!
I love the pink owl!! You did a fantastic job of making it! It’s very creative!! Love it!!
I love that little owl!
I love her! Even if she is a potty holder she is adorable! Those hooks are a great find, I’ll have to get some
From Creative Bloggers…this is the most adorable thing I have seen in a LONG time!! :)
Adorable!! I love owls, too. And potty training…my 3.5 year old won’t get near a toilet. Ugh!
Very cute! Like the potty seat on it!
This hook is so ridiculously cute. Who needs Restoration Hardware when you’ve got polymer clay? :-)
cute and practical, love it!
This is so cute – what a great way to customize regular hooks! I would have never thought to use clay.
Oh I love owls, love em! But alas neither of my girls are in the slightest bit interested, but I can still love them right? You are sooooo talented , seriously how cute is that owl?
Oh …um …what’s normal mean again?
Adrianne,
This owl hook is so cute. You are one of the most clever crafters out there! Well done, my friend!