5 Ways to Create a Scaley Texture

Hi everyone!

I wanted to try and compare 5 different ways to create a dragon scale texture with clay, so here's how it went!

These methods can be useful for any types of clay projects, but also for fondant or modelling chocolate creations.

1. aluminium foil
2. clay (any type, I used DAS air dry clay)
3. straws and other tube-shaped objects
4. an old credit card
5. pointy small scissors like nail scissors or embroidery scissors
6. acrylic paint and paintbrush

I tried all the methods by making dragon eggs with aluminium foil and air dry clay, which I smoothed out with water.

For method 1, I cut a straw to create a U-shape. Then I just pressed it into the clay to create the illusion of scales. The scales aren't always perfectly aligned, but otherwise it was a very simple and quick method.

I'll show you the painted result at the end.

For the next method, you need rainbow bird scissors. Just kidding, any kind of pointy small scissors like nail scissors or embroidery scissors work well. The angle of the cut determines how pointy the scale will be (second picture).

This method took a little practice, but once I got into it, it was pretty quick. The spikes looked cool, but I squished them down in the end. Maybe I shouldn't have squished them as much, though.

For method 3, you basically make little balls and squish them straight onto the aluminium foil.

This method takes forever, but it has a unique look. I also let the scales dry a bit half-way through so I don't mess them up by touching them.

For method 4, you need to find tube shaped-items in different sizes. Then you create this reptile skin texture. Easy and fast.

For method 5, I cut a credit card with nail scissors to create a dragon scale tool. It worked great in the middle section of the egg, but for the top and bottom I needed a few attempts. I did the bottom first, and at the top of the egg I think I created a Fibonacci spiral without knowing it.

Now let's paint them all! I added a purple base coat and different colored highlights.

Which one is your favourite? I think all of them can be useful for different purposes.

I hope there was something new for you in this Instructable! Do you have any other techniques to create a scaley texture?