How to Sculpt a Traditional Village House in Clay on a Roof Tile – a Step-by-Step Guide

Art often begins with the ordinary, transforming everyday materials into unique creations that tell a story. This project is a perfect example of that concept, as we’ll be turning a simple roof tile into a beautiful sculpture of a traditional village house using air-dry clay. I believe that art can be found anywhere, and this tutorial is a celebration of creativity using materials that might otherwise go unnoticed.

In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you how to sculpt intricate details—like balconies, windows, and textured roofs—turning a flat tile into a stunning 3D sculpture. Working with clay on this kind of surface adds a whole new dimension to the art, allowing for unique textures and a beautiful, handmade look. From sketching the design to crafting each element, I’ll share tips and tricks I discovered along the way.

Whether you're just starting out or have experience with clay, this guide will make the process enjoyable and approachable. The best part? No two creations will be the same—your personal touch will make your house truly one of a kind.

Let’s get started on this creative journey together! 🎨🌟

Before we dive into the creative process, let’s gather all the supplies you’ll need to transform your roof tile into a charming village house sculpture. Here’s a comprehensive list:

1. Roof Tile: A flat roof tile serves as the base for your sculpture. Look for one that’s in good condition and has a smooth surface.
2. Air-Dry Clay: This type of clay is perfect for creating detailed sculptures without the need for a kiln. You can choose natural or colored clay depending on your preference.
3. Water
4. Pencil and Paper
5. Electric Drill with a Small Drill Bit
6. Craft Knife or Clay Cutting Tool
7. Paintbrush
8. White Glue (PVA Glue)
9. Old Toothbrush
10. Wooden Sticks or Skewers
11. Acrylic Paints
12. Sealant (Optional)

Gathering these supplies will set you up for a successful and enjoyable crafting experience. Now that we have everything we need, let's move on to the fun part—sculpting your village house!

Creating holes in the roof tile is essential for adding a hanging feature later on. Follow these steps to ensure clean and precise holes:

1. Gather Your Materials
2. Make sure you have your roof tile, electric drill, small drill bit, and a small bowl of water ready.
3. Prepare the Tile
4. Place the roof tile on a stable, flat surface. This will help keep it steady while you drill.
5. Mark the Hole Locations
6. Using a pencil, lightly mark where you want to drill the holes. Aim to place them at the top of the tile, centered and spaced about 2 cm apart. This will ensure a balanced look when hanging your sculpture.
7. Moisten the Area
8. Pour a small amount of water onto the marked spots where you will be drilling. This will help keep the drill bit cool and prevent the tile from cracking.
9. Drill Carefully
10. Attach the small drill bit to your electric drill. Slowly drill into the marked spots, applying light pressure. Periodically dip the drill bit in water to keep it cool and ensure a smoother drilling process.
11. Check Your Work
12. After drilling, inspect the holes to ensure they are clean and the right size for threading your hanging cord later.
13. Clean Up
14. Remove any dust or debris from the tile surface after drilling.

Before you start sculpting, it’s important to plan out your design. This step will help you visualize the layout of your village house and ensure that all elements are in the right place.

1. Sketch Your Design
2. Take a piece of paper and a pencil to sketch the design of your village house. Think about the different components you want to include, such as the main door, windows, balcony, and roof. For this project, consider a traditional house with a balcony.
3. Outline Key Features
4. In your sketch, outline the locations of each feature on the tile. For example:
5. Main door on the first floor
6. Second-floor door
7. A small upper door (for decoration)
8. Two windows on the ground floor
9. Two windows on the second floor
10. A balcony
11. Mark the Tile
12. Once you have your sketch, transfer your design to the roof tile. Use a pencil to lightly mark where each element will be placed. This will serve as a guide when you begin sculpting:
13. Mark the height of the first and second floors, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
14. Indicate where the windows and doors will go.
15. Final Touches on Your Sketch
16. Take a moment to review your design. Make sure you’re happy with the proportions and placements. Remember, you can always make adjustments during the sculpting process, but having a clear plan will make it easier.

Now that your design is marked on the tile, it's time to start sculpting the base of your village house. This step involves creating the foundation and key features that will give your sculpture depth and character.

1. Prepare the Air-Dry Clay
2. Take your air-dry clay and knead it thoroughly to make it pliable. This will help eliminate any air bubbles and make it easier to work with.
3. Create the Base
4. Roll Out a Clay Strip: Form a long, even strip of clay (a "snake" or "churro") that is about 1 cm thick.
5. Flatten the Strip: Use a rolling pin or a bottle to flatten the strip slightly, maintaining a consistent thickness.
6. Shape the Base
7. Cut to Size: Measure the length of your tile and cut the clay strip to fit as a base. This base will extend beyond the tile to create a "floor" for your house.
8. Apply Water: Lightly dampen the area of the tile where the clay will be attached to ensure a good bond.
9. Attach the Base
10. Position the Base: Place the clay strip on the tile where you marked the foundation of your house.
11. Secure It: Use a paintbrush to apply white glue along the edge of the clay where it meets the tile. Press down gently to ensure a secure attachment.
12. Add Texture
13. Texturize with a Toothbrush: Take an old toothbrush and use the bristles to add texture to the clay surface. This will give the appearance of a natural floor and create visual interest.
14. Create a Step for the Door
15. Add a Small Step: From leftover clay, form a small step at the base of the door. This will add depth and detail, making the door area more realistic.
16. Smooth the Edges
17. Refine the Shape: Use your fingers or sculpting tools to smooth any rough edges or seams. This will create a clean and professional look.

With the base of your house in place, it’s time to focus on the main door. This step will add a key feature to your village house sculpture.

1. Prepare More Air-Dry Clay
2. Take a small amount of air-dry clay and knead it to soften it. This will make it easier to shape the door.
3. Flatten the Clay
4. Roll It Out: Use a rolling pin or a bottle to flatten the clay to about 0.5 cm thickness.
5. Cut to Size: Measure the dimensions for your main door based on your design sketch. Cut the clay into a rectangular shape that fits well within the door outline marked on the tile.
6. Transfer the Design
7. Use Your Sketch: Place your design sketch over the flattened clay and gently press down with a pencil to create an imprint. This will serve as a guide for details.
8. Cut Out the Door
9. Remove Excess Clay: Carefully cut around the imprint to remove any excess clay, leaving you with the shaped door.
10. Add Details
11. Texture the Door: Use small pieces of clay to create details like a door handle or decorative panels. You can also use a craft knife to make vertical cuts to simulate wood grain.
12. Attach to Tile: Apply a little water and white glue to the back of the door, then carefully position it in the marked spot on the base. Press down gently to secure it.
13. Smooth the Edges
14. Refine the Attachment: Use your fingers to smooth the edges where the door meets the base, ensuring a seamless look.
15. Let It Dry
16. Allow the door to set for a bit to ensure it adheres properly to the base before moving on to the next details.

1. Prepare Air-Dry Clay
2. Take another small amount of air-dry clay and knead it to soften it up.
3. Flatten and Shape the Windows
4. Roll It Out: Use a rolling pin or a bottle to flatten the clay to about 0.5 cm thickness.
5. Cut Window Shapes: Based on your design sketch, cut out two rectangular pieces of clay for the windows on the ground floor and two for the second floor. Each window should be proportional to the size of the house and fit within the marked outlines.
6. Create Window Frames
7. Add Frame Details: For each window, roll out thin strips of clay to create frames. These should be slightly thicker than the windows themselves. Attach the strips around the edges of each window piece.
8. Add Window Panes
9. Imprint Grid Lines: Use a craft knife to make light cuts in the clay to create the appearance of window panes. You can also use small pieces of clay to add decorative elements like shutters or window sills.
10. Position the Windows
11. Apply Glue: Before attaching the windows to the tile, apply a little water and white glue to the back of each window piece.
12. Secure Them in Place: Position each window in its designated spot on the tile, pressing down gently to ensure a good bond.
13. Add Texture
14. Enhance with a Toothbrush: Use an old toothbrush to lightly texture the window frames, giving them a more realistic wooden appearance.
15. Check for Symmetry
16. Ensure Even Placement: Step back and check that the windows are evenly spaced and aligned. Make adjustments if necessary.

Now that the windows are in place, let's focus on creating the balcony base in the shape of a semicircle. This will provide a charming focal point for your village house sculpture.

1. Prepare More Air-Dry Clay
2. Take a small amount of air-dry clay and knead it until it’s pliable.
3. Roll Out the Clay
4. Flatten the Clay: Roll the clay into a flat piece, approximately 0.5 cm thick. Ensure that it is large enough to form the semicircular shape you desire for the balcony.
5. Shape the Semicircle
6. Cut the Shape: Using a knife or a clay tool, cut the flattened clay into a semicircular shape. The diameter should correspond to your design for the balcony.
7. Add Texture
8. Texturize the Surface: Use a toothbrush or sculpting tools to add texture to the surface of the semicircle, simulating wood or tiles. This will enhance the overall look once painted.
9. Position the Balcony Base
10. Apply Glue: Lightly dampen the area where the balcony will attach to the house and apply a bit of white glue.
11. Secure It in Place: Gently press the semicircular balcony base onto the appropriate location on the house, ensuring it is level and aligned with the windows.
12. Check for Stability
13. Let It Dry: Allow the balcony base to set for a while to ensure it adheres properly. You may want to use a few small supports (like wooden skewers) to hold it in place while it dries.

To enhance the texture of your house and prepare the surface for painting, we will use tissue paper to cover the exposed areas of the roof tile. This technique will create a textured finish and help the paint adhere better.

1. Gather Your Materials
2. Prepare Your Supplies: You will need tissue paper, white glue, and a paintbrush or sponge for application.
3. Cut the Tissue Paper
4. Tear the Tissue Paper: Tear the tissue paper into small pieces. Each piece should be about 2-3 inches in size. The irregular edges will create a more organic texture.
5. Set Aside the Pieces: Have a small stack of torn pieces ready to use.
6. Prepare the Adhesive Mixture
7. Mix Glue with Water (Optional): For a smoother application, you can mix equal parts of white glue and water in a bowl. This will create a more fluid adhesive that’s easier to work with.
8. Apply the Tissue Paper
9. Dampen the Surface: Lightly spray the areas of the tile that will receive the tissue paper with water. This helps the tissue adhere better.
10. Use the Glue Mixture: Dip your paintbrush or sponge into the glue mixture and apply a generous layer to the area where you’ll place the tissue.
11. Lay the Tissue Paper: Gently press a piece of tissue paper onto the glued area, smoothing it out with your fingers or the brush to eliminate any wrinkles or air bubbles.
12. Layering: Continue to add pieces of tissue paper, overlapping them slightly to ensure full coverage. This will create a textured surface reminiscent of a stucco finish.
13. Finish Applying the Tissue Paper
14. Cover All Exposed Areas: Make sure to cover all the areas of the roof tile that have gaps or spaces where clay is not present. This includes the sides and any visible parts of the walls.
15. Seal the Edges: Once all the pieces are applied, brush a final layer of the glue mixture over the top of the tissue paper to seal it and give it additional durability.
16. Let it Dry

Using tissue paper will not only enhance the visual texture of your sculpture but will also create a better surface for painting, allowing your colors to pop and adhere more effectively.

In this step, we will create the two rectangular windows for the second floor of your village house. These windows will enhance the overall look of your sculpture and add a touch of realism.

1. Prepare the Clay for the Windows
2. Gather Your Materials: You will need air-dry clay and sculpting tools for this step.
3. Roll Out the Clay: Take a small amount of clay and roll it out into a flat sheet about 0.5 cm thick.
4. Cut the Window Shapes
5. Create the Template: Use a ruler to measure and mark the dimensions for the windows. Each window should be rectangular, approximately 2 cm wide and 4 cm long.
6. Cut the Windows: Using a knife or sculpting tool, carefully cut out two rectangular pieces of clay according to your measurements.
7. Add Details to the Windows
8. Create the Window Frames: For added detail, you can create a frame around each window. Roll out a thin strip of clay and cut it to fit around the edges of each window cutout.
9. Attach the Frames: Dampen the edges of the window cutouts and press the frames into place, smoothing the edges to ensure a solid bond.
10. Texturize the Windows
11. Simulate Glass Panes: If you want to add the appearance of glass, take a smaller piece of clear plastic or thin film and cut it to fit inside the window frame. Alternatively, you can simply leave the window cutouts as open spaces.
12. Add Window Grills (Optional): Using small pieces of clay, create decorative grills or crossbars for the windows. Roll out tiny strips of clay and place them on the surface of the windows to give them a more detailed look.
13. Attach the Windows to the House
14. Position the Windows: Decide where you want to place each window on the second floor of your house, marking the positions lightly with a pencil or your finger.
15. Apply Adhesive: Dampen the area on the house where the windows will be attached. Apply a bit of white glue to the back of each window.
16. Press and Secure: Gently press each window into place, making sure they fit snugly within the designated spaces.
17. Smooth the Surrounding Areas
18. Refine the Joints: Use your fingers or a sculpting tool to smooth out any gaps between the windows and the house, ensuring a clean transition.
19. Let the Windows Dry: Allow the windows to set and dry completely before moving on to the next steps.

In this step, we will create the door that leads out to the balcony on the second floor. This door will be a focal point of your sculpture and should be crafted with care to enhance the overall design.

1. Prepare the Clay for the Door
2. Gather Your Materials: You will need air-dry clay and sculpting tools.
3. Roll Out the Clay: Take a small amount of clay and roll it out into a flat sheet about 0.5 cm thick.
4. Cut the Door Shape
5. Create the Template: Measure and mark the dimensions for the balcony door. The door should be approximately 5 cm wide and 15 cm tall.
6. Cut the Door: Using a knife or sculpting tool, carefully cut out a rectangular piece of clay according to your measurements.
7. Add Decorative Details
8. Create the Door Frame: Roll out thin strips of clay to form a frame around the door. This will add depth and detail to your door.
9. Attach the Frame: Dampen the edges of the door cutout and press the frame into place, smoothing the edges to ensure a solid bond.
10. Texture the Door: Use a sculpting tool or the edge of a knife to add wood grain texture to the surface of the door. This will make it look more realistic and detailed.
11. Add Door Handles and Other Features
12. Create Handles: Roll two tiny balls of clay and flatten them slightly to create door handles. Attach them to the door by pressing them into place.
13. Optional Details: If desired, you can add additional decorative elements, such as small clay pieces to resemble hinges or a keyhole.
14. Attach the Door to the House
15. Position the Door: Decide where you want to place the door on the second floor balcony. Mark the position lightly with a pencil or your finger.
16. Apply Adhesive: Dampen the area where the door will be attached and apply a bit of white glue to the back of the door.
17. Press and Secure: Gently press the door into place, ensuring it fits snugly within the designated space.
18. Smooth the Surrounding Areas
19. Refine the Joints: Use your fingers or a sculpting tool to smooth out any gaps between the door and the house, ensuring a seamless transition.
20. Let the Door Dry: Allow the door to set and dry completely before proceeding to any additional steps.

With the basic structure of the balcony in place, it's time to add a subtle but important detail: a thin strip of clay along the full width of the balcony edge that will distinguish the floor from the base where the railing will be attached.

1. Prepare a Thin Roll of Clay
2. Roll the Clay: Take a small amount of air-dry clay and roll it into a long, thin strip. Aim for a thickness of about 0.5 cm, ensuring the roll is even throughout.
3. Measure the Length: The strip should match the entire length of the front edge of the balcony, covering it completely.
4. Position the Clay Strip
5. Attach to Half of the Balcony Edge (Width-wise): Carefully place the clay strip so that it covers half of the width of the front edge of the balcony. This creates a clear division: one part will be the balcony floor, and the other will serve as the base for the railing.
6. Smooth the Transition: Use your fingers or sculpting tools to blend the bottom part of the strip with the balcony floor. This will create a seamless transition between the floor and the edge.
7. Perfect the Surface
8. Spray with Water: Lightly spray the strip with water to keep the surface moist and workable.
9. Smooth with Fingers: Use your fingers to refine the strip, ensuring a clean and even finish along the half of the balcony's width that’s covered.
10. Secure the Clay Strip
11. Apply Glue: Dampen the edge slightly and apply white glue to ensure the strip adheres securely to the balcony.
12. Press and Adjust: Gently press the strip down, making sure it remains aligned along the full length of the balcony.
13. Check the Proportions
14. Ensure Balance: Step back to check that the strip looks proportional and that the separation between the balcony floor and railing base is clear and defined.
15. Let It Dry
16. Allow Time to Set: Let the strip dry before moving on to attach the railing posts, ensuring everything stays secure.

Now, we will create the small semicircular balcony for the third floor. This balcony will be smaller than the second-floor one, adding a distinct, compact detail to the house.

1. Sculpt the Semicircular Base
2. Roll the Clay: Take a piece of air-dry clay and roll it out flat, ensuring it’s thick enough to hold its shape but not too thick to weigh down the structure—around 0.5 cm should work well.
3. Shape the Semicircle: Using a tool (or a circular object for precision), cut the clay into a semicircular shape that fits proportionally to the third floor. It should be smaller than the second-floor balcony, providing just enough room for a small overhang.
4. Attach the Balcony Base
5. Position on the Third Floor: Carefully place the clay semicircle on the designated area of the third floor, where the balcony should sit. Make sure it extends outward, as a real balcony would.
6. Smooth and Secure: Dampen the edges slightly and apply white glue to the back of the clay, ensuring it sticks securely to the surface of the roof tile.
7. Support While Drying
8. Add Temporary Supports: Since this small balcony protrudes from the wall, use small wooden sticks or toothpicks to hold the balcony in place while the clay dries. Position the supports under the balcony to prevent it from sagging or falling.
9. Smooth the Surface
10. Spray with Water: Lightly spray the surface of the balcony with water to keep the clay workable.
11. Refine with Fingers: Use your fingers or sculpting tools to smooth the edges and ensure the semicircular shape looks clean and even.
12. Let It Dry
13. Allow to Set: Leave the structure to dry for several hours or overnight, depending on the clay’s drying time, before removing the supports.

The roof tiles are a key detail in bringing your traditional village house to life. To ensure they have a consistent and realistic look, we will start by creating a simple template in the shape of a trapezoid.

1. Make a Trapezoid Template
2. Prepare a Piece of Cardboard: Start by cutting a small piece of cardboard. This will serve as your reusable template for shaping each roof tile.
3. Draw the Trapezoid Shape: On the cardboard, draw a trapezoid with the following dimensions:
4. Top (Smaller) Base: 1 cm
5. Bottom (Larger) Base: 2.5 cm
6. Height: Around 2 cm
7. Cut Out the Template: Using scissors or a craft knife, carefully cut out the trapezoid template. This will help ensure that all your tiles have uniform dimensions.
8. Roll and Flatten the Clay
9. Prepare the Clay: Roll out a piece of air-dry clay until it's about 0.3-0.5 cm thick. You want it thin enough for the tiles to look delicate, but thick enough to hold their shape.
10. Cut the Tiles Using the Template: Place your trapezoid template on the rolled-out clay and use a sculpting tool or knife to cut around the edges. Repeat this process to create as many tiles as needed.
11. Shape the Tiles
12. Form the Tile Curvature: After cutting out each trapezoid, gently press the center of the trapezoid down using a small brush or your fingers to give it a slight curve. This will make each tile resemble a traditional curved roof tile.
13. Refine the Shape: Make sure that the edges remain sharp and the curvature is smooth. You can adjust the curve depending on how steep or shallow you want the roof to look.
14. Let the Tiles Partially Dry
15. Allow Time to Set: Let the clay tiles dry just enough to hold their shape, but not completely hardened, as they will need to be attached to the roof later.

In this step, we will create the two supporting columns for the second-floor balcony. These columns will be sculpted, dried separately, and then securely attached to the balcony.

1. Sculpt the Columns
2. Roll the Clay: Take a small amount of air-dry clay and roll it into two thin cylinders. Each column should be about 0.5 cm thick, and the length should match the height from the balcony floor to just under the overhang.
3. Ensure Symmetry: Make sure both columns are identical in length and thickness for a balanced look.
4. Add Texture to the Columns
5. Wood-Like Detailing: Use a sculpting tool or the edge of a knife to lightly carve vertical lines along the length of each column, simulating the texture of wood. Add some horizontal cuts to give the impression of wood grain.
6. Refine the Shape: Smooth the columns, ensuring the texture looks natural and both columns are even.
7. Allow the Columns to Dry
8. Dry Separately: Let the sculpted columns dry completely on a flat surface. This can take several hours or overnight, depending on the clay you are using.
9. Avoid Warping: Ensure the columns stay straight as they dry. You can gently rotate them during the drying process to prevent any distortion.

1. Attach the Columns to the Balcony
2. Position the Columns: Once the columns are fully dry, position them on each side of the balcony door, leaving a small gap between the column and the edges of the balcony.
3. Apply Adhesive: Use hot glue or silicone for a strong bond, applying it to the back and base of each column. For extra security, you can also use a bit of white glue.
4. Press and Hold: Gently press the columns in place, making sure they are straight and well-aligned with the balcony structure.
5. Perfect the Joint
6. Fill Any Gaps: If there are small gaps between the columns and the balcony or wall, fill them with a tiny amount of clay or silicone. Smooth out the joints using a sculpting tool or your fingers.
7. Refine with Water: Lightly spray the area with water to smooth the clay and ensure a clean, seamless finish.
8. Let the Structure Dry
9. Allow to Set: Let the adhesive dry completely before proceeding to the next steps.

Now that you have a set of handmade roof tiles, it’s time to attach them to the roof of the second floor. This step will give your house the distinctive charm of a traditional tiled roof.

1. Prepare the Roof Surface
2. Check the Roof Shape: Before attaching the tiles, make sure the roof's semicircular base is fully dry and smooth. If necessary, refine the surface by lightly sanding or smoothing out any imperfections.
3. Start with the First Row of Tiles
4. Apply Adhesive: Use white glue or silicone to attach the tiles. Begin by applying a thin line of glue along the bottom edge of the roof, where the first row of tiles will be placed.
5. Place the Tiles (Face Up): Start by placing the first tile on the left side of the roof, aligning the bottom edge of the tile with the edge of the roof. Continue placing the tiles one by one, side by side, with their curved side facing up.
6. Maintain Consistency: Make sure the tiles are evenly spaced, and the edges are aligned for a clean, consistent look.
7. Add Height with a Clay Roll
8. Roll a Thin Strip of Clay: To elevate the next row of tiles slightly and give the roof a more layered appearance, roll a thin strip of clay (about 0.3 cm thick). This strip will act as a spacer between the rows of tiles.
9. Attach the Clay Strip: Apply a line of glue above the first row of tiles and press the clay strip into place along the roof’s surface.
10. Attach the Second Row of Tiles
11. Apply Glue: Apply more glue just above the clay strip.
12. Place the Next Row of Tiles: Start the second row by placing each tile slightly overlapping the ones in the first row. The top edge of the tiles should rest on the clay strip, while the bottom edge should overlap the first row of tiles.
13. Align the Tiles: Ensure that each tile is slightly offset from the ones below it, just like in a real tiled roof. This gives the roof a staggered, natural look.
14. Continue Layering the Tiles
15. Repeat the Process: Continue rolling thin strips of clay and adding additional rows of tiles, following the same steps. Gradually work your way up the roof, making sure each row overlaps the one below it and maintains the staggered alignment.
16. Fill the Roof Area: Continue this process until the entire roof is covered with tiles.
17. Final Adjustments
18. Smooth the Gaps: If you notice any gaps between the tiles, use small amounts of clay to fill them in and smooth the joints with your fingers or a sculpting tool.
19. Refine the Look: Lightly spray the tiles with water if needed to smooth out any imperfections or rough edges.

In this step, we will create the triangular peak that will sit atop your village house, giving it that classic roof silhouette. This triangular structure will also add height and character to your sculpture.

1. Prepare the Clay for the Triangular Peak
2. Gather Your Materials: You will need air-dry clay and sculpting tools.
3. Roll Out the Clay: Take a moderate amount of clay and roll it out into a flat sheet about 0.5 cm thick.
4. Cut the Triangular Shape
5. Create the Template: To form the triangular peak, measure and mark the dimensions. The base of the triangle should be about 3 cm wide, and the height should be approximately 4 cm.
6. Cut the Triangle: Using a knife or sculpting tool, carefully cut out a triangular piece of clay according to your measurements.
7. Create the Rectangular Base
8. Measure the Base: For the rectangular base, cut a rectangle that is about 3 cm wide and 1.5 cm tall. This rectangle will support the triangle and attach it to the top of the house.
9. Cut the Rectangle: Using the knife or sculpting tool, cut out the rectangular piece of clay.
10. Attach the Triangle to the Base
11. Dampen the Edges: Lightly dampen the bottom edge of the triangular piece and the top edge of the rectangular base.
12. Press Together: Align the triangle with the rectangular base, ensuring the bottom point of the triangle sits centrally on the rectangle. Press gently to secure them together.
13. Smooth the Joints
14. Refine the Connection: Use your fingers or a sculpting tool to smooth out any seams between the triangle and the rectangular base, ensuring a seamless appearance.
15. Attach the Triangular Peak to the House
16. Position the Peak: Decide where the triangular peak will sit on top of the house. It should be centered above the roof area.
17. Apply Adhesive: Dampen the area on the roof where the peak will be attached and apply a bit of white glue to the base of the triangular peak.
18. Press and Secure: Gently press the peak into place, ensuring it fits snugly and is centered.
19. Let it Dry

In this step, we’ll create the eaves, which are rectangular strips of clay that run from the edge of the tile to the base of the triangular roof section. These will act as the foundation for placing the roof tiles.

Materials Needed:

1. Air-dry clay
2. Rolling pin or smooth bottle
3. Craft knife or sculpting tools
4. Ruler
5. Water and a brush
6. Clear glue or adhesive

Steps to Build the Eaves:

1. Prepare the Clay:
2. Take a portion of air-dry clay and knead it until soft and workable.
3. Roll out the clay into a thin, flat sheet about 3–5 mm thick using a rolling pin or smooth bottle.
4. Measure and Cut the Rectangles:
5. Measure the distance from the edge of the tile up to where the triangular roof section begins.
6. Cut two rectangular strips of clay that are roughly 1 cm wide (or slightly more, depending on preference) and long enough to span this distance.
7. Attach the Eaves:
8. Place the rectangular strips along the edges of the roof triangle, running from the edge of the tile to the base of the triangular roof.
9. Ensure they are straight and symmetrical on both sides.
10. Smooth and Secure:
11. Lightly brush water along the edges to smooth and blend where the eaves meet the roof.
12. Apply clear glue or adhesive to secure the eaves firmly in place, making sure they adhere well and will support the roof tiles.
13. Refine the Shape:
14. Make any final adjustments to the eaves with your fingers or sculpting tools to ensure they are even and properly aligned.
15. Let them dry partially to hold their shape before continuing with the next steps.

With the floor of the second-floor balcony in place, it's time to create the railing that will provide both a decorative and structural element to the balcony. This step will add detail and give the balcony its distinct look.

Materials Needed:

1. Air-dry clay
2. Rolling pin or smooth bottle
3. Craft knife or sculpting tools
4. Ruler
5. Water and a brush
6. Clear glue or adhesive

Steps to Construct the Balcony Railing:

1. Prepare the Clay:
2. Knead a small portion of air-dry clay until soft and pliable.
3. Roll the clay into thin, even ropes (about 3-5 mm in thickness). These ropes will form the vertical posts of the railing.
4. Measure and Cut the Posts:
5. Use a ruler to measure and cut the posts to a uniform length. Each post should be tall enough to rise slightly above the edge of the balcony floor.
6. Depending on the length of your balcony, cut enough posts to place them evenly across the front of the balcony (typically 5–7 posts).
7. Attach the Posts:
8. Lightly dampen the bottom of each post and press them into the edge of the balcony floor, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
9. Secure each post with a small amount of clear glue for added stability.
10. Create the Horizontal Bar:
11. Roll out another thin strip of clay to form the top horizontal bar that will connect the posts.
12. Cut the strip to the same length as the balcony and carefully place it on top of the posts, pressing lightly to secure it in place.
13. Smooth and Refine:
14. Use water and a brush to smooth the connections between the posts and the top bar, ensuring a clean, polished look.
15. Adjust the posts and bar as needed to keep them straight and symmetrical.
16. Final Touches:
17. If desired, you can add additional decorative details, such as a second horizontal bar at the bottom of the posts for extra stability.
18. Let the railing dry completely before proceeding.

In this step, we will create the smaller barandilla (railing) for the third-floor balcony. This delicate feature will complement the larger balcony railing below and enhance the overall charm of your village house sculpture.

1. Prepare the Clay for the Small Railing
2. Gather Your Materials: You will need air-dry clay and sculpting tools.
3. Roll Out the Clay: Take a small amount of clay and roll it into a long, thin strip about 0.3 cm in diameter. This will be the main support for your small railing.
4. Cut the Small Railing Posts
5. Measure and Cut: Cut out four pieces of clay for the vertical posts of the small railing. Each post should be approximately 1.5 cm tall.
6. Shape the Posts: Roll the pieces into cylindrical shapes, ensuring they are uniform in size.
7. Attach the Small Railing Posts
8. Position the Posts: Decide where you want to place the small posts along the edge of the third-floor balcony. Position one post at each end and two in the center for stability.
9. Dampen the Bottom of Each Post: Lightly dampen the area where each post will be attached to the balcony.
10. Press and Secure: Gently press each post into place, ensuring they are upright and evenly spaced.
11. Create the Top Railing for the Small Balcony
12. Roll Out a Thin Strip: Take another piece of clay and roll it into a long, thin strip about 0.3 cm in diameter. This will be the top railing for the small balcony.
13. Measure and Cut: Cut the strip to the length needed to span the entire small balcony railing.
14. Attach the Top Railing: Dampen the tops of the vertical posts and press the thin strip onto them, creating a solid top railing.
15. Add Decorative Details
16. Texture the Small Railing: Use a small tool or your fingers to add decorative details to the small railing, such as wood grain or other textures.
17. Optional Finishing Touches: If desired, you can add small decorative elements, like tiny balls or carvings, for extra charm.
18. Let it Dry

In this step, we will create additional roof tiles to complete the roofing of your village house sculpture. These tiles will add depth and realism to your creation.

1. Prepare the Clay for the Roof Tiles
2. Gather Your Materials: You will need air-dry clay, a cutting tool, and a template for the tiles.
3. Roll Out the Clay: Take a suitable amount of clay and roll it out into a flat sheet about 0.5 cm thick.
4. Create a Template for the Roof Tiles
5. Design the Template: Use cardboard or stiff paper to create a template in the shape of a trapezoid. The top (smaller base) should measure about 1 cm, and the bottom (larger base) should measure approximately 2.5 cm. The height should be around 1.5 cm.
6. Cut Out the Template: Use scissors to cut out the trapezoid shape from the cardboard.
7. Cut Out the Roof Tiles
8. Place the Template on the Clay: Lay the template on the rolled-out clay sheet.
9. Trace Around the Template: Using a knife or sculpting tool, carefully trace around the template to cut out the tile shapes.
10. Create Multiple Tiles: Repeat this process to make as many tiles as needed for the roof, ensuring you have enough to cover the entire surface.
11. Shape the Roof Tiles
12. Add Curvature: To give the tiles a more realistic look, gently bend each tile into a slight curve. This can be done by pressing the edges with your fingers or using a rounded tool.
13. Allow the Tiles to Dry
14. Set Aside to Dry: Place the cut and shaped tiles on a flat surface and allow them to dry completely. This may take several hours or overnight, depending on the thickness of the clay.
15. Prepare for Attachment
16. Check for Fit: Once the tiles are dry, check their fit on the roof of your sculpture to ensure they align properly.
17. Dampen the Surface: Before attaching the tiles, lightly dampen the roof surface to help the tiles adhere better.

In this step, we will attach the roof tiles to your village house sculpture. This will give your creation a finished and realistic appearance.

1. Gather Your Materials
2. Ensure You Have Everything: You will need your dried roof tiles, air-dry glue or craft glue, and sculpting tools for any adjustments.
3. Prepare the Roof Surface
4. Dampen the Roof: Lightly mist the surface of the roof with water using a spray bottle. This will help the glue adhere better and keep the tiles from cracking.
5. Begin Placing the Roof Tiles
6. Start at the Bottom: Begin by placing the first row of tiles at the lower edge of the roof. Align the tiles so they are evenly spaced and cover the entire width.
7. Apply Glue: Apply a small amount of glue to the underside of each tile before pressing it onto the roof. This will ensure they stay in place.
8. Overlap the Tiles: As you work your way up the roof, overlap each row of tiles slightly over the row below it. This mimics the natural way roof tiles are laid and adds to the realism of your sculpture.
9. Continue Adding Rows
10. Repeat the Process: Continue adding rows of tiles, applying glue and overlapping as you go. Ensure that each tile is secure and that there are no gaps.
11. Adjust for Fit: If you encounter tiles that don't fit perfectly, you can trim them slightly or reshape them with your fingers to ensure a good fit.
12. Finishing Touches
13. Check Alignment: Once all tiles are in place, step back and check the overall alignment and appearance of the roof. Make any necessary adjustments.
14. Allow to Dry: Allow the glued tiles to dry completely, following the glue manufacturer's instructions.

In this step, we will attach the string to your village house sculpture, allowing it to be hung as a decorative piece. This final touch adds functionality and style to your artwork.

1. Gather Your Materials
2. Materials Needed: You will need a length of sturdy string or twine, scissors, and your already prepared roof tile sculpture.
3. Locate the Pre-drilled Holes
4. Identify the Holes: Remember the holes you drilled earlier in the top of the roof tile. These will be used to thread the string for hanging.
5. Prepare the String
6. Cut the String: Cut a piece of string about 30-40 cm long, depending on how low you want the sculpture to hang.
7. Seal the Ends (Optional): To prevent fraying, you can dip the ends of the string in a little glue or use tape until you're ready to thread them through the holes.
8. Thread the String Through the Holes
9. Start at One Hole: Take one end of the string and thread it through one of the pre-drilled holes in the roof tile.
10. Pull Through: Gently pull the string through until there's an equal length of string on both sides of the hole.
11. Repeat for the Second Hole: Do the same for the second hole, ensuring the string is evenly placed.
12. Secure the String
13. Knot the Ends: Tie a secure knot on both ends of the string to ensure it stays in place. You can make a double knot for extra security.
14. Adjust the Length (If Necessary): If the sculpture hangs too low or high, you can adjust the length of the string by re-knotting it.
15. Final Check
16. Ensure Stability: Make sure the string is secure and the sculpture feels balanced when hanging.

In this step, we will create the door for the balcony on the third floor of your village house sculpture. This small detail will enhance the overall character and functionality of your artwork.

1. Gather Your Materials
2. Materials Needed: You will need air-dry clay, sculpting tools, a cutting tool, and a small piece of cardboard or paper for creating a template.
3. Create a Template for the Door
4. Design the Door Shape: On a piece of cardboard or paper, draw a rectangle for the door. A good size might be about 1.5 cm wide and 2.5 cm tall.
5. Cut Out the Template: Use scissors to cut out the rectangle. This will be your guide for shaping the clay.
6. Prepare the Clay for the Door
7. Roll Out the Clay: Take a small amount of air-dry clay and roll it out into a flat sheet about 0.5 cm thick.
8. Trace the Template: Place the cardboard template on the rolled-out clay and use a cutting tool to carefully trace around it, cutting out the door shape.
9. Add Details to the Door
10. Texturing the Door: Use a sculpting tool to add wood grain or other textures to the surface of the door. This can include horizontal lines for planks or vertical lines for panels.
11. Optional Decorative Elements: You can also add small details like a doorknob or decorative carving by using tiny pieces of clay.
12. Attach the Door to the Balcony
13. Dampen the Area: Lightly dampen the area where the door will be attached on the balcony.
14. Position the Door: Carefully place the door into position, ensuring it aligns well with the balcony structure.
15. Secure the Door: Gently press the door into place, making sure it adheres well. You can add a bit of glue if needed for extra hold.
16. Final Adjustments
17. Check for Fit: Ensure the door is straight and properly aligned with the balcony. Make any adjustments as necessary.

In this step, we will paint your village house sculpture entirely white. This foundational color will provide a fresh and clean look, preparing your piece for further detailing.

1. Gather Your Materials
2. Materials Needed: You will need white acrylic paint (or any paint suitable for your clay), a clean paintbrush, a small palette or dish for mixing paint, and a cup of water for rinsing your brush.
3. Prepare the Work Area
4. Choose a Workspace: Set up your workspace in a well-ventilated area. Lay down newspaper or a plastic sheet to protect the surface you're working on.
5. Start with the Base Coat
6. Mix the Paint: Pour a small amount of white paint onto your palette. If you’re using acrylic paint, it should be ready to use straight from the container.
7. Wet the Brush: Dip your paintbrush into the water, then shake off the excess. This will help the paint go on smoother.
8. Apply the White Paint
9. Start with the Large Areas: Begin painting the larger surfaces of the sculpture, such as the walls of the house and the balcony. Use long, even strokes to cover the surface.
10. Use Smaller Brushes for Details: For smaller areas, like the door, windows, and any intricate details, switch to a smaller brush for better control.
11. Check for Even Coverage
12. Inspect Your Work: After applying the first coat, check for any areas that may need more coverage. If you notice any uneven spots or missed areas, add more paint as needed.
13. Let It Dry: Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat. This ensures a smooth and even finish.
14. Apply Additional Coats (If Necessary)
15. Second Coat: If you desire a more opaque finish, apply a second coat of white paint after the first one has dried. Repeat the same painting technique.
16. Final Touches: Once the paint is dry, inspect your sculpture one more time to see if any areas need additional touch-ups.

In this step, we will add small stone slabs to the base of your village house sculpture. This detail will enhance the realism and give your creation a charming, rustic look.

1. Gather Your Materials
2. Materials Needed: You will need small stone slabs (these can be made from clay or purchased), craft glue or silicone, and a pair of scissors or a cutting tool if you need to adjust the size of the slabs.
3. Prepare the Surface
4. Choose the Area for Slabs: Identify the area on the first floor where you want to apply the stone slabs. This is typically along the base of the house.
5. Clean the Surface: Make sure the area is free from dust and debris to ensure proper adhesion.
6. Arrange the Stone Slabs
7. Lay Out the Slabs: Before gluing, arrange the stone slabs in a way that pleases you. You can create a random pattern or a more structured layout.
8. Adjust Sizes as Needed: If any slabs are too large, use your cutting tool to trim them to the desired size.
9. Apply Glue
10. Dab Glue on the Back: Apply a small amount of glue to the back of each stone slab. Be careful not to use too much, as this can create messiness.
11. Press into Place: Firmly press each slab onto the designated area on the first floor of the sculpture. Hold it for a few seconds to ensure it adheres well.
12. Continue Adding Slabs
13. Repeat the Process: Continue to add stone slabs one by one, pressing them into place until the entire base area is covered to your satisfaction.
14. Leave Gaps (If Desired): If you want a more natural look, you can leave small gaps between the slabs to mimic real stonework.
15. Final Adjustments
16. Check Alignment: Once all slabs are in place, step back and check their alignment. Adjust any slabs that may have shifted during the application process.

In this step, we will create a charming bench and some flower pots to enhance the details of your village house sculpture. These elements will add character and bring a sense of life to your artwork.

Creating the Bench

1. Gather Your Materials
2. Materials Needed: You will need air-dry clay, a cutting tool, and sculpting tools.
3. Shape the Bench
4. Roll Out the Clay: Take a larger piece of air-dry clay and roll it out into a rectangular shape about 0.5 cm thick. This will be the seat of the bench.
5. Create the Legs: Roll out two smaller pieces of clay into cylindrical shapes for the legs. Each leg should be around 2 cm tall.
6. Attach the Legs: Position the legs at each end of the rectangular seat. Dampen the contact points slightly with water and press firmly to secure them.
7. Add Details to the Bench
8. Texture the Surface: Use a sculpting tool to add texture to the bench surface, making it look like wood or another material.
9. Let It Dry: Allow the bench to dry completely before handling further.

Creating Flower Pots

1. Gather Your Materials
2. Materials Needed: You will need air-dry clay, a cutting tool, and sculpting tools.
3. Shape the Flower Pots
4. Roll Out the Clay: Take smaller pieces of clay and roll them into balls.
5. Form the Pots: Press the balls into a cup shape with your fingers, creating a hollow center. The pots can be about 2-3 cm tall.
6. Add Texture: Use a sculpting tool to add texture or patterns to the sides of the pots, making them look more realistic.
7. Create Drainage Holes (Optional)
8. Add Holes: If you want a more realistic look, you can use a small tool to poke a hole in the bottom of each pot.
9. Let It Dry
10. Drying: Allow the flower pots to dry completely before painting or placing them in your sculpture.

Placing the Bench and Pots

1. Decide on Placement
2. Choose a Spot: Decide where you want to place the bench and the flower pots around your village house sculpture. A good location is usually near the front of the house or beside the balcony.
3. Secure the Items
4. Dampen the Area: Lightly dampen the area where you will attach the bench and pots.
5. Place Them: Carefully position the bench and pots, pressing them down gently into place.

In this step, we will paint the doors, windows, balcony, roof tiles, and other details of your village house sculpture. This process will bring your creation to life and allow you to express your artistic vision.

Gather Your Materials

1. Materials Needed:
2. Acrylic paints in various colors (such as dark green for doors and windows, earthy tones for tiles, etc.)
3. Paintbrushes of different sizes
4. A palette or plate for mixing colors
5. Water cup for rinsing brushes
6. Paper towels for drying brushes

Prepare the Workspace

1. Set Up Your Area: Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated. Lay down a plastic sheet or newspaper to protect the surface from paint spills.
2. Organize Your Paints: Arrange your paints in a way that makes them easy to access during the painting process.

Painting the Doors and Windows

1. Choose Your Colors: Select a dark green or brown for the doors and windows.
2. Start with the Doors:
3. Use a smaller brush to carefully paint the door. Make sure to cover all the details, including any textures you added earlier.
4. Allow the first coat to dry before adding a second coat for a richer color.
5. Paint the Windows:
6. Use the same color or a contrasting color for the window frames.
7. If you added texture or details to the glass, consider using a lighter color to highlight those areas.

Painting the Balcony

1. Choose a Color: Select a color that complements the rest of your sculpture. Dark browns or deep blues work well for a rustic feel.
2. Paint the Balcony:
3. Use a medium-sized brush to cover the entire balcony area, ensuring to get into all the corners.
4. Allow it to dry completely before inspecting for any missed spots.

Painting the Roof Tiles

1. Select Earthy Tones: Use shades of brown, terracotta, or red to paint the roof tiles.
2. Apply Base Color:
3. Use a larger brush to cover the roof tiles, working from one side to the other.
4. Consider using a stippling technique with a sponge or brush to create texture and depth.
5. Highlight the Tiles:
6. Once the base coat is dry, use a lighter shade to add highlights to the edges of the tiles.
7. This will create a sense of dimension and realism.

Final Touches on Other Details

1. Additional Details:
2. Consider using a fine brush to paint details like shutters, railings, and any other small features.
3. You can add texture by lightly dry-brushing darker shades over lighter base colors.
4. Decorative Elements:
5. If you made flower pots earlier, choose vibrant colors for the flowers and pots to make them pop against the neutral colors of the house.
6. Use greens and yellows for the plants and brighter colors for flowers to bring life to your sculpture.

Clean Up

1. Wash Your Brushes: Rinse your brushes in water and lay them flat to dry.

By painting the doors, windows, balcony, roof tiles, and other details, you are adding personality and vibrancy to your village house sculpture. This step allows you to express your artistic flair, making your creation truly unique.

Now that your village house sculpture is complete and beautifully painted, it’s time to display your creation by hanging it on the wall. This final step will allow you to enjoy your artwork in your home or share it with others.

Gather Your Materials

1. Materials Needed:
2. A sturdy picture hanging hook or bracket
3. A hammer
4. A level (optional, but helpful)
5. Measuring tape
6. A pencil

Decide on the Location

1. Choose a Spot:
2. Find a suitable wall space where your sculpture can be prominently displayed.
3. Consider the height at which you want to hang it, ensuring it’s at eye level for optimal viewing.

Prepare for Hanging

1. Measure and Mark:
2. Use the measuring tape to determine the center point of your sculpture.
3. Mark this point on the wall with a pencil, indicating where the top of the sculpture will sit.
4. Determine Placement for Hook:
5. Depending on how heavy your sculpture is, decide where to place the hook or bracket. Typically, a hook should be placed about 1/3 of the way down from the top of the sculpture.

Install the Hanging Hardware

1. Choose the Right Hook:
2. If your sculpture is heavy, use a stronger hook or bracket that can support its weight.
3. Hammer in the Hook:
4. Position the hook at your marked point on the wall.
5. Use the hammer to securely attach the hook into the wall. Make sure it’s firmly in place.
6. Check Level (Optional):
7. If you have a level, hold it against the sculpture to ensure it hangs straight. Adjust as necessary.

Hang Your Sculpture

1. Hang It Up:
2. Carefully lift your village house sculpture and place it onto the hook.
3. Ensure it is secure and will not fall.
4. Final Adjustment:
5. Step back and admire your work! If needed, make any small adjustments to ensure it hangs straight and looks exactly how you envision it.

Display and Enjoy

1. Add Lighting (Optional):
2. Consider adding a small spotlight or decorative lighting above the sculpture to highlight its details.
3. Share Your Creation:
4. Invite friends and family to admire your artistic work, and don’t hesitate to share your process and the story behind your creation!

Hanging your sculpture not only showcases your artistic achievement but also brings warmth and creativity into your space. Enjoy the beauty of your handmade village house sculpture as it becomes a cherished part of your home decor.

Congratulations on completing your village house sculpture! 🎉 You’ve transformed a simple roof tile into a unique piece of art that tells a story, showcasing your creativity and skills.

Thank you for joining me on this artistic journey. I hope this tutorial has inspired you to see the beauty in ordinary materials and to embrace your creativity. Keep sculpting, keep creating, and most importantly, keep expressing yourself!