DIY tree trunk table lamp body (part of the feather lamp)

Work in progress of a commission for the table version of my feather tree lamp.
This part details my work on the tree trunk lamp body.
The tree trunk was sculpted using air-dry clay, then gold-leafed and sealed with varnish.
Part 2 on the feather lampshade here:
• DIY feather lampshade ...
My earlier floor lamp version here:
• My DIY feather tree fl...

[@nyesafoster3836]

This is amazing. I’m getting into diys as a sort of self therapy and this definitely looks like my next project. Thanks!! ❤

[@yo2sxm856]

Beautiful work 🌹

[@cathair.stardust]

Thank you!

[@Queenp788]

Beautiful thanks for sharing 🤩🤩

[@gulcicekyildirim]

Mükemmel ❤👏😍

[@khalidaskitchen9955]

Wow amazing

[@cathair.stardust]

Thank you!

[@jamiearty]

What is the stuff you used to seal the metallic and make it hard?

[@cathair.stardust]

You mean the varnish after the gold leaf? It’s just a thin layer of water-based varnish to protect the imitation gold leaf, prevents it from tarnishing over time. It doesn’t actually make anything hard and it’s fine if you choose not to apply it.

[@Akroutihajer]

Can i use gympsum dear instead of clay?

[@gloriaifanse4663]

Thank you for sharing this. I also wanted to know did you glue the tree trunk on to the lamp or just tape it?

[@cathair.stardust]

The tree trunk was built around the lamp with air dry clay. No glue or tape necessary. I used tape on some areas only to make the process easier so that the clay doesn’t move around too much as I was working on it but it’s ok to skip it. You just need to make sure you mould the clay tightly and leave no air or gaps within.

[@dalinkwentBre]

What's size screws did you use.to hold the feathers

[@cathair.stardust]

The bigger/longer the feathers the thicker the stems. So if you’re asking about the width of the coupling nuts & corresponding screws which will determine the size of your drill holes, the feathers used for my table lamp fit well into 4mm width. The length of the coupling nuts (that hold the feathers) were mostly 30mm & 40mm for the table lamp feathers. I used the longer ones when I needed to add more lift to prevent some of the feathers from drooping.