THE CUTEST ROOSTER
INSPIRATIONPOLYMER CLAY
Shelly Arroyo
Rooster tail detail. © Shelly Arroyo
It can be totally fulfilling to take a broken or trashed item and turn it into something amazing. In the case of this garage sale ceramic rooster, I saw past its hideous, and somewhat broken, exterior. He was free in a bin and I found the challenge of making him new again of the utmost excitement for my collection. He was the cutest rooster.
Broken rooster. © Shelly Arroyo
I decided on the coloring I wanted for his base and started sculpting away. The key to clay-covered projects like this one, is finding an item that can bake at low temp, doesn’t set off fumes, does not shrink in the heat, and can support the clay being formed on top. Being that ceramics are often cured at very high temps, this made this freebie rooster a good candidate to illustrate on top of, while not wasting too much clay. The hollow insides of the existing rooster allowed for the rooster to stay lightweight, as well.
Beginning the clay base (and fixing the broken comb), © Shelly Arroyo
Rooster sculpt detail (before the bluebird), © Shelly Arroyo
Rooster sculpt detail (everyone needs a friend), © Shelly Arroyo
It can be totally fulfilling to take a broken or trashed item and turn it into something amazing.
Rooster sculpt with added bluebird (in finishing stages), © Shelly Arroyo
Rooster (patina finishing stages), © Shelly Arroyo
Rooster tail detail, © Shelly Arroyo
MEET THE AUTHOR
All content and artwork © Shelly Arroyo, A.k.a. Mama Chickpea.
Shelly Arroyo, A.k.a. Mama Chickpea!
I have been a graphic designer excelling in desktop publishing programs, dabbling in web design, and making brand content for twenty years. I have owned my own brick-and-mortar studios, and developed my own brands. Designing user-centric UX, beautiful graphics and meeting deadlines are some of my strongest skills…but don’t forget my killer macaroni and cheese!
PLEASE FOLLOW ME as I embark on a quest to enjoy, learn from, and raise my bamBEANos, in the best way this Mama Chickpea can. Art is my “balance” to life and I enjoy all the DIY therapy I can handle! To learn more about Mama Chickpea, click HERE.
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When I’m not learning something new, I love creating anything arts and crafts, watching comedy, and cuddling with my crew — all alongside being immersed in my love of all things design.
Join me! A journey is always better with friends. 🩷
MY MISSION
© Copyright Mama Chickpea 2026.