0,00001 Year Old Fossil

Fossils get your imagination running. The remains of something existing thousands of years ago.....

Well these fossils are very new, young and without any history, but fun to make in under an hour.

Step 1: The Circumstances for Fossils to Grow

I had a few pieces of tile mosaic remaining after renewing the bathroom. What to do with them? Throwing them straight away seems such a waste. So I started drawing on them. I took some examples from a little fossil book. A few color pencils, mainly black and white. And a spray can acrylic color varnish ( hairspray could do as nicely).

Step 2: White

For example:

Draw a spiral on a stone. Don't use any pressure. For the best natural result place it on an edge. Draw white "zebra" stripes across the shell shape

Step 3: Black

Place black stripes in between the white one's. Make the edge of the curl darker. Think of some shadow in the deeper parts

Step 4: Color?

Not necessary but I found it to be a good addition. With some light green, blue or pink color tones light up some areas

Step 5: Save

Save your work with a layer of varnish or hairspray. Don't use laquer. It should not create a permanent shining effect. It should almost disappear after drying. Only preserve the drawing.

Step 6: Details

You will find drawing after the varnish has dried is easier than before. The ( invisible ) layer makes it possible to add finer details and intensify the white or black to create an almost three dimensional look. Cover the new drawing again with a layer of varnish.

Note that the photo's should not be seen larger than actual size ( one or two inches). Enlarging them makes them blurry, and looking less nice than they actually are.

Step 7: Some More "finds"

Here are some more shapes to inspire.

Comments

[hollowayhandbag]

These are fab got my vote

[billbillt]

COOL!!... You are very talented.. Got my vote...

[GWorks]

Lol! at first I thought they were 3D
Great drawing skills, hope to make them for a friend who's into archeology ^^

[Ruud van Koningsbrugge]

I am sure you will discover that it is really easy, and doesn't require great skills!

[GWorks]

Still, it's on stone. Had any trouble with that?

[Ruud van Koningsbrugge]

None. Just like drawing on paper. My stones are porous and non smooth. I don't know what it is exactly, but fine for drawing on.

[Vyger]

I have a big pile of the real thing sitting outside. Along with petrified wood and coprolites (petrified dino poop) . Any suggestions for that?

[Ruud van Koningsbrugge]

A nice sheet of wood or perspex, with fitting holes for all your pieces, Then glue or clamp ( some rubber?) the pieces in and hang on a wall for decoration or use as room divider. Is that an idea?

[BLASTFEMI]

You did such a nice job on these! I love it! I'm going to try and make some too! I have some chalk to use. I hope it works! Thanks for the inspiration!

[BeachsideHank]

That faux trilobite is absolutely riveting, fav'd and voted, exceptional work!

[NathanSellers]

Awesome work. Great drawing and shading skills.

[Somethingtotallyrandom]

That's very cool. I'm going to print it out for the grandkids. Thanks!