What is the Missing Link for Strong, Weather-Resistant Sculptures?
Pal Tiya Premium is the best medium for creating strong, durable, weather-resistant sculptures. Our fortified cement clay combines the strength of stone with the workability of clay, costs a fraction of traditional sculpture materials, and outlasts them outdoors - making it the missing link for sculptors at every level.
For many sculptors, the search for the right medium is as personal as the art itself. When self-taught mixed media artist, Clare Nicholls from Rustic Visions discovered Pal Tiya Premium, she describes it simply as "the missing link I had been searching for."
Here is Clare's heartwarming story from mental challenges through to finding sanctury in her studio...
About Me & My Journey
Art and a love for the natural world have been the heartbeat of my life for as long as I can recall. Growing up in the countryside, I developed a deep-rooted connection to nature and a passion for recycling - always seeing the hidden beauty in reclaimed materials and the rugged textures of the earth.
While I’ve always been a maker at heart, my professional path led me through 30 years in hospitality. However, everything changed in 2020. Like many, I found myself at home, navigating the challenges of a difficult period at work while becoming a full-time carer for my mother and full time single parent. In the midst of that whirlwind, I turned back to my creative roots for solace and started playing with air-dry clay.
What started as a way to find a moment for myself quickly evolved into a deep passion. I realized I wasn't just "playing"; I was finally finding the medium that allowed me to build the 'Rustic Visions' I’d carried with me all along. That same year, I took a leap of faith and started selling my work online. I had to teach myself the ropes of social media and digital marketing from scratch, but seeing my pieces find homes all over the country proved that this was exactly what I was meant to be doing.
For many sculptors, the search for the right medium is as personal as the art itself. When self-taught mixed media artist, Clare Nicholls from Rustic Visions discovered Pal Tiya Premium, she describes it simply as "the missing link I had been searching for."
Here is Clare's heartwarming story from mental challenges through to finding sanctury in her studio...
About Me & My Journey
Art and a love for the natural world have been the heartbeat of my life for as long as I can recall. Growing up in the countryside, I developed a deep-rooted connection to nature and a passion for recycling - always seeing the hidden beauty in reclaimed materials and the rugged textures of the earth.
While I’ve always been a maker at heart, my professional path led me through 30 years in hospitality. However, everything changed in 2020. Like many, I found myself at home, navigating the challenges of a difficult period at work while becoming a full-time carer for my mother and full time single parent. In the midst of that whirlwind, I turned back to my creative roots for solace and started playing with air-dry clay.
What started as a way to find a moment for myself quickly evolved into a deep passion. I realized I wasn't just "playing"; I was finally finding the medium that allowed me to build the 'Rustic Visions' I’d carried with me all along. That same year, I took a leap of faith and started selling my work online. I had to teach myself the ropes of social media and digital marketing from scratch, but seeing my pieces find homes all over the country proved that this was exactly what I was meant to be doing.
As my business grew, I knew I wanted to create pieces that could live where my inspiration came from-the outdoors. I needed a medium that offered the strength of stone but the soul of clay. I sourced Pal Tiya Premium online a couple of years ago, and it was the "missing link" I had been searching for.
I absolutely love working with it because it allows me to combine my vision with my lifelong love for recycling. I can incorporate reclaimed materials into my sculptures, giving them a new life and a story of their own. Since making the switch to this professional medium, I’ve moved from selling solely online to showcasing my work at outdoor exhibitions. Seeing my sculptures standing tall in a natural landscape—weatherproof, permanent, and exactly as I envisioned them—has been the ultimate reward. It has truly changed what I felt was possible for my art.
I absolutely love working with it because it allows me to combine my vision with my lifelong love for recycling. I can incorporate reclaimed materials into my sculptures, giving them a new life and a story of their own. Since making the switch to this professional medium, I’ve moved from selling solely online to showcasing my work at outdoor exhibitions. Seeing my sculptures standing tall in a natural landscape—weatherproof, permanent, and exactly as I envisioned them—has been the ultimate reward. It has truly changed what I felt was possible for my art.
Starting this journey was as much a mental challenge as a technical one. I initially hesitated for six months, gripped by that familiar 'threshold fear' I feel whenever I approach a new material. However, I soon realized that the process demanded a level of strategic patience I hadn't expected.
There were no shortcuts; the limitations weren't in the materials themselves, but in the necessity of the sequence. I had to learn to think several steps ahead—meticulously constructing the wire armature and the foil build-up long before the first layer of product ever touched the piece. By embracing that slow, structural foundation, I turned my initial uncertainty into a disciplined, meditative process where the preparation is just as vital as the finish, as I always want to go a million miles a hour with everything I do, this product gave me patience which is what I needed, not everything is a race.
I needed a material with true longevity ... something that could withstand the elements but still offer the freedom to paint and create fine detail. My first impression was how deceptively simple it felt; just adding water to create a dough seemed so straightforward.
Mastering this process completely changed what I thought was possible in my work. I never imagined I could sculpt pieces with this level of detail that could live permanently outdoors. It has pushed my boundaries, allowing me to take my vision out of the studio and into the open air.
Creative Process
I’ve learned that for me, the best results come from not overthinking the journey. While I gather inspiration from various images and colors, I rarely rely on detailed sketches. I’ve found that a sculpture rarely wants to look like a drawing; the 3D form has a life of its own. I might start with a quick, rough sketch to capture a basic thought, but then I set the paper aside and let the materials take over.
My process is about 'going with it' and enjoying the evolution of the piece. Instead of trying to force a pre-planned image, I react to the form as it grows—balancing the recycled materials, the armature, and the unique texture of the fiber-filled dough in real-time. By letting go of the need for a perfect plan, I allow the creative process to be what it should be: an enjoyable, spontaneous discovery.
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Harlequin Hysteria
With Harlequin Hysteria, I wanted to lean into a 'dark circus' aesthetic—creating a character that feels both whimsical and hauntingly enchanting. I envisioned her as a silent guardian for a garden or forest, a piece that looks like it has a hundred stories to tell.
The true challenge of this piece was pushing the limits of my medium. Despite the rugged, fiber-based nature of the outdoor product, I was amazed by the level of fine detail I could achieve. This was my first time ever sculpting boots, and I enjoyed the puzzle of making them look authentically weathered, using real wire for the lacing. To give her a sense of life, I even incorporated stainless steel for her eyelashes, making them slightly movable and ensuring they remain pristine against the outdoor elements.
From the sharp, textured sweep of her horns to the delicate, layered ruffles of her collar, every inch of her was a lesson in 'going with the flow.' By trusting the process rather than over-planning, I allowed her personality to emerge naturally. She stands as proof that outdoor sculpture can be just as intricate, soulful, and expressive as any indoor fine art.
With Harlequin Hysteria, I wanted to lean into a 'dark circus' aesthetic—creating a character that feels both whimsical and hauntingly enchanting. I envisioned her as a silent guardian for a garden or forest, a piece that looks like it has a hundred stories to tell.
The true challenge of this piece was pushing the limits of my medium. Despite the rugged, fiber-based nature of the outdoor product, I was amazed by the level of fine detail I could achieve. This was my first time ever sculpting boots, and I enjoyed the puzzle of making them look authentically weathered, using real wire for the lacing. To give her a sense of life, I even incorporated stainless steel for her eyelashes, making them slightly movable and ensuring they remain pristine against the outdoor elements.
From the sharp, textured sweep of her horns to the delicate, layered ruffles of her collar, every inch of her was a lesson in 'going with the flow.' By trusting the process rather than over-planning, I allowed her personality to emerge naturally. She stands as proof that outdoor sculpture can be just as intricate, soulful, and expressive as any indoor fine art.
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The Dutchess of Drifting Deams
The Duchess of Drifting Dreams is an exploration of gravity and grace. I wanted to create a character that feels rooted in history - with her corseted dress and layered ruffles - yet is being lifted away by the lightness of her own imagination.
The defining challenge of this piece was the 'floating' balloons. To achieve this without compromising the sculpture's integrity, I engineered a hidden support system using steel rods wrapped in hessian fabric. This maintained an organic, textile texture that blends seamlessly with the sculpted form, allowing the balloons to appear weightless while remaining structurally rock-solid. To anchor her in her royal identity, I embedded a piece of authentic vintage jewelry into her headpiece, giving her a unique, glimmering link to the past.
To ensure she can live permanently in the elements, the entire piece is sealed with a specialized UV and weatherproof varnish. This protection ensures that her vibrant colors and delicate details—from the vintage jewel to the soaring balloons—remain as vivid as the day they were created, regardless of the sun or rain."
The Duchess of Drifting Dreams is an exploration of gravity and grace. I wanted to create a character that feels rooted in history - with her corseted dress and layered ruffles - yet is being lifted away by the lightness of her own imagination.
The defining challenge of this piece was the 'floating' balloons. To achieve this without compromising the sculpture's integrity, I engineered a hidden support system using steel rods wrapped in hessian fabric. This maintained an organic, textile texture that blends seamlessly with the sculpted form, allowing the balloons to appear weightless while remaining structurally rock-solid. To anchor her in her royal identity, I embedded a piece of authentic vintage jewelry into her headpiece, giving her a unique, glimmering link to the past.
To ensure she can live permanently in the elements, the entire piece is sealed with a specialized UV and weatherproof varnish. This protection ensures that her vibrant colors and delicate details—from the vintage jewel to the soaring balloons—remain as vivid as the day they were created, regardless of the sun or rain."
Advice For Beginners
For anyone drawn to sculpture but feeling paralyzed at the starting line, my advice is simple: Just go for it. You don’t need to be someone with a lifelong background in art; if you can mix a dough, you can start a sculpture.
The best way to begin is to start small and focus on the foundation. Every great piece starts with a foil armature. It’s a vital first step that gives your character its skeleton and form before the product ever touches it. Once your armature is solid, don't be frightened to experiment.
I spent six months overthinking my own start, but I learned that the only way to truly understand the material is to get your hands dirty. Don’t put the pressure of perfection on yourself. If something goes wrong, it’s just part of the conversation between you and the work. The 'mistakes' are often where the most interesting details happen. Don't overthink the journey - just enjoy the act of bringing something new into the world.
Sculpture has changed me in ways I never anticipated. Most notably, it has taught me the art of patience. In my previous career, life was fast-paced and often high-stress, but my studio has become a sanctuary where I can disappear into my own world.
Today, creating isn't just a hobby; it’s an essential part of my life. It is something I do every single day, and I honestly feel there would be a significant piece of me missing if I didn’t have this outlet. The process is incredibly peaceful -a moving meditation that balances the mind and feeds the soul. It has shifted my perspective, showing me that when you slow down and trust the materials, the stress of the outside world simply fades away. My work is no longer just about the finished sculpture; it’s about the quiet, restorative joy found in the making."
Sculpting has fundamentally changed me. My studio has become a sanctuary where I have found incredible patience. This daily practice is no longer just a hobby; it’s a meditative part of my life that feeds my mind and soul. Stepping into that stress-free 'little world' where I can create is where I find my true peace.
For anyone drawn to sculpture but feeling paralyzed at the starting line, my advice is simple: Just go for it. You don’t need to be someone with a lifelong background in art; if you can mix a dough, you can start a sculpture.
The best way to begin is to start small and focus on the foundation. Every great piece starts with a foil armature. It’s a vital first step that gives your character its skeleton and form before the product ever touches it. Once your armature is solid, don't be frightened to experiment.
I spent six months overthinking my own start, but I learned that the only way to truly understand the material is to get your hands dirty. Don’t put the pressure of perfection on yourself. If something goes wrong, it’s just part of the conversation between you and the work. The 'mistakes' are often where the most interesting details happen. Don't overthink the journey - just enjoy the act of bringing something new into the world.
Sculpture has changed me in ways I never anticipated. Most notably, it has taught me the art of patience. In my previous career, life was fast-paced and often high-stress, but my studio has become a sanctuary where I can disappear into my own world.
Today, creating isn't just a hobby; it’s an essential part of my life. It is something I do every single day, and I honestly feel there would be a significant piece of me missing if I didn’t have this outlet. The process is incredibly peaceful -a moving meditation that balances the mind and feeds the soul. It has shifted my perspective, showing me that when you slow down and trust the materials, the stress of the outside world simply fades away. My work is no longer just about the finished sculpture; it’s about the quiet, restorative joy found in the making."
Sculpting has fundamentally changed me. My studio has become a sanctuary where I have found incredible patience. This daily practice is no longer just a hobby; it’s a meditative part of my life that feeds my mind and soul. Stepping into that stress-free 'little world' where I can create is where I find my true peace.
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Upcoming Exhibitions: Summer 2026
I am thrilled to have my work featured in several prestigious sculpture settings this year:
Cotswold Sculpture Park: April 1st – September 30th
Wye Valley Sculpture Garden: Early June – Mid-September
Newbury Exhibition: A special showcase in August featuring brand-new work.
Connect with Clare
I love sharing my 'bigger is better' journey and my latest studio builds. You can follow my process and see more of my work here:
Website: www.rusticvisionssculpture.co.uk
Facebook: Rustic Vision Sculpture
Instagram: @rusticvisions91
YouTube: Rustic Visions Studio
TikTok: Rustic Vision Sculpture
I am thrilled to have my work featured in several prestigious sculpture settings this year:
Cotswold Sculpture Park: April 1st – September 30th
Wye Valley Sculpture Garden: Early June – Mid-September
Newbury Exhibition: A special showcase in August featuring brand-new work.
Connect with Clare
I love sharing my 'bigger is better' journey and my latest studio builds. You can follow my process and see more of my work here:
Website: www.rusticvisionssculpture.co.uk
Facebook: Rustic Vision Sculpture
Instagram: @rusticvisions91
YouTube: Rustic Visions Studio
TikTok: Rustic Vision Sculpture
Article written by Yvonne Anderson & Clare Nicholls | 2026
All photos provided by Clare Nicholls
All photos provided by Clare Nicholls
