Just finished a new group of tiny terrors that I will be listing in my etsy shop this evening between 5 and 6 oclock MST. I was hoping to have these done a couple of weeks ago, but lifes unexpected adventures and a bout with the stomache flu slowed me down a bit. Like Roseane Roseanna Danna said "Theres always something"!!
These tiny ones are a nice break from the larger ghosties. I've been feeling the fairys whisper in my ear though, so who knows maybe the next one will have wings. It's been a while since I've done a fairy.
I've been behind in posting info on my blog, any many of you have asked questions about how to get started creating dolls, and I've promised to post some info about that.
I mostly work in Polymer clay, but occassionally used the japanese stone clay LaDoll.
I started with Super Sculpy and it has been my clay of choice for over twenty years. I mix it with preemo to get the color and consistancy that I like. There are many brands of polymer clay on the market.Each brand is a bit different, some being softer to blend and some much harder. My suggestion is to experiment with some of the small blocks of clay of each to find the one that works best for you.I've tried them all and always find myself going back to Super Sculpy.
You can find it on line and on ebay if you don't have a craft store near you. I buy in bulk from Creative wholesale.com, but there are many online sources. If you are planning on working a lot in polymer clay a pasta machine is a must!!
I see alot of artists in their descriptions of their work talk about baking at the manufacturers recommended temp, But something I concider of MOST importance is "conditioning" the clay. This refers to, Pinching, Pulling,Squishing, and Kneading the clay like you would bread dough. This ensures that the polymers are properly blending consistantly through out the clay. It will make your clay stronger and is essential for good strong clay. Just imagine making a cake, and not properly blending the ingredients, same thing for your clay.To get an idea if your blending enough take a small amount of white clay and add a piece of colored clay to it, now blend untill you have a smooth consistant color without streaks. This blending should be done the same way with the flesh colored clay, even if you are not adding a color. Proper blending is a must,(no matter which brand of clay) and thats where the pasta machine comes in. I run my clay through the machine over and over then work it with my hands, then run it through again and repeat the process. It is time consuming and the most boring thing about creating, but you will be rewarded with a must stronger doll and a nicer look in the end. A doll must not only look appealing but strength in the construction it is a must for your work to last through time!!
I'll write more tips later as promised. I hope this information helps in your doll creating!
Dark Blessings,
Gail
