How to Sculpt Figurines in Polymer Clay
When you sculpt a figure out of ceramic or terra-cotta clay, you may become frustrated by the enormous mess that is created. Ceramic or terra-cotta clay also requires an expensive kiln to bake the figure. One alternative is to make a figurine using polymer clay, which can baked in a conventional oven and does not require water in order to sculpt with it. This eliminates the mess involved in sculpting ceramic or terra-cotta clays.
Things You'll Need
- Polymer clay
- Clay knife
- Toothpick
- Cookie sheet
- Acrylic enamel paint
- Paintbrush
Instructions
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1
Knead 1/2 pound of polymer clay into a rounded cylindrical form for 2 to 3 minutes. This will soften the clay and remove any trapped air bubbles that can cause the clay to break apart when baked.
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2
Cut into the clay using a clay knife. If you are sculpting a human figure, cut halfway up the cylinder vertically to separate two pieces for the legs and cut along either side to cut pieces for arms. If you are sculpting an animal, cut pieces for each appendage.
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3
Smooth out the edges of the legs and arms with your fingers, shaping as you go, and add details using a toothpick. You can add features such as hands and fingers, hair or fur, and elbows or knees.
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4
Form the head by pressing your fingertips around the smooth end of the cylinder. Add details with a toothpick. Add features such as eyes, a nose, hair or fur.
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5
Bake the figurine on a cookie sheet in a 200-degree Fahrenheit oven for 10 minutes. The figurine should be firm when sufficiently baked. Allow it to cool for 30 minutes.
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6
Paint the figurine using acrylic enamel paint. If you are sculpting a human form, paint on the skin tone, hair color and clothing. If you are sculpting an animal, paint on the hair or fur color. Allow the paint to dry for 1 hour before displaying the figurine.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
