Paper Clay Doll Sculpting Techniques

Paper clay is an economical sculpting material made from a blend of paper pulp and pottery clay. Beginner or advanced artists use paper clay because the medium is forgiving and simple to correct mistakes. The clay hardens by air and does not require baking as traditional pottery clay. When dry, paper clay is lightweight, therefore suitable for doll heads. Doll artists use a variety of sculpting techniques to shape the paper clay.

Shaping Paper Clay with Hands

Doll artists use their hands to shape the features of a doll. Pull a paper clay piece from the block. Pull of an amount approximate to the head's desired size. Roll the paper clay piece in a circular motion between the palms until an oblong ball. Hold the oblong ball in one hand and use the nail of the small finger to well out two holes for the eyes. Push the material from the eye sockets toward the center of the face to shape the nose. Tear off an tiny clay piece and roll it in a worm shape and place under the nose for the lips. Roll small balls with your fingers for the eyes. Allow to dry.

Shaping Paper Clay with Molds

Production doll molds are the fastest paper clay sculpting technique. Pull off a piece of clay comparable in size to the selected mold. Roll and press the clay between palms to squeeze out any air pockets. Shape into a ball then press into the mold. Be certain to press the center all the way down to capture the nose. This is usually the deepest part of the doll mold. Remove the paper clay slowly to avoid tearing or disfiguring. Allow to dry.

Shaping Paper Clay with Traditional Tools

Traditional pottery tools help sculpt paper clay doll details when used in untraditional ways. The tools'

shape is ideal for forming eye sockets. Use the smallest tool to roll paper clay to the center to form the nose. The hook tool creates nostrils. Also use the small hook to pull clay from underneath the nose to form the top lip. Form a pouting lower lip with the blending rod. Roll the clay from the chin upward to form a pouting lower lip.

Shaping Paper Clay with Folk Art Tools

Folk art doll artists use common household or natural materials to sculpt the paper clay doll. These folk art tools create unique doll characteristics. Use toothpicks or pine needles to roll paper clay lips and noses. A serrated butter knife can create the eyebrow texture.

References

• paperclayart.com: What is Paper Clay?