Warning: The guy that I made is not meant to be "cute" per se, but I think he has a certain rudimentary charm. And I learned a lot making him.
First off, I blended two different colors of clay to get a less "beige" tone for the skin. I don't like an orange-y cast. It looked pretty good until I baked him. That was when it became evident that the fabulous blending that I did was not so fabulous. I guess I should have kneaded for a longer amount of time. Lesson: When you think you are done, go for five more minutes.
Next, I threw together a loose wire armature. I knew I was supposed to build it in such a way that the head would be up off of the pan when I was baking him. But, in my total novice wisdom, I decided that it wouldn't matter too much because I was going to do some color washes and a mohair wig, which would cover his flat spot anyway. Well, his ears cooked more quickly than the rest of him, given their lack of bulk, and they are of a darker cast than the rest of his head. Lesson: If someone 'in the know' suggests something, it might be a good idea to listen. It saves headaches from "fixes" later on.
Once I had him done, I tossed him in the oven for the allotted time period. That part was easy. What I noticed when he came out, however, were all of the slight imperfections where I didn't quite smooth out the joints where extra clay was added. Lesson: Smooth and smooth again.
Note to self: Get smaller tools. My regular clay tools weren't all that helpful due to the small size of the guy.
All that being said, I actually kind of like my little creature and can't wait to color wash, dress and wig him. I'll post final pictures when he feels done.
Any and all suggestions would be appreciated!
Until next time, happy imperfection!
Theresa
Hei:) Thanks for your commments, Theresa.I`m not a "polymer clay person" with expertise, but I have tried to make some small gnome faces, and it was fun! I think we have a very promising polymer artist here!! I am looking forward to see this little guy finishing!! Good Luck and have a nice weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Gunilla! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteOh, super wow! I think he's wonderful... oh to have the patience for something so ting and delicate!!
ReplyDeleteSara xx
You've done a wonderful job!
ReplyDeleteLooks wonderful! I am not super experienced with polymer clay myself, but I thought I'd share a little tidbit. I paint mine. Ok, I cheat ;) But it's an easy way to hide all the little imperfections that I might want to hide. But sometimes, I think the little imperfections are what give them charm, so I leave them or sometimes even highlight them to make a specially charming one ;) I'd wish you good luck with your little guy, but it doesn't look like you need it. Doing great! Oh, and thanks for your comment on my blog!
ReplyDeleteHi! I have to say, Can't believe it is your first one.... he's great! If you want hints, I would say:
ReplyDelete*Use foil inside the head, so you don't have to bake longer, so the ears or thinner parts won't burnt.
*Get an oven thermometer and see if your oven really is the right heat and not more (or less) than needed.
*If you don't want flat parts while baking, put the pieces on quilting batting (But make sure your oven is not too hot, otherwise it will burn!)
I'd love to see him all done!
Martha (Ayala Art)
Martha,
ReplyDeleteThanks SO much for the suggestions! See? I would never have thought to put the pieces on quilting batting. Would I use the cotton batting or the synthetic? (I can picture the synthetic going up in smoke, but one never knows!)
Thanks for taking the time to help!
Theresa