Project designed by Roberta Altshuler.
Materials:
Premo polymer clay - tan and two other colors
ERAGraphics mold boards - #1, #3, #6
hands and feet metal charms - optional
X-Acto craft knife
Magic Leaf metallic leafing
Rub n' Buff metallic powders
burnt umber acrylic paint
Zap-A-Gap glue
1/4-inch brass or aluminum fluted washers
thin wooden skewer or metal awl
black or tan waxed linen cord - four- or five-ply
pin back
polymer clay brayer, rolling pin or pasta maker
Pearl-Ex powders
Steps:
Face
1. Condition a piece of tan or ivory clay about the size of a large pea.
2. Form the clay into an oval about 1/8 inch thick and about the size of the ball of a thumb.
3. Press the clay into a mold board or an unmounted stamp die (figure A). A swirl or spiral pattern works best (figure B). Use moderate pressure as not to distort the shape, keeping it close to its original size.
4. Roll out a tiny piece of conditioned clay for the nose, forming it into a triangular wedge shape that is thin on one end.
5. Place the nose on the center of the oval and seal all sides.
6. Use a skewer to form eyes and a mouth (figure C).
7. Press washers into the side of the head to represent earrings, making sure they are firmly embedded (figure D).
8. Bake at 225 degrees for 20 minutes.
Body
1. Condition a piece of clay that will roll out to about 1/4 inch thick and approximately two inches square.
2. Smooth on a piece of Magic Leaf onto the clay, but do not cover the entire surface (figure E).
3. Press the clay into a mold board or an unmounted stamp. Use moderate pressure, trying not to distort the shape too much. Keep it close to the original size.
4. Make a small charm or medallion by pressing a design from the board into a conditioned pea-sized piece of light-colored or white clay. Add it to the body.
5. Determine which side to attach the face to and carefully punch three or four holes at least 1/4 inch from the edge.
6. To add arms and legs, punch holes in the sides and bottom of the body at least 1/4 inch from the edge.
7. Add highlights of Pearl-Ex powders to the body if desired.
8. Embed beads, stones and charms into the body.
9. Bake at 225 degrees for 20 minutes.
Embellishment
1. Paint any raised areas with acrylic paint as desired. Let dry and then rub off the raised areas (figure F). Paint the face and then rub off the paint on the raised areas. Paint Rub n' Buff on the raised areas to highlight.
2. Cut waxed linen into eight, five-inch lengths.
3. Thread two pieces of cut linen thread into each hole and knot each pair with an overhand knot. Unravel each piece of cord into strands. This will serve as the hair. Braid of clump the hair and add beads.
4. Position the face so that it covers the holes, letting the hair flow behind the face. Glue the face in place with Zap-A-Gap glue, holding it in position for one minute.
5. Add hands and feet charms or more tufts of waxed linen. Place beads on some strands if desired.
Resources mold board
ERA Graphics
2476 Ottawa Way
San Jose, CA 95130
Phone: 408-364-1124
E-mail:
Roberta@ERAGraphics.com
Website:
www.ERAGraphics.com
waxed linen thread
The Weaving Works
4717 Brooklyn Ave. NE
Seattle, WA 98105
Toll Free Phone: 888-524-1221
Website:
www.weavingworks.com
Rub 'N Buff - AMACO
American Art Clay Co. Inc. (AMACO)
Website:
www.amaco.com
Zap-A-Gap glue
Hobbylinc
76 Bay Creek Rd.
Suite P
Loganville, GA 30052
USA
Phone: 770-466-2667
Toll Free Phone: 888-327-9673
Website:
www.hobbylinc.com
Guests Roberta Altshuler
c/o ERA Graphics
2476 Ottawa Way
San Jose, CA 95130
Phone: 408-364-1124
E-mail:
Roberta@ERAGraphics.com
Website:
www.ERAGraphics.com
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