Polymer Clay Techniques For Art Dolls

Polymer Clay Techniques for Art Dolls

Polymer clay is especially well-suited for creating hand-sculpted art dolls. Unlike natural clay, polymer clay is a man-made substance that contains polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. Since polymer clay cures at low temperatures, artists can bake the clay in a standard home oven at 275 degrees. Some polymer clay products are designed specifically for sculpting art dolls. Artists who master sculpting, painting and finishing techniques can create beautiful and distinctive hand-crafted dolls.

Conditioning the Clay

Soften and condition the polymer clay before you begin sculpting. Start with clean hands and begin to handle the clay, rolling it in the palms of your hands and kneading it with your fingertips. This action, along with the warmth of your hands, will make the clay soft and malleable. Even if the clay seems pliable enough straight from the package, handling and conditioning the clay will make the finished piece stronger. Many artists chop the clay up in a food processor or run the clay through a pasta machine as part of the conditioning process. Just be sure to use the food processor or pasta machine only for clay and not for food preparation.

Sculpting Techniques

Before you begin sculpting your polymer clay art doll, you will want to create an armature. This armature can be created by bending aluminum wire, florist's wire, pipe cleaners or even aluminum foil into a basic foundational shape. Armatures are essential because they serve as the skeleton for the finished piece. Apply the polymer clay directly to the armature to form the body, leaving the head, hands and feet until the last. Continue to build up the clay until the desired body dimensions are attained.

The head, hands and feet can be sculpted directly from a raw lump of clay or can be created using a mold. If you elect to sculpt from a lump of clay, items such as manicure sticks or large needlepoint needles make good sculpting tools. Small sculpting implements that are designed for use with polymer clay are available from art supply retailers.

If you opt to use a mold for the face, press the clay into the mold and remove. Next, attach the face to a flattened ball of clay, smoothing the clay at the seam to complete the head. It's possible to change the look and expression of a molded face by doing additional shaping and sculpting after the face and head have been attached to the body and blended with the clay that is already on the armature. Attach molded hands and feet to the armature by pressing the armature ends into to centers of the molded pieces. Blend together where the new clay meets the previously attached clay.

Be sure to keep your hands clean as you sculpt. The best way to do this is to keep a washcloth or wet wipes on hand to remove any debris that could stick to the clay. Use isopropyl alcohol to smooth the surface of the clay if desired.

Curing and Finishing

Never attempt to cure a polymer clay sculpture in the microwave. Bake the clay at 265 to 275 degrees in a conventional oven for approximately 15 minutes per 1/4 inch. A sculpture that is 1 inch at its thickest point would need to bake for about 1 hour.

Artists utilize a variety of techniques when it comes to painting and finishing art dolls. Some use acrylic craft paints while others apply liquid foundation to flesh-colored polymer clay after it has been cured. For natural looking hair, attach small sections of mohair to the head with quick drying glue.