The Best Online Reborn Help Forum!

Date: Sep 11, 2009

Is it easier to start sculpting with minis are full size??

Play Days Dolls · Guru

Debbie, I'm not sure because I've focused on reborning. Based on what I've seen, I think it's a matter of preference. Both of the sculpting DVDs claim to be fine for beginners.

Let's see if we can get some opinions from other members. Pat B (senior moderator) should be along shortly, too.

-- Edited by Buffington on Sunday 13th of September 2009 01:47:37 AM

Buffington · Guru

I started with the full sized babies so for me it was an all-out change to do the minis. But one thing I had with the full sized sculpts is the sculpting forms. Those made it so everything was in it's proper place (no ears above the eye, nose off center, etc lol).

We do have 2 dvd's that are both excellent, one for larger dolls and one for the 6" minis. I like the fact with the minis that you can do an entire body along with the head. The minis are really fun to do but make sure you have smaller tools to use. Secrist also has 2 sizes of sculpting tools.

http://www.secristdolls.com/inc/sdetail/9689
http://www.secristdolls.com/inc/sdetail/52291
http://www.secristdolls.com/inc/sdetail/9685
http://www.secristdolls.com/inc/sdetail/34869

You might want to try one of each and decide for yourself. :)

-- Edited by Buffington on Sunday 13th of September 2009 02:06:45 AM

-- Edited by Buffington on Sunday 13th of September 2009 02:08:00 AM

Tombo · Member

In general it is easier to sculpt big. Sculptors of action figures often sculpt the figure larger and then the factory takes the sculpt and puts it through a reduction process. In all honesty I am just getting ready to make my first baby head... I do other kinds of figures and sculptures and have done so for many years. As I consult with other sculptors the majority seem to find sculpting larger things much easier. It is all personal preference however. And as far as tool size goes, I have found that using the largest tool that will still do the job is the best option. Because of the larger surface area of the tool, it will leave fewer and less intense tooling marks. This means less smoothing is necessary in the end.

Tommie

Play Days Dolls · Guru

Interesting discussion... I'm looking forward to trying to sculpt.

Tina W. · Guru

I can't wait to give sculpting a try as well. I've been wanting to give it a go for awhile now but a bit scared. Reborning is expensive enough , but to get everything for sculpting from scratch YIKES! LOL Right now the pocketbook is a bit empty =(

Tombo · Member

You know it really isn't that expensive to get started. That is the beauty of sculpting with polymer clay. You can start as cheaply as a pound of Super Sculpey purchased at Michaels or AC Moore or some such store with a 50 percent off coupon, improvised tools from around the house, and some aluminum foil. Really to start out... that is about all you really need. Sure there are plenty of tools and supplies that will make things easier in the long run but they certainly aren't necessary.

Tommie

Buffington · Guru

Its like we were taught in wax carving classes... most of the time making your own tools or altering some other tool you have or inexpensive too is the best. We use coat hangers and wooden dowels to make some of our tools. Then flatten/sharpen the end to your desired tool needs. You can do that with just about anything for carving or modeling. Even go look at somewhere that is a general tool place, I'm sure you'll find something you can use. I go to Harbor Freight for some of mine. Or even Menards :)