Fantastic Figures: Ideas and Techniques Using the New Clays

Here is the product of two decades of dollmaking experience by a professional artist and teacher who presents her proven techniques through clear instruction and illustration. The focus is the complete process of creating unique dolls from the new polymer and paper clays, especially dolls which combine sculpted clay with cloth bodies. The author emphasizes creativity rather than imitation, teaching the arts and skills of bringing your idea to life through the sculpture. After discussing how to think about your idea and about specific planning, she introduces supplies and the ways you should begin to think. She then takes you through each detailed step in sculpting the head and body, curing and finishing the materials, constructing the body and clothing, and creating a display. Clear drawings illustrate every detailed step in the process. For additional inspiration, there are color photographs of dolls by some sixty professional artists. In addition to the instructional materials and the gallery of dolls, the author includes reference materials about the new clays, drawing upon experiences other artists have had in working with them. There are lists of resources, study exercises, and much more.