Elements Issue | Table of Contents
I am going to show you how I form a face without smoothing until close to the end, so you can see the shapes that are used to form a portrait more easily.
Here is where I will let you in on a little secret- There is no armature wire that I will ever love better than of all things, doorbell wire! Any covered electrical wire is great for armature. I buy mine at Lowes. It is 12 cents a foot, and it can be 
touched nearly straight from the oven, forms a beautiful armature and is very easy to use. Doorbell wire comes in a twisted necklace of red, white and green.
Measure all three wires at least 2 1/2 X the height you wish the doll to be. Cut all three with wire cutters. Separate two strands, saving the third for the arms to be done later.
Twist the two wires tightly together. Fold the twisted pair in half to make loop.
Make a modest sized ball of polymer clay at the top. Work the clay in your hands until it is soft and easy to use. Bake this according to package instructions. I bake my Prosculpt for 25 minutes at 275 degrees. Always check temperature with a thermometer and set a timer. I never use a metal dish. I learned that the hard way. Glass or porcelain is best. I also use marble.
To read the rest of Shelly Lampshire's article, please purchase this issue.
