[Beaver State Rich]

I decided to try sculpting this week. I have never done this before so the effort is not great, however its better than I expected. I grabbed a box of clay on a whim since it was on sale for 5 bucks. Old wig head jammed on a pipe stand I had in the shop made a pretty good stand. 2 hours in front of the tv came up with the old hag.

New project this year will be the Evil Queen/Old Hag transformation seen in Snow Whites Scary Adventures. I was just screwing around but now have something that is actually prop worthy. Of course I dont have any materials to cast a mold...

I spritzed it with water and covered with a bag to let it sit until tomorrow. Hopefully Hobby Lobby will have some silicone casting goo, otherwise I'm going to try the tube silicone and plaster technique. I just need a single resin cast of the face since the witch wears a hood.

 

[Beaver State Rich]

Looking at the pics Im wondering if the mouth is going to cause a problem as its deep an a nasty undercut. Any suggestions?
Should i fill it in a bit?

Im wondering how long the head will stay "fresh" without cracking if covered with a plastic bag and a moist sponge at its base. If it can last a week without cracking i may order proper casting silicone and plaster.

 

[J-Man]

Wow, very nice for a first sculpting attempt! Can't help you on the questions though, never sculpted with clay or made any molds.

 

[weeping angel]

Is there anything you CAN'T do? You learned how to sew plastic for your hitchhiking ghost, and now this!

I look forward to seeing her in your already incredible haunt!

 

[Beaver State Rich]

Ok sleep is good, funny how being on vacation messes with your schedule! Looking at this today the nose looks like Gonzo from the muppets. The jowels also need to be bulked out a bit. Unlike wood or foam carving I can rework clay, cool. Good news is the trashbag kept it soft/moist, I think if I spritz it daily she shouldnt dry out before its done and ready to mold.

 

[punkineater]

First attempt~wow!!! Can't wait to see the finished product. Will be following along to see how you go about it

 

[Beaver State Rich]

Re worked the old girl, much better. Now I have to make the mold.

 

[StormyNightDesigns]

Looks fantastic! A medium I'm looking into trying out as well!

 

[ooojen]

It looks like you do a truly excellent job with your sculpture! Very nice work. You sure it's the first you've sculpted, though? That variety of well-used tools makes me think of the "Beginning Pottery" episode of Community-- haha!

 

[Beaver State Rich]

Tools were kit at hobby lobby on sale for 10 bucks, they are just dirty...that clay is nasty. I have carved but never sculpted.

 

[Beaver State Rich]

 

[Beaver State Rich]

Ok, this is the result of 3 days of silicone, plaster and plastic. Not a perfect cast but it will work once the hair and hood are in place. I learned a lot including how difficult that shape was to get out of the mold. Especially when you dont wax the mold first...oops.


The 2 part resin at hobby lobby and michaels is tricky to get right. Its so thin you cant get it to stay in place for a hollow cast and when swirling it around it will set from liquid to hard instantly. I used 2 kits and poured this solid after first attempt failed. I think it would work great for smaller parts but for a head the thicker resin is needed.

The mold worked and I used the silicone technique by Stillbeast. On an easier face and properly lubed the mold would alow multiple casts. I tried this as I could source all items local at Home Depot and craft store. The naptha thinned silicone worked great, it just takes time. I had to make the plaster shell in 2 pieces but that was pretty straight forward. Again, Stillbeasts videos made it easy. My issues occured when I didnt use his suggested products or called an audible.

 

[ooojen]

Carving is, by definition, sculpture, but yeah every medium certainly has its own quirks. You've certainly done a fantastic job with this. It's fun to watch it develop!

 

[Gym Whourlfeld]

when you quit for the day using clay, cover it with a damp towel first besides the plastic, it will give you more "Time" before any dryness sneaks in and makes the clay crack.

 

[Beaver State Rich]

Does the wet towel cause issues with "melting"? The water based clay seemed really sensitive to water. I'd like to try other types but the water based is whats available locally.

 

[Beaver State Rich]

OK, got an opportunity to paint the old girl. This is also a test of the airbrush. I got my daughter an Iwata and compressor for her B-day this last spring and borrowed it. Not sure if a regular old brush wouldn't have been just as effective.

 

[Beaver State Rich]

OK, that pic from the smartphone sucks. I'll try and get a better one in a bit.