Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

I more often hear of people using polymer clay with face molds than I hear about Paperclay, but there are definitely doll folk out there who use paperclay with molds, or who use paperclay over fabric (usually fabric that's been stiffened first).  Barbara Willis, Deanna Hogan, and Coppermouse Dolls stand out in my mind as several such folk. 

I'm not sure whether you would let Paperclay dry in the mold or whether it makes more sense to remove the Paperclay mask and let it dry, probably draped over something round to help the face keep its form.  It would flatter under its own weight, I think, if not supported while drying.

For sure, most molds require a "mold release" of some kind.  Some people use a spritz of water or advocate a sprinkling of corn starch or baby powder, but in my EXTREMELY LIMITED experience (I do have a little) a very, very light coat of Vaseline seems to work better.  Don't quote me on that, though.  It might depend on the mold material you used, and how it combines/reacts with the type of clay you press into it.  We're getting a little far afield of my area of expertise here, though.   I've only dabbled.  But I've dabbled with interest.  Dolls are a back-burner thought of mine and have been for a long time.  Maybe I'll make one soon...

;)

Here's a link to Barbara Willis, to the page where you can see some of the paperclay molded faces she sells on her site, which become cloth-covered faces.  The doll kits you can make from those faces are also found here:
http://www.barbarawillisdesigns.com/cat … s-Kits.htm

Here's a link to Coppermouse, who has, for years, hosted one of the most WIP-photo-rich dollmaker blogs on the web.  I *love* her for that; she's a teacher and an artist, both.  Be sure to check out her "older posts" to catch a glimpse at the raw look of Paperclay as she's applied it over cloth.  She uses masking tape to protect the fabric which won't be coated with clay.
http://thecoppermouse.blogspot.com/

Here's a link to Deanna Hogan's site.  Deanna is most notably a cloth doll artist but also dabbles in hardened, Paperclay-like dolls.  She uses something called "Messy Mix" to coat/harden her dolls after doing some initial needle-sculpting.  I think she uses Paperclay accents to refine but don't want to take the time in this moment to reread her entire blog, to verify:
http://blueherondolls.blogspot.com/

Hi Michelle!  Long time, no see. :)

I've used Paperclay a few times.  Not paper mache, but Creative Paperclay, which is a very strong airdrying clay.  To answer your questions, here's what I know/did:

1.  You probably don't NEED to prime it, but I did and would.  I used gesso.
2.  I used acrylics although you could also use oils.  I don't think watercolor would adhere or last as well.
3.  I used a spray sealer with a satin finish.  No brush strokes!  I haven't made many Paperclay sculpts, though, and don't have a ton of experience with sealers.  Some can be sanded and then re-sprayed for a very smooth finish.
4.  I bought an out-of-print book by the amazing, late Robert McKinley years ago that was really helpful, but it's very pricey and hard to find nowadays.  I don't have other Paperclay-specific books to recommend.

A few pointers:

- Don't let the clay get too wet or soft. However, a tiny bit of water can help smooth things out.
- You can dry sculpts quicker in a 180 degree oven
- Keep the clay thin if you want it to dry fast
- Don't worry if it cracks as it dries.  You can fill cracks with moist Paperclay and then re-dry
- It's easy to add Paperclay to an existing sculpt.  Best is to roughen the area or wetten it slightly first, then add the new piece(s)
- You can sand the thing to death and use tools to create fine detail after it's dried
- It takes paint beautifully and is extremely light and strong

Have fun!

Thanks everyone!  I'm really lucky; he sold to a lovely collector in Singapore.  It's very cool to think of my bears that far around the world (I'm in California.)

Thanks for the kind compliments, everyone.  Of course I want my bears to SELL, but it's those artist opinions that scare me the most!  lol...:)  I appreciate that you took the time to share them, and that they're so sweet.

Zhuvycia -- Here's a full body pic just for you! ;)

This guy is 13 inches of cute-tastic, I think.  I've been working on a new way to do eyes and I'm really pleased with this outcome.  Hope you like him!

These are available in my Etsy shop today.  Please see link under my avatar if you're interested in a closer look.  My website has multiple photos of each piece, too, but purchasing is through Etsy.

The Frida one is sold. 

I love my collectors. 

So cute!!!

WAY cute!

In general, you don't have to have a blog to leave a blog post.  Sometimes, on some blogs, you have to sign in with an email address, though, before you can post; I believe this is to prevent bots and spam.  It should tell you what to do, right on the "comment" screen.

Some blog services allow blog owners to monitor visitor posts and approve them prior to their posting.  Meaning that your post is sent to the blog owner for approval before it goes "live" on the blog.  In such a case, you wouldn't see your post show up until later, after the blog owner had approved it.  Other blogs allow posts to go live immediately.  In that case, you'd see your post right away, or pretty close to it.

I've had a blog for some time.  It's really fun and much easier to update than a website, with all kinds of news, art, and tidbits.  I highly recommend blogging!

Just adorable!!

So cute and charming.  I do so love your style...

Wow!  Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.

Too cute.

Thank you so much!  No matter how long I do this, I always have a mini-quasi panic attack when I post something new, so the positive feedback just feels so good and affirming.  I appreciate it! 

Thank you both!

Absolutely adorable.

I've been busy in my studio working the kinks out of two new patterns and a pincushion concept.  But everything has now gone live on my site, as of today.  I've got two bears, a wee mouse pinkeep, and a mixed media painting available.  Whee!!

Sure hope you'll pop by for a look -->  www.potbellyarts.com

Thank you for your interest! :)

Good point, Us Bears.  But unless watermarks cover the entire image, they can be trimmed off.  And if they're in a critical area, they can be covered over (clone stamp, etc.) using Photoshop.  Both of these, for the persistent!  But persistent people are out there.

Good ol' eBay.  (sigh)  It's always been so good to me when I've been actively selling.  But it's getting harder and harder to feel safe and comfortable there...

Brings a smile!  Such a cutiepot!

This is so stinking cute and sweet, it makes my teeth hurt.  Seriously, just darling.

Alison, has anyone ever told you that you resemble Kristin Davis, "Charlotte" from Sex & the City??  I think she's incredibly pretty; it's meant as a compliment!!

Ack!  Adorable!!!!  Love her little pointy clown hat and sweet expression.

I always love your work and your lovely signature style.  This one is a charmer!!

TOO... CUTE.

ADORABLE!  Nice to see you again, too...