Acks! I have newbie questions!

I'm a highschool student too with little income, so I'd love to know as well! Right now I'm practicing with fimo. lol. We'll see how this turns out.. :P

 

If you're going to use sculpey, I's say just just get super sculpey. The regular stuff is kind of crap and won't work to make a good doll at all (This is from person experience, btw, I tried it once and the doll practically exploded apart when i tried to string it XD). And everywhere I have been to shop for sculpey, super sculpey and regular sculpey are the same price, but both of them are really expensive at JoAnn Fabrics :/ If you have a Pat Catan's, I recommend getting it there. They usually have it for about 6 dollars a box, whereas at JoAnn's it is double that.

 

The tip I can give you is for the interior of the doll. Since it has to be empty, you don't have to use expensive metal rods like some tutorials show it, you can use papier mache. You'll see some old newspapers rolled thight do the same job.

Then you add a small layer of clay. You bake/dry/whatever to make it solid and you cut it to take off the paper. Then you build on top. As simple as that.

 

Or!! You could make the entire thing out of paper mache, like a pinata and then sand + cover it with gesso to make it smooth.

 

Maybe? But wouldn't that be fragile when you string it?

 

Definitely don't use terracotta clay. I tried a method where I sort of carved the general shape out of styrofoam (either use flower arranging foam or the hard white stuff you use for crafts) then I sculpted on top of that with terracotta clay. the stuff dries so dusty! and it breaks so easily and doesn't keep its shape while drying. paperclay is a little better but I would say just use super sculpy. I just discovered epoxy clay (Magic Sculpt). the stuff is amazing! I totally love it, but its UBER expensive...

 

Not necessarily? I've yet to try it for a doll, but I've made masks and things out of paper mache, and as long as you make it thick enough it's fairly sturdy. (plus the extra gesso might help) It can dent, but doesn't shatter like sculpey. :0

 

Joann's carries Super Sculpey, and they send out 40% off coupons about once a month. If you can get their 40% off coupon, you could get your SS for cheaper. :3 I have one for this weekend in my email, just pm me if you want me to forward it to you.

 

I had the same question. Here's a link: http://www.denofangels.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49073