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Sculpting BJD skeleton for soft sculpture

Jun 30, 2021

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    1. I'm looking to make some pets for my resin kids and I keep seeing, on certain Etsy poseable art sculptures that they are made on a "BJD skeleton". Does anyone know what they're talking about? Known fact: google search hates me and all I get with any variation on search parameters are actual BJD skeleton dolls, and what I want is a (cheap) armature. Probably YoSD sized or smaller.

      Thanks in advance for any help you can give.
       
      #1 Vindalootoo, Jun 30, 2021
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    2. Hi! I think they're talking about this kind of ball+socket tubing:

      [PARABOX Online shop]

      I'm sure it can be purchased elsewhere, and it probably has an official name, but I'm not sure what it is (although I would like to know). It is used to make stuffed animals, teddy bears, etc. I found more results by looking up "ball and socket armature."

      Here's a video about how to use it:


      I hope this helps!
       
      #2 StellaMarigold, Jun 30, 2021
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    3. I have seen many art doll makers use these flexible armatures.. This brand seems to make them sort of large though.
      Reading about others who feel locline is too large, I learned about Jeton.
      I found a generic version (maybe Jeton but I cant confirm that haha) on an ebay listing, and it seems to have a variety of sizes, including very small!! :3nodding:
      [​IMG]
       
      #3 strawberry_sea, Jun 30, 2021
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    4. Excellent! Thanks so much. That will certainly work for what I have in mind. You all rock!
       
      #4 Vindalootoo, Jun 30, 2021
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    5. @Vindalootoo - You're so welcome! I would like to try making some creatures/pets with this kind of material some day myself, so I appreciate you bringing it up. @strawberry_sea found a great resource, I think!
       
      #5 StellaMarigold, Jun 30, 2021
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    6. Cr's crafts also sells that type of armature Armature - Fasteners - Doll Supplies

      (I'm not associated with them).

      Note that the maximum angle each piece can swivel relative to the one it's connected to is somewhat limited.

      Random aside I believe the actual intended purpose of the stuff was directing fluids while machining such as coolant to a piece being milled.
       
      #6 scripple, Jun 30, 2021
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    7. I just placed an order with them this afternoon! Thanks so much. And you're right. I checked Amazon to see if they carried it and while they don't have the craft white in multiple sizes, there's a 1/4" tool for coolant hose (the stuff you mention) at a fraction of the price! I got some the 1/4" and 1/8" armature, just to mess around with. I'm pretty sure I can bodge together an adapter for the tool to use on the smaller stuff.

      Thanks for the warning re: range of motion. I'm not terribly worried about a lot of movement. It would just be kind of nice to make a furry sorta-kinda kitty that will sit, stand, sleep...and maybe wash its paw. I'm shelling my OC's from my 'NetWalkers books, and there's a kitten-sized alien-crittur that sort of adopts one of my lads that I thought would be nice to make for him. I've purchased a couple of adorable critturs from Gift of Mercury on Etsy (I adore her work) but none of her kitty-types are quite what I want, so I thought I'd give it a try.

      Thanks again, everyone! When it comes in, I'll see about a project journal. Might be kinda scary. :D
       
      #7 Vindalootoo, Jun 30, 2021
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