Without a history of doll collecting or sculpting, I was struck all of a sudden by an extraterrestrial force during some sleepless night which made me realise that creating a doll is one of my biggest desires in life. Luckily, I had an unopened package of NSP clay (which I had bought for sculpting body parts for special effects make-up) and some sculpting tools so I instantly started frantically sculpting... until I realised I probably should do some research in how to actually go about making this project a realistic one. So here I am! I've studied lots of tutorials (and still looking for more) and have attempted making a test mould with random clay bits to get a feel for the material and the process. I am still in the sculpting part right now and keep finding details I've missed and lots of things I need to correct. Either way, here are some early wip pics: View attachment 231 View attachment 232 View attachment 233 After a couple of hours of sculpting. Unfortunately, I dropped her poor head face first a few times after these pictures (yes, I really need a proper work space). She hasn't got a name yet, hence the lame title. (Edit: Finally found a name for her!)
I think you are doing really well for someone who has never modeled a doll in clay before. This is a link to a list of links to various ball jointed doll making tutorials: http://www.denofangels.com/joints/showthread.php?3942-Ball-Jointed-Doll-Tutorial-Links-(checked-links-2012-08-27) Keep on going, and post your WIP pix here. We love to see new dollies. (^_^)
Thank you! It's so difficult, there's so many details and so much to think about... but it's really worth it! I've had a look at the tutorials - there's so much information I haven't seen before, thank you so much. I've cast my first part now (with a lot of trial and error), I will post about it in a bit, when I get some pictures sorted.
So I decided to cast one of the body parts, to at least see how it is done and see if I am able to do it without failure. The mould worked better than I thought, despite making so many mistakes... (Note to self: Never try pouring moulds early in the morning after a night of no sleep again) I'm pretty sure my way of doing it was very inefficient and I know of other ways to do it, but what I did was: - I poured some silicone into a plastic box, not a lot, but to have a little that the part could rest on - I poured more silicone over the already cured silicone bottom and then placed by part inside it - When the silicone had cured, I sprayed release agent all over the silicone and then filled the rest of the box Mistakes I made: - I forgot to make vents, but at least I remembered before the silicone had already cured, so I had to stick some drinking straws through the silicone and into the sculpt. Completely blind as I was as the silicone is white, I stuck it in the wrong place and made a dent in the shoulder... which I tried correcting with a scalpel once the mould was finished. - I used way too much silicone than needed. I will probably re-make the chest-mould and cut up the old one to fill out new moulds (got this idea from kwmelvins blog ) - I used too little release agent, so the two parts got stuck to each other. I cut it in half with a scalpel and fortunately, it still works fine. - I mixed and poured the resin waaay too slowly when I made the first cast, so the resin started hardening halfway through. - I made keys, but forgot to remove them when pouring the second part. :XD There's a few air bubbles in it and it's certainly not perfect, but I am soooooo excited and relieved that I succeeded! She's not even finished but I love her already! Some pictures: View attachment 235 The first cast where I didn't have time to pour all of the resin in. View attachment 236 My first proper cast! You can really see how many imperfections it has. View attachment 237 After a bit of sanding. I'm not finished sanding her, but it already looks much better.
This looks great so far cant wait to see more. If you dont mind my asking, what type or resin are you using. i love how translucent and warm it looks.
Thank you! Oh not at all, this is the resin I am using. I haven't put any pigments in it, so this is the natural colour of it. I am quite happy with the creamy white colour of it so far though.
thank-you so much for posting this. Im in the sculpting stage and have not tried to make a mold yet. Ive been looking for the right silicone and resin to use. I have to get a sd card for my camera from walmart tomorrow and then I will begin to photograph what Im doing and post here as well . so far Ive spent hours reading tutorials and searching for any information on the net about this process - it would just be the biggest personal accomplishment for me to make something of my own that I made with my own two hands. my friend gave me some good advise and said that the only failure is not trying. Im a beginner . and I would just be thrilled to communicate with you on what you are trying and for you to see what I am trying. hugs~ patti
Take a look at this tutorial and tell me what you all think. http://dreamscreator.thousandmirrors.com/BJD/Otino01record/eng.html she certainly got the head very smooth! and its LaDoll clay . then she used a white mr. surfacer . one in a paint on liquid and the other in a spray. Has anyone used this yet? hugs~patti
Yes, I really agree with your friend! It's not really the easiest thing in the world trying to create a ball jointed doll from scratch and however much you try to study other people's work and learn before you try it yourself, there's bound to be mistakes (hopefully not too expensive ones!) but it's just really worth it. It feels so amazing holding something that you have created entirely yourself. I am really looking forward to seeing your progress too! That tutorial is really nice! I would really like to try using LaDoll sometime, if I can get a hold of some.
This is how she is looking at the moment: View attachment 241 View attachment 242 The legs are a disaster, but I will try to make some modifications to the mould and see if it works out. I purchased a Dremel and found out it's a thing of wonder (despite being too reckless with it at times...)! I really want to modify the stomach as well as it is a bit too flat (in a weird way that makes it look as if she's constantly sucking in her belly >.<), and fill her out a bit. I was so excited when I was finally able to hold her little armless body, even with all of her imperfections. All this trial and error is quite frustrating at times, but I've learned SO much from it!
Looks like she's coming along pretty well! lol about the dremel. I LOVE mine. I initially bought it years ago when I was working with jewelry, but it's definitely been fantastic for modding dolls.
It's such a versatile tool, it's amazing! I've only had it for a week and I already don't know what I would do without it. :XD
