Polymer Clay Portrait Sculpture

16-gauge galvanized utility wire
wire cutters
aluminum foil
paper tape
polymer clay (flesh and other colors)
translucent liquid clay
oven
paintbrushes
acrylic paint: black, white and brown
heat-set oil paint: burnt umber, red and black
clay shaper tool
knitting needle
baby powder
vegetable oil
rubbing alcohol
razor blade
nail buffer
photograph of subject to be sculpted
corsage pins
duct tape
drill
wood base
pasta machine - optional
heat gun - optional

1. Use photographs as a model/pattern for the sculpture (figure A).

2. Shape a 5" x 7" sheet of foil into an egg that is slightly smaller than the size of the head that will be sculpted. Cover the foil with paper tape (figure B).

3. Cover the head's armature with a thin layer of clay.

4. Press eye sockets into the head (figure C).

5. Insert a skewer into the bottom of the head to serve as a handle.

6. Paint corsage pins for the eyes:

• a dot of black
• a smaller dot of eye color
• finally an even smaller dot of black onto that (figure D).

7. Insert painted pins into the eye sockets.

8. Sculpt additional parts for the face. Press additional clay onto the face and sculpt into a rough form for the eyelids, nose, lips, cheeks and ears (figure E).

9. After all pieces are attached; bake face at 250 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes.

10. After baking, refine the features to make the sculpture more realistic. Add more clay to certain areas or carve out clay accordingly to form enhanced facial features.

11. After refining the face bake again at 250 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes.