the Maureen Carlson Studio

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Let's Begin Sculpting  Faces in Polymer Clay:
Instructor: Maureen Carlson
Suggested Tools Supplies needed for class

 


* Knitting needles in a variety of sizes, including one that is a size 6, 7 or 8

* Small brushes of good quality (no loose bristles!) in these  approximate sizes: liner (size 0 or 1), round brushes (sizes 2 and 10), a flat or filbert (sizes 4 and 8)

*Sharp needle tool

* Ruler

* Favorite sculpting tools if you have them

*Oven (if using oven-baked polymer clay)

* Pan for baking

* Oven hot pads

Other Useful Things to Have Nearby
* Plastic bags for leftover clay

* Paper towels or clean cloth

* Pencil and paper for notes

* Hand cleaner (Maureen uses Fast Orange without grit)

 
A Word About Ovens

Your home oven is fine for beginners for occasional use, but have on hand a covered pan, either foil or a roaster pan, in which you can place your clay to keep excess fumes from going into your oven or the room.

Toaster ovens may have
too shallow of a depth for
larger faces. There should
be at least 2 inches of space between your baking clay and the walls of the oven to prevent scorching.

 


* Aluminum foil,
regular weight
 
* Polymer clay (PC)
Flesh tone, brand and color of your choice, 4 to 8 ounces (226.8 g)

Other Clays:
You may prefer to use Model Magic, Paper Clay or another type of air-dry clay. The techniques for all clays are similar, though the processes, drying and hardening times will vary.

If you choose another clay rather than polymer clay, do let Maureen know so that she can have her supplies of those clays on hand.

Maureen's clay of choice for sculpting faces is Super Sculpey Living Doll
polymer clay. Living Doll is a soft, flexible, opaque clay that bakes and paints beautifully.

For a variety of skin tones, Maureen mixes in Sculpey Premo polymer clay in colors of browns and beige.
 Both Living Doll and Premo are produced by Polyform Products Company: (Sculpey.com )


* White Polymer Clay, 1 small package for eyes and optional teeth. Clay eyes are great when you're practicing as eyes can become expensive.

* Wire, 18-gauge or 16 gauge, 12 inches

* 91% isopropyl alcohol in container

* Alcohol wipes (optional), small ones, individually wrapped
* Paint:
A basic set to start with would be Acrylic Paint in black, brown, red, white, blue and ochre

* Matte Gel Medium or blending gel
(brand of your choice)
NOTE: Supplies of polymer clay are a bit up and down at present. Note that prices may widely vary, but buy from a reputable source. You don't want old, hard clay! 

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Something to Think About

My friend Nancy always said during her classes, "Don't make it precious."

Making it precious short circuits the learning process. Class projects are almost always learning tools, not your eventual masterpiece. If you stick with it, that will come.

copyright 2021 Maureen Carlson and Wee Folk Creations