Luckily the process went pretty smooth thanks to this book that really taught me everything there is to know about mold making
I chose to use Lego pieces for the containing walls instead of clamps and wood.
So here's the first photo. The head is made of polymer clay resting on plasticine and sprayed with PAM oil (the "extra virgin" is not required! It's what I had in my kitchen...)
Second head...... looking worried! LOL
Third photo: the plaster has set and I removed plasticine and part of the wall, now I'm ready for pouring the second part (and I'll need to re-build the wall and re-spray with Pam)
It took a good 24 hours despite resting under the fan and the AC on.
5th photo: My first porcelain pouring went well
and here are the green pieces that I roughly cleaned and are drying for a first soft firing in the kiln.
If you want to get into mold making, I strongly recommend the book I suggested above.
I bought other books before this but none of them helped me out as much.
This is specific for doll makers. Most other books will teach you how to make molds for pots and cups which is about the same thing but you really get the hang of it when you see another doll maker doing it.
I'll never be a fond mold maker but now I know I can do it.... :-)
Oo, thanks for the book recommendation. I've been curious about the mold making process. :)
ReplyDeleteUsing Lego blocks is an inspiration! I usually use foamcore board, but it is a lot of messing around to get the mould box right.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting! Thanks for sharing:)
ReplyDeleteSuch a great idea using Lego blocks! Love this!
ReplyDeleteI love learning things like this! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
ReplyDeleteDolly Hugs,
Audrey~ www.kicksngigglesnursery.blogspot.com
Amazing work. I don't see the name of the book anywhere? Am I missing something? Also, I am wondering how you got your heads so smooth (before the mold). Is that all hand-sculpting?
ReplyDeleteThanks in advance!
Hannah
Thank you Hannah. Yes the sculpt is hand work. You smooth it by sanding :-)
DeleteThe book is in the Amazon link in between my writing.
Ah, thanks very much. It turned out I had an ad-block thing on so I couldn't see the link. I just tried sanding my latest doll head, but there were a lot of little creases that were hard to get to. I'll have to plan ahead next time I sculpt:) Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteHanna, I wanted to answer directly but you have your emailing disabled and no info in your profile.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, you can fill in the creases. I do that often too.
I don't know what clay you use, but they can all be filled in and re-cooked or air dried, the re-sanded :-)
A lot of "re-s". LOL Good luck!