DANIEL HORNE'S MONSTER SHOW

So I have a few questions I need some answers to. The other day I got one pound of clay and the cheapest tools I could get and messed around with sculpting. I cant figure out how to post pictures or I would post them. I had a lot of fun playing around sculpting. I was thinking about maybe trying to do a full size sculpt to maybe make a mask or bust. So my first question is should I use a full head armature or use all clay? If I go armature or all clay how much should I start with? I dont want to order to much and I dont want to end up not getting enough.

No Name Dude at November 11, 2011 at 2:17 PM

So I have a few questions I need some answers to. The other day I got one pound of clay and the cheapest tools I could get and messed around with sculpting. I cant figure out how to post pictures or I would post them. I had a lot of fun playing around sculpting. I was thinking about maybe trying to do a full size sculpt to maybe make a mask or bust. So my first question is should I use a full head armature or use all clay? If I go armature or all clay how much should I start with? I dont want to order to much and I dont want to end up not getting enough.

To post pictures just click the box on the left side of the smiley icon this will prompt you to add the photo.

The type of armature to use depends on the type of clay that you are using.

If you have a pound of clay, i do not think that it is enough clay to make a full size bust.

How about trying some 1/3 or 1/2 scale busts to get your feet wet?

This way you can gain some experience  with sculpting and do several sculpts.

The best teacher is pratice.

You can make yoiur own full size armatures to start with by using styrafoam wig forms.

They are cheap and you can find them in any beauty supply shop.

if you have  some more money to play around with, MONSTER MAKERS has a really great full size ridged foam  armature .

I think it's under $60.00.

making your own is not hard but you have to have the right materials

I cast my own armatures.

First I sculpted a skull form in clay then made a silicone mold of it .

I then cast ridged foam into it and let it rise out of the mold (this makes the neck).

To make the bust  or shoulders part of the armature I first get aluminum foil and shape a a rectangle basket.

Making sure that the bottom is nice and flat, you then mix and pour some ridged foam and let it rise  just like bread!

Before it sets, I place the neck of the head foam casting in the middle at the angle that I want  .

let the tow cure and bingo! you have a full size bust armature!

I f you are using  water clay you can buy it at any craft store like Michaels.

It's under $20 for 25 lbs.

If you are using oil clay (like Chavant) you will need at least 5 bricks of clay.

I hope this helps.

GOOD LIUCK!!

Be well,

Daniel

Good stuff Daniel, Thanks