ArchArad's Corner (WIPs and Painting Goodness!)
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ArchArad
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@Digga and @bgcdazzler - Yeah, the top of the head got patched when I had an issue with the new clay I was trying cracking. So it definitely needs to be trimmed down. I'll get there. 
I'm trying out a local brand of polyclay called Filani. It's a lot more affordable than Fimo for bigger projects like the bust and they sell it in larger package sizes. I just had an issue with baking it when I started using it. The package said to bake at 130-150 °C. That seemed to melt or crack the clay in different areas of the sculpt. So I consulted their website and they say that 130 °C is the maximum temperature you can bake at. I have no idea why there was such a discrepancy between the packaging and the site, but the lower temperature works like a charm. The clay itself is also quite easy to handle without being too soft which I'm enjoying.
I'm trying out a local brand of polyclay called Filani. It's a lot more affordable than Fimo for bigger projects like the bust and they sell it in larger package sizes. I just had an issue with baking it when I started using it. The package said to bake at 130-150 °C. That seemed to melt or crack the clay in different areas of the sculpt. So I consulted their website and they say that 130 °C is the maximum temperature you can bake at. I have no idea why there was such a discrepancy between the packaging and the site, but the lower temperature works like a charm. The clay itself is also quite easy to handle without being too soft which I'm enjoying.
crystella333
New member
with the cracking clay, was it before you started using it, as you were applying it or when it was cooking?
Rule of thumb is lower temperatures are good for baking to stop the clay from getting discoloured.
Rule of thumb is lower temperatures are good for baking to stop the clay from getting discoloured.
bgcdazzler
New member
Sounds like a Fimo knockoff (which is great - local clay for less cash!). I baked the lady in a too hot oven (about 140) after pinning her leg and it all split and cracked :sob:
I've rescued her now I think, but at least you know from my experience that the same can happen to Fimo, so it's not just because your new stuff is cheaper...
I've rescued her now I think, but at least you know from my experience that the same can happen to Fimo, so it's not just because your new stuff is cheaper...
ArchArad
New member
@crystella333 - It cracked once during baking at the wrong temperature. I'm not too worried about the colour - I'm intending to paint them when I'm done. I was more frustrated with it not behaving properly. But I've learned my lesson when baking polyclay - cooler for longer is a safer bet.
@bgcdazzler - Glad you could rescue her! I wasn't too worried about the quality of the clay itself, but I am really relieved that I figured out the baking issues!
@bgcdazzler - Glad you could rescue her! I wasn't too worried about the quality of the clay itself, but I am really relieved that I figured out the baking issues!
ArchArad
New member
So on Friday night a new little character arrived in my head and refused to leave until I'd sculpted him. I worked in him this evening and this is as far as I've got. There's still a lot to do and cleaning up to happen, but I thought I'd share this little guy with you.
Edit: The weight of the staff pulled the hand into a really funny position when I baked him. Similar problem with the book. So his hands have been chopped off while I consider a plan B. And his left arm was a bit shorter than his right which was going to bother me.
But all-in-all I'm pretty chuffed with how he's turning out. The robe looks pretty good IRL and, you can't see it so well from this angle, but he even has curly-toed shoes.
If you're worried about the dimensions - I'm going for a chibi look. I've always quite liked the style and thought that it would suit my natural sculpting style.
Edit: The weight of the staff pulled the hand into a really funny position when I baked him. Similar problem with the book. So his hands have been chopped off while I consider a plan B. And his left arm was a bit shorter than his right which was going to bother me.
But all-in-all I'm pretty chuffed with how he's turning out. The robe looks pretty good IRL and, you can't see it so well from this angle, but he even has curly-toed shoes.
If you're worried about the dimensions - I'm going for a chibi look. I've always quite liked the style and thought that it would suit my natural sculpting style.
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ArchArad
New member
@Digga - I did use an armature, but wanted to sculpt the hands separately so that I could get to them and attach them to the staff and book. So I threaded a wire into the hands and then embedded that into the baked arms. I think that I may have come up with a feasible plan B though which I will try out this evening.
@oistene - I'm glad you think so.
@oistene - I'm glad you think so.
bgcdazzler
New member
After the cat I just knew that chibi was a great medium for you – and so far it looks like it is working out. Great start to the little blighter.
Hands, ugh. I had a devil of a time with them. If you are going to do a hand holding a staff/spoon/axe/whatever, it is worth twisting some wire around the object to stop the hand moving around. I didn't do that at first and every time I touched him the staff would carve a bigger and bigger hole in the hand, and wobble about everywhere.
As for sculpting an open hand... well, I don't recommend it!
Hands, ugh. I had a devil of a time with them. If you are going to do a hand holding a staff/spoon/axe/whatever, it is worth twisting some wire around the object to stop the hand moving around. I didn't do that at first and every time I touched him the staff would carve a bigger and bigger hole in the hand, and wobble about everywhere.
As for sculpting an open hand... well, I don't recommend it!
ArchArad
New member
Just a note
Apologies if my sculpting updates are boring you good folk. I haven't given up on painting, I promise!
I study via correspondence and my study material was delayed in getting to me this semester so my days are busy trying to catch up. And I've gotten involved in an amateur dramatic production of Terry Pratchett's Maskerade so evening rehearsals twice a week are keeping me busy. But time will always be made for hobbies! (It keeps me sane - more important than you could know).
I'm having a fun time exploring sculpting and I hope that you'll bear with me and my odd little experiments.
Apologies if my sculpting updates are boring you good folk. I haven't given up on painting, I promise!
I study via correspondence and my study material was delayed in getting to me this semester so my days are busy trying to catch up. And I've gotten involved in an amateur dramatic production of Terry Pratchett's Maskerade so evening rehearsals twice a week are keeping me busy. But time will always be made for hobbies! (It keeps me sane - more important than you could know).
I'm having a fun time exploring sculpting and I hope that you'll bear with me and my odd little experiments.
ArchArad
New member
He's talking about the amateur drama. YetiSA's wife is in the production with me (for those who know Pratchett, she's playing Granny Weatherwax).
wargamesculptor
New member
Nice little character you've sculpted, has a great feel to it
Maenas
New member
mmmm though I obviously prefer painting sculpting and basework are also of my interest, so I find all of your (SToad, Dazzler and yours) attempts interesting enough
This chibi miniature looks good atm ^^
On the acting.... I am more on the scenic panic / useless memory side.... hahahahaha
This chibi miniature looks good atm ^^
On the acting.... I am more on the scenic panic / useless memory side.... hahahahaha
bgcdazzler
New member
Not boring me in the least! Keep it coming.
Maskerade was was one of the best, just shaded by Carpe Jugulum in the Granny Weatherwax series. Should be a lot of fun.
Maskerade was was one of the best, just shaded by Carpe Jugulum in the Granny Weatherwax series. Should be a lot of fun.
