For the purposes of this article, you will use Paperclay brand product, not homemade paper clay or fiber clay, which is a combination of clay and cellulose or shredded paper. Choose a soft-body doll pattern. Build your cloth doll according to pattern instructions.
Types of doll heads include flat, ball-shaped, and detailed, which usually includes the nose on a flat surface that is painted afterward. A ball-shaped doll head will best support a Paperclay face that includes a nose, lips and cheekbones but will have painted-on eyes. A flat-shaped doll head is best if you are planning on inserting glass or plastic doll eyes.
Stuff the doll head with cotton batting rather than polyester fiberfill, as it creates a more stable surface for the Paperclay.
The first step in building the Paperclay face can take place the night before you start sculpting. Pinch off a bit of wet Paperclay and place it in a small bowl. Add water to the Paperclay and mash it together with your fingers or a fork, making it the consistency of thick pancake batter. When the mixture is smooth, spread it onto the head, neck, shoulders and breastplate area of the doll, working the mixture into the fabric to create a base.
When this is smooth, sit the doll up and allow it to air-dry overnight. This will create a nice working surface for building the doll face.
To begin your doll head, use warm water and a soft brush to wet the surface of the Paperclay base. Wet Paperclay will adhere better to a damp surface.
Add a smooth layer of Paperclay about ¼- to ½-inch thick over the head, neck and shoulders. If you are using glass or plastic doll eyes, push them into this layer and allow to set for at least one hour.
Add Paperclay to delineate the nose, cheekbones, lips and eyelids. Paperclay is quite sticky, and you might need to wipe your hands often. The Paperclay can be smoothed out by dipping a finger in warm water and smoothing gently over the surface.
When you are happy with the features on your doll head, let it air dry for at least eight hours. You can place it in the oven at its lowest setting for an hour or so as well. According to the manufacturer, Creative Paperclay (TM), there is no danger of fumes, as Paperclay is non-toxic; however, do not leave the project unattended.
When the doll is completely dry, use super-fine sandpaper on the surface to smooth it further. Finish the doll head by painting it with acrylic paints, and seal it with an acrylic sealer.