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How to Sculpt Human Clay Figures

Sculpting the human figure in clay is useful for creating a variety of small statuary. Employ clay sculptures as Christmas ornaments, game pieces, and as decorations on cakes. Modern polymer clays allow you to easily and safely assemble a piece and cure it by baking in a home oven. Many different colors of polymer clay are available, allowing a wide range of creativity without painting. You can find these clays at art supply stores and craft shops.

Things You'll Need

  • Pencil
  • Graph paper
  • Armature wire
  • Wire cutters
  • Polymer clay
  • Utility knife
  • Oven
  • Paint
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sketch a design on graph paper of the figure you would like to sculpt.

    • 2

      Cut a length of armature wire that is two and a half times the total height of your figure.

    • 3

      Bend the wire, starting at the head, so that it forms a supporting column in every major limb. Use the graph paper sketch as your guide as you bend the wire. Add additional wire as necessary.

    • 4

      Push clay onto the wire. Start in the middle of the figure and work your way out onto the limbs. Add more clay than will be necessary for the finished sculpture.

    • 5

      Trim the excess clay from the figure using the utility knife. Use the graph paper sketch as your guide.

    • 6

      Shape the trimmed figure to add details such as facial features, hands, feet and clothing. Be careful not to expose any wire during this process.

    • 7

      Bake your sculpture in the oven according to the clay manufacturer's instructions.

    • 8

      Paint your figure using finishes recommended by the clay manufacturer.

Sculpture

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