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How to Make a Wax Sculpture of Your Hand

One of many artistic outlets, sculpting in wax allows for lifelike detail and finishing. Using your own body, such as hands, feet or even face, is a great way to practice technique. When preparing to sculpt a likeness of your hand, a good choice is a brown modeling microcrystaline wax, which is malleable and very responsive to the heat put off by your hands as you work with it. Start with your sculpture small as a practice run. The detail you incorporate depends upon your creative and artistic ability.

Things You'll Need

  • Camera
  • Wax
  • Sculpting knives, toothpicks or paperclips
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take a series of pictures of your hand from all sides and angles. Use these as reference points. Place them where they can be quickly glanced at, as needed. This avoids the necessity of frequently stopping your work to reposition and study your hand.

    • 2

      Begin working your wax, in whatever amount you choose, until it is malleable in your hands.

    • 3

      Form an oval or egg shape.

    • 4

      Flatten and shape the base of the egg or the largest part of your oval to match the body of your hand. This may take some practice.

    • 5

      Pinch up areas of the wax for the fingers and thumb. If needed, add more softened wax.

    • 6

      Shape the hand according to your reference photos. If desired, you may add detail using sculpting knives or the end of a toothpick or paperclip. Use your tool to etch in nail beds, creases for knuckles and lines in the palm. You can even indicate fine hairs on the back of the hand and fingers.

Sculpture

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