Use the Non-Stick Craft Sheet to cover and protect your work surface.

The Head
(1) Let the fun begin. Select the type of animal or fantasy creature you would like to make.

(2) Condition the color you have chosen for the head by slicing the clay into 1/8”thick slices with the Nu Blade and running it through the pasta machine on the widest setting about 20 times. Fold the clay each time and run it through fold first to prevent air bubbles.

(3) Shape it into a ball amount the size of a nickel. Gently pull one end of the ball down to create a neck, press against the table to flatten the bottom of the neck.

(4) Gently, using your thumb, index finger and middle finger pull out a nose or a snout for your animal. If you are making a bird, for instance, this step will not be necessary. Simply condition & attach a beak of your chosen color. How big or small to make the nose area depends on the type of animal you’re making.

(5) To make the eyes, use a toothpick and make shallow holes. Place a glass bead on the end of the toothpick and slide the bead into the hole sideways. Make sure that the hole in the bead is not visible. This placement will help the beads remain securely in the “socket”. Insert remaining bead then adjust the lid areas of the eyes to create emotion. 

The Body
(1) Condition the scrap clay as you will be using about 1/2 of it for the torso of your       creature.

(2) First use your Memory Frame as a template and build a small shadow box around it. Decorate and insert what you wish into the box adhering the elements with liquid clay. I lined the inside of mine with a book page then sculpted a small cat and shell to put inside.

(3) When you are satisfied with the contents, insert the Memory Glass into the Memory Frame according to directions on the package. Adhere the frame to the box with liquid clay and bake for 10 minutes at the temperature suggested by the clay manufacturer.

(4) After the clay/frame assembly has cooled from your shadow box, add more scrap clay to make the rest of the body. The size and shape of the torso will depend on the animal that you have chosen. Feel free to experiment with different proportions and have fun with shape. Be sure to add enough extra clay to the top and bottom of the torso to run the kebob skewer through for attaching the arms & legs.

(5) When you are happy with the shape attach the head by inserting ½” of a toothpick into the bottom of the neck. Leave at least 1/2 “ of the toothpick sticking out from the bottom of the head. Place a very small drop of liquid clay on the bottom of the toothpick and insert it into the upper part of the torso. Blend the neck into the torso by spreading the clay downward. Set the body aside.

The Arms, Legs…and Body too
(1) Roll out two logs of scrap clay. Make one log slightly longer and thicker than the other. These will be the arms and legs for your animal. The thicker logs will be the legs and the smaller one is for the arms. Cut each of the logs in half.

(2) Use any technique you want to make a sheet of clay that will serve as “fabric” for your animal’s “costume”. (For clay color tinting and texturizing ideas, see Ranger’s Tips and Techniques page for polymer clay friendly products.)

(3) Wrap each limb in a piece of the “fabric”, gently closing the “seam” by rubbing with your finger.

(4) Wrap the torso in the fabric, leaving an opening for the shadow box frame assembly. 

(5) Now any detail may be added to the clothing or covering of the animal. Things to add could be  a collar, ruffles, a tie, a ribbon, a vest, etc. Let your imagination run wild. Keep in mind that this is a fantasy figure, YOU are bringing it to life in any way you choose. 

(6) Add paws, hands, hooves or whatever appendages you desire by forming them and attaching with a tiny drop of liquid polymer clay.

(7) Gently flatten the end of the upper arm by softly pressing against the table. Use the kabob skewer to poke a hole about 1 inch deep into the flattened end of the arm. Do not  go any deeper than 1”. Repeat that step with each arm and leg.

(8) Use the kabob skewer to pierce a hole all the way through the upper torso of the animal body. This should be placed through the shoulder area. Make sure that the hole is straight and you should be able to see light through the hole. Do the same thing at the lower part of the torso, the hip area.

(9) Lay polyester batting on the craft sheet and gently put the pieces on top. Bake and cool according to manufacturers’ directions.

The Assembly
(1) Slip the Buna cord through the upper hole in the torso of the animal until it comes out the other side. Place one drop of super glue down into the hole of the arm and one drop of glue onto the end of the Buna cord. Quickly stick the Buna cord end into the hole of the arm. Hold in place for 15 -30 seconds. Measure and cut the appropriate length of cord for the other side taking into account the length that will be embedded into the hole in the other arm. Glue in place. Repeat the step for the legs. Let the glue have ample time to dry before handling the doll.

(2) Antique the doll by applying Adirondack Acrylic Dabber in Espresso onto the doll and wiping with a damp cloth, letting the paint settle into the crevices. Let Dry. Enjoy your doll as is or add extra embellishments with super glue to complete your very own unique creation.