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Sunday

Tutorial: Sculpting an Ent

This is what happens when three single objects from my stash come together. :)

1. Cardboard inside of a handtowel roll
2. Kaisercraft oval house number plaque or round MDF base
3. Ceramic mushroom

I debated about using the wooden ones shown (top right) but decided against them, I also chose to use a large round base, rather than the small oval base shown in the first two photos.


You will also need a Hot Glue Gun, Aluminium Foil and a
500gram pack of Mont Marte Air Hardening Modelling Clay.

First I marked where I wanted the Ent and the Mushroom to sit on the base.


After hubby drilled the holes to insert the roll and ceramic mushroom, I used my glue gun to secure them in place.


I then wrapped the tube with crinkled aluminium foil, forming two branches for arms and adding a nose.

  
This gave the tube a rough surface for the modelling clay to adhere to.


Now it was time to add the clay. First I divided it into eight pieces, then softened one piece at a time by kneading it between my fingers, then I squished it until I had thin a sheet. I gradually added each piece in layers over the foil. For the eyebrows and moustache I rolled pieces into strips and added them where I wanted them to sit.


Once the Ent was all covered I began using my sculpting tools to smooth the surface making sure the eyebrows and moustache were firmly and attached before creating the bark like finish.


To give him eyesight and to and add some character, I used a couple of Blythe eye chips, but you could use beads or buttons.

When he's and dry I will paint him and add other plant material to complete a little setting for my fairies to be photographed.

12 comments:

  1. Hi Sandi!
    Wow, this tutorial is really cool! I love it and can't wait to see it finished and photographed with your fairies.
    Greetings ^^

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Lily. It has been really fun to make and it's the first time I've ever sculpted anything.
      Hugs,
      X

      Delete
  2. Hi Sandi,
    This is great! You gave him such personality! :) That's really cool to see the transformation. For your first time, you did pretty darn well!
    Xo Farrah

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Farrah!
      Thank you. I surprised myself with this one, didn't think it would turn out as well as it did. I've always wanted to make an Ent and hubby was the one who encouraged me to give it a go.
      Hugs,
      X

      Delete
  3. This is so cool! The face really has character and it's very interesting to see how you made this. Awesome job!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Linda, I'm pleased you enjoyed the process.
      Hugs,
      X

      Delete
  4. Wow Xanadu, that is one amazing looking Ent. You have great talent using clay. I've tried working with air dry clay before but I'm just no good at carving features into anything.

    I really enjoyed seeing your progress with this. Thank you for sharing with us.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's very kind of you to say that Alasse, but I think it was more good luck than talent. :) I don't think I would have even attempted this if I hadn't received the encouragement from hubby. Surprisingly it was easier than I thought it would be and am thinking of making a few more pieces I could use for props.
      Hugs,
      X

      Delete
  5. Can't wait to see him finished, he's going to make a great background item for some of your tiny dollies!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Irene, I'm always on the lookout for dolly props and although there are lots of great 1/12 scale, I find 1/8 and 1/6 size hard to find. At least now I know how to make some. :)
      Hugs,
      X

      Delete
  6. Hehe, your Ent is cool !
    He will make a great friend for your little fairies ^_^
    Love that u used a cardboard roll too.
    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Carolyn, I do like to recycle when I can. :)
      Hugs,
      X

      Delete

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