This is an 'archive' tutorial which originally appeared in issue 35 of the BPCG's "Polynews" newsletter in 2006.
Bored of Barbie? Sick of Sindy? This tutorial shows how it is possible to release poor old dolls from the loft, and set them free in the garden by giving them wings… As a child I was more interested in building-bricks than in dollies, and so any dolls I received as presents were banished to the dolls’ graveyard (i.e. the loft), never to be seen again. Until now… Skill Level: Suitable for beginners upward. Approximate time to make (not including baking): 35 minutes You will need: Pasta machine
Tissue blade
(The following measurements assume a standard polymer clay block-size of 56g.)
1/2 block of white clay
1/2 block of blue clay
A doll who has seen better days and would benefit from a makeover
(Optional:) Two 6cm-long pieces of wire. Superglue or PVA glue.
Step 1 Create a Skinner Blend from two colours of clay (in this case, blue and white).
Step 2 Roll the skinner blend into a log.
Step 3 Cut the log down the middle, into quarters.
Step 4 Squeeze the blue ends of the four pieces into points, to form diamond-shaped canes.
Step 5 Push the four pieces together, so that the lightest colours are all at the top and the darkest colours are all at the bottom.
Step 6 Cut the resulting cane in half, and join the two pieces together side by side.
Step 7 Form the resulting cane into a wing-shape (by squeezing the blue end into a point), and then leave the cane to rest for at least an hour, preferably in the fridge (but do not allow it to touch food).
Step 8 Cut thin slices from the cane (it should keep its shape as you cut).
The slices can then be cooked according to the manufacturer's instructions, and glued to the back of your choice of doll. Alternatively, the looped end of a 6cm piece of wire can be pressed into the bottom (blue) end of the wing before it is cooked. This allows greater flexibility in the mounting of the wings later. For example: 1) Two small holes can be made in the back of the doll with a pin, and the ends of the wires can then be inserted into the holes and secured with superglue. 2) The ends of the wires can be coiled, and glued to the back of the doll with PVA glue. This makes them more easily detachable, and allows for repositioning of the wings later if required. 3) The ends of the wires can be poked through the doll's existing clothes before dressing the doll. This way the wires should not permanently damage or mark the body of the doll. Note: Ensure that the wings are cooked separately, and attached to the doll-figure later. Do not cook the doll itself, as it is likely to be made from a plastic that melts at an even lower temperature than the polymer clay...