Halloween mask with paper mache and clay

 WOLD half-mask for Halloween kids and adults

HALLOWEEN DIY mask

WOLF mini mask and claws for Halloween, PDF tutorial, self-paced, instant download.

This is by far the easiest way to make a realistic-looking mini face WOLF MASK and CLAWED Gloves.

It is an easy and fun project!

When facing a little problem a few years ago what to make for my kids for Halloween, I decided to make a mini WOLF mask and the claws that go with it.

You will need basic materials to make this set and even if you do not have some needed supplies, you can easily substitute some with what you already have on hand.

Enjoy yourselves and stay safe this Halloween!

VIEW IT HERE

XOXO, Elena

Pumpkin Girl Doll video class available now

Pumpkin Girl Doll video tutorial

PUMPKIN ART DOLL video class. Available now. 
 
VIDEO TRAILER FOR THIS CLASS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XsQRrRFCBM
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU8kFzF3p10



 
I absolutely love fall! How can you not? All the amazing colors - this is when Nature gives away its warmth and beauty by sharing it’s gifts. Creating a fall-inspired pumpkin girl art doll is a perfect way to dive into the magic of the season while tapping into your creativity.
 
Creating a one-of-a-kind art doll is an incredibly rewarding process, and I urge you to try it! It's a hands-on journey where you start from raw materials—clay, fabric, and paint— and bring something totally unique to life. The joy is in each step.






 
Through this creative process, you'll discover new techniques, problem-solving skills, and creative ideas along the way. Each doll becomes a miniature reflection of your own imagination, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to step back and realize that no two creations will ever be alike. Not only does this process allow you to express your love for the fall season, but it also results in a doll that is entirely your own, one that holds the warmth and creativity of your hands. It’s the perfect project for any creative soul looking to immerse themselves in the magic of autumn.
 
COVERED IN CLASS:
From tracing the pattern into the fabric to the final embellishing touches, you will learn every
step I take in comprehensive and detailed videos about the magic of doll making. We will sew, sculpt, paint and embellish! All what it takes to bring your creation to life.
 
DOLL DESCRIPTION:
14 inches tall, soft-body doll with sculpted head, hands and feet. Ribbon jointed hands. A double-layered, removable skirt. One of a kind and truly unique.
 



 
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Thanks for visiting! E.


xoxo, E.

CHARMING MS FOX SCULPTING CLASS designing anthropomorphic animal art doll

CHARMING MS. FOX tutorial is available again!

This time I updated and added 1 Video for Sculpting the Head for ms Fox,
so you can follow along.

I also updated and detailed the video about a few embroidery stitches.

Welcome to our whimsical workshop where imagination takes center stage! Today, we're diving into the enchanting world of anthropomorphic creatures as we embark on an adventure to create our very own charming foxes, brought to life with clay and fabric.

As we gather around our creative haven, let's first embark on a journey through the woodland realm, where the graceful fox reigns supreme. With its elegant stride, bushy tail, and keen gaze, the fox embodies a spirit of curiosity and cunning that captivates our imagination.

Now, armed with inspiration from nature's own masterpiece, it's time to roll up our sleeves and breathe life into our clay canvases. With each gentle touch and sculpting stroke, we mold the form of our fox companions, shaping their bodies, defining their features, and capturing the essence of their playful personalities.

But our artistic journey doesn't end there! Oh no, for our foxes yearn for a touch of flair and fashion. With scraps of vibrant fabric as our palette, we adorn our creations with coats of fiery orange, snowy white, and midnight black. With each snip and stitch, we craft intricate patterns and textures, transforming our clay sculptures into lively characters bursting with charm and charisma.

As our foxes take shape before our eyes, we marvel at the magic of creation and the boundless possibilities of our imagination. With each detail meticulously crafted, from the flick of an ear to the twinkle in their eyes, our foxes come to life, ready to embark on their own fantastical adventures.

And so, as we gather our finished creations, we revel in the joy of our shared journey, each fox a testament to the creativity and spirit that resides within us all. With laughter ringing through the air and hearts brimming with pride, we bid farewell to our woodland friends, knowing that their enchanting presence will forever linger in the halls of our imagination.

In this workshop of wonder and whimsy, we've discovered that with a dash of imagination and a sprinkle of creativity, anything is possible. So, until our next adventure beckons, may your dreams be as wild and wonderful as the creatures of the forest, and may your heart always dance with the joy of creation.

Xoxo, Elena

GET THE CLASS DETAILS HERE

Make wings with Coffee Filters easy and fun tutorial

Ste-by-step Wings tutorial with coffee filter paper (PDF with many photos).

This is by far the easiest way to make a pair of beautiful wings for your creations. It is a beautiful and fun project!





These wings are around 5-6 inches wide and are great for your one-of-a-kind creations - fairies, dolls, barbie dolls, Blythe, BJD’s, small animal figurines, etc. The pattern can be adjusted to the size of your creation. The wings in this tutorial are very easy to make and all you need are just basic materials.





GET THIS TUTORIAL HERE

Thank you! Elena

EXPLORATIONS IN PAPERCLAY TUTORIAL PDF CLASS

 PAPERCLAY EXPLORATIONS. CLASS OPEN UNTIL JULY 7TH.

 
Express yourself through paper clay and mixed media.
(Step-by-step class in PDF format.)



 
Always wanted to play with airdry clay and create a miniature masterpiece? This is a great course for you to try your hand and explore this fun and easy medium.
 
This class (tutorial) is the 1st in the series of AIR DRY CLAY lessons. The second will be dedicated in sculpting and exploring paperclay (or any other airdry clay) in combination with ENCAUSTIC mediums.



 
TUTORIAL DESCRIPTION:
The course is dedicated to working in air dry clay (paper clay) to create two mini figures: URBAN ANGEL (Portrait/Bust) and CELESTIAL (body shape).







Time to play with paper clay or air-dry clay!

This is a great study course to explore paper clay…look at it as “free form” paper clay. This course is Part 1 to prepare you for Part 2, which will “Sculpting Animal Forms & Encaustic Techniques. Great intro to Paper Clay or Air-Dry Clay, which either one can be use.



 We will cover a step-by-step sculpting process with the use of mixed media techniques to accentuate and texturize the pieces. This course encourages a more abstract approach to sculpting in paper clay. Use of exaggerated shapes and proportions combined with implementation of textures and color will help you take the next steps when working with an air-dry medium like paper clay.






AVAILABLE HERE.
Thanks!, E.

MY FAVORITE SCULPTING TOOLS

 MY FAVORITE SCULPTING TOOLS

In the quiet embrace of my studio, where imagination dances with reality, my favorite sculpting tools become extensions of my creative spirit. Each tool tells a story of countless hours spent coaxing form from raw material, shaping dreams into tangible beauty.

The wood/metal main tool, with its curved edge, is my trusted companion in shaping out intricate details, revealing the essence hidden within the clay.

Beside it lies the small spoon, its delicate curvy shape guided by intuition and skill (it’s handmade my myself). With precision, it breathes life into my vision, shaping delicate features and subtle expressions that convey emotion with a grace all their own.

My favorite drilling bits, its rough rounded surface a contrast to the smoothness it helps achieve. With deft strokes, it refines curves and contours, smoothing away imperfections to unveil the elegance lying just beneath the surface. These are the ones I use all the time when working on special joints.

A variety of plain synthetic flat brushes, assisting me to achieve the smoothest possible surface.

Fabrics, needles, favorite scissors - all my favorite. In combination, they are simple, little and seemingly not important, however, making my life so much easier when wanting to make my doll making dreams true.

But perhaps my favorite tool of all is not a physical one, but rather the boundless imagination that fuels my artistry. With it, I mold not just clay or fabric, but dreams and aspirations, shaping them into tangible reminders of the beauty that exists within us all.

How to revive air dry clay (creative paperclay, airdry clay, etc.)

REVIVING AIRDRY CLAY

I am asked so often what to do with airdry clay (like laDoll, Premier, and Creative Paperclay, etc.) when it becomes hard after sitting on the shelf for a while without being used.

To tell you the truth, eventually, all clays will start hardening even if you store it in a sealed ziplock bag or in an air-tight container.

When I first received my first bag of airdry clay, it arrived slightly hard, and I couldn't understand what was wrong with it, because it was so hard to work with. I was extremely frustrated. Eventually, I threw it out. I knew nothing then (15 years ago) about conditioning and reviving the clays.) I learned a lot since then and now I know exactly what to do when my clay gets a bit harder than what I would like. 

Reviving significantly hardened air-dry clay can be a bit more challenging, but it's still possible. Here's a method you can try:

1. Break into Pieces: If the clay has hardened to the point where it's difficult to work with, start by breaking it into smaller pieces. This will help expose the inner parts of the clay to moisture more effectively.

2. Soak in Water: Place the broken clay pieces into a container filled with water. Make sure the water covers the clay completely. Let the clay soak for an extended period, preferably overnight or even longer if needed.

3. Monitor Progress: Check on the clay periodically to see how it's softening. You may notice that the outer layers soften more quickly than the inner parts. If necessary, gently agitate the water to help facilitate the softening process.

4. Knead Thoroughly: Once the clay has softened to a workable consistency, remove it from the water and start kneading it. Knead the clay thoroughly to ensure that the moisture is distributed evenly throughout.

5. Add Moisture as Needed: If the clay is still too hard in certain areas, you can add more water gradually while kneading. Be cautious not to add too much water at once, as this can make the clay too sticky or mushy.

6. Let it Rest: After kneading, allow the clay to rest for a short while. This gives the moisture a chance to distribute evenly and allows the clay to regain some of its elasticity.

7. Continue Working: If necessary, repeat the soaking and kneading process until you achieve the desired consistency.

8. Store Properly: Once you've revived the clay, store it properly to prevent it from hardening again. Keep it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its moisture.

Reviving significantly hardened air-dry clay may take some time and patience, but with persistence, you can often restore it to a workable state.

XOXO, Elena