POLYMER CLAY SUGAR SKULLS
POLYMER CLAY
Shelly Arroyo
Early in the process, © Shelly Arroyo
At a recent trip to the Dollar Tree, I picked up two generic metal skulls. What I love about things like these skulls, is they make a great base for a polymer project, without needing to make a base. They keep the item lightweight and cut costs for the project. Since these two skulls were barely even skulls and very, very minimalistic, they were a perfect base to add clay to. Metal is easy to heat at the lower temps in the oven for polymer and since polymer tends to shrink somewhat, the base helps keep an even, solid foundation that doesn’t bend under pressure.
I guess maybe it’s one of those innate characteristics that my genetics blessed upon me, but I have a weak spot for art of all kinds, especially illustration. Dimensional illustration is something I have always loved, taking the subject off the paper and bringing him to life. Polymer clay is a great medium for this type of sculpting. And, the combo really turned out cool on these polymer clay sugar skulls!
Sculpting progress, © Shelly Arroyo
Mr. and Mrs. Sugar Skulls were born from these dollar items. I was also able to incorporate a recycled bottle cap for the base of his hat, for a touch of the unexpected. It added a neat additional texture to the finished sculpt, as well. These skulls are each about four inches high, by three-and-a-half inches deep, excluding the hat.
Bottlecap hat, © Shelly Arroyo
Finished couple, © Shelly Arroyo
Dimensional illustration is something I have always loved, taking the subject off the paper and bringing him to life.
Female side 1, © Shelly Arroyo
Female side 2, © Shelly Arroyo
Male side 1, © Shelly Arroyo
Male side 2, © Shelly Arroyo
Male top side, © Shelly Arroyo
MEET THE AUTHOR
All content and artwork © Shelly Arroyo, A.k.a. Mama Chickpea.
Shelly Arroyo, A.k.a. Mama Chickpea!
I have been a graphic designer excelling in desktop publishing programs, dabbling in web design, and making brand content for twenty years. I have owned my own brick-and-mortar studios, and developed my own brands. Designing user-centric UX, beautiful graphics and meeting deadlines are some of my strongest skills…but don’t forget my killer macaroni and cheese!
PLEASE FOLLOW ME as I embark on a quest to enjoy, learn from, and raise my bamBEANos, in the best way this Mama Chickpea can. Art is my “balance” to life and I enjoy all the DIY therapy I can handle! To learn more about Mama Chickpea, click HERE.
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When I’m not learning something new, I love creating anything arts and crafts, watching comedy, and cuddling with my crew — all alongside being immersed in my love of all things design.
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