Uptown Ladies Porcelain Like Face

Create an uptown lady with a porcelain-like face and polymer clay.

By Lisa Galvin, CCD, CPD for AMACO

Materials:

• AMACO® Porcelain-Like Face — Item No. 14143F
• FIMO® Soft Polymer Clay — 2 oz blocks: Indian Red (#24), Plum (#63), and Black (#09)
• AMACO® PolyRoller, Acrylic Roller for Clay (or AMACO® Pasta Machine)
• AMACO® Flexible PolyBlade
• FIMO® Gloss Lacquer
• 1" Pin Back
• E6000 Glue
• Freezer Paper
• Masking Tape
• Toothpick
• Baking Sheet Dedicated to Polymer Clay Use
• Home Oven or Dedicated Toaster Oven
• Index Card

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 265°F (130°C). Cover work area with freezer paper. Tape corners down. Knead a 1 oz block of both Red and Plum clay to condition. Roll each color to create thin clay sheets, approximately 1/16"-1/8" thick.
    
2. HAT: Use blade to cut a 1/2" x 1" strip of Indian Red FIMO® Soft. Lightly press clay onto top of head to create a scull or “swim” cap that will become top of hat. Wrap ends to backside.
    
3. BRIM: Knead remaining Red clay and then roll onto a solid surface with palms; creating a rope slightly smaller than a pencil in thickness. Cut a 11/2" length, center, and then drape the rope across bottom of the clay scull cap, allowing excess to extend at side edges. Lightly press to join. Use fingers and thumbs to pinch rope; shaping to create hat brim. Cut excess if needed.
    
4. SCARF: From rolled sheet, cut an approximate 1/2" x 3" strip of Plum FIMO® Soft. Trim ends to create angled tips of scarf. Position on back side of neck then wrap to front; crossing to resemble a scarf. Press lightly to ensure good contact between clay and the porcelain-like face. Shape as you like.
    
5. HAIR: Knead a dime size ball of Black FIMO® Soft. Roll with palms to create a thin rope. Working with a little at a time; press small pieces of the rope onto the porcelain-like face; creating hair. Use a toothpick to press the clay firmly in place and to form “hair” lines; shaping and styling as you like.
    
6. Trim excess clay from back of head (if needed); smoothing with fingers to taper side edges. Place onto an index card. Bake on a baking sheet for approximately 40 minutes. Let cool.
    
7. Brush with FIMO® Gloss Lacquer. Let dry. Glue on pin back. For best results allow glue to set overnight before use.