Santa sculpt (begining to end demo)

[Sandy Claws]

I have a few ceramic tiles that I use for sculpting small things on, I also use them as bases for maquettes. They are about the size of a cd case or roughly 15 cm/6 inches.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santa1.jpg




I used Chavant soft for this sculpt I wanted med but it turns out I forgot to pick some up last trip to the sculpting store, oh well.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/SantaNSPClay.jpg



These are all the tools I used for the sculpt, you'll notice that they are all fairly small in nature as the size of your sculpt will mostly dictate the size of tools you use on it.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santasculptingtools.jpg



I used a clay extruder to form the hair in santa"s beard (more on that later). These are cool tools. If you are using firm clays you will need to warm up it a lot before you will be able to get it through the holes. I microwaved my clay before squishing, even the soft Chavant was to hard.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santaclaypress.jpg

[Sickie Ickie]

Dude! This is awesome! I'm following this closely!

[Sandy Claws]

Thanks Ickie more comming, I can only post 4 pics at a time so it's slow going on my end. I should have it all up tonight.

[Sickie Ickie]

Post away! :D

[Sandy Claws]

A bit of clay in my tile, and some ball barrings for eyes.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santa2.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santa3.jpg


Some blending of the forms, and adding some clay here and there.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santa4.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santa5.jpg

[Sandy Claws]

More clay, a hat, starting in the base shape for the beard. Added some teeth (which I removed later on).
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santa6.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santa7.jpghttp://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santa8.jpg

[Sandy Claws]

Bulking out the forms, and starting to define the beard more.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santa8.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santa9.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santa11.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santa12.jpg

[Sandy Claws]

Refining the shapes, adding more clay here and there. I decided that the most important feature on Santa was his beard (who remembers his face) so I made sure it was the most intresting part of the design. I also decided to close his mouth and give him a more traditional "look". As he evolved I wanted him to look like he belonged in the north pole or even thrived in that environment, a little Nordic even.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santa13.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santa15.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santa16.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santa17.jpg

[Sandy Claws]

One trick you can do if your clay "beard" strands are sticking together is powder them!

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santa19.jpg


Now I started adding the background decoration part of this sculpt, and adding details like the puffy brim around his hat.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santa20.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santa21.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santa18.jpg

[Sandy Claws]

Closeups.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santa27.jpg




Here he is with the details done (eyebrows, cleaning up the overall sculpt with 99% alcohol and the brushes pictured) and the finished background, for the writing I used alphabet soup noodles (and a real bell on his hat).
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santa26.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santa29.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santa28.jpg




Thanks for looking, I hope this was informative or at least fun to see someone's sculpture come to life. I will be continuing this thread, molding here we come.................

[Mummy deer-est]

Wow, Sandy...that is just amazing watching him come to life like that. You should check out Candy Cane's elf if you haven't yet -- she does great work also!

[Sandy Claws]

Thanks Mummy! I know Laurie's work well she creates some great things. I still can't belive her bride is mache!

[Sickie Ickie]

I LOVE THIS THREAD!!! This contains great tips for when I actually start sculpting at some point this year!

[Sandy Claws]

Thanks again Ickie! Molding steps are on the way, if you ever need sculpting info let me know. Did you join in on Playfx's sculpting thread on the hauntforum?

[Sickie Ickie]

No money right now, SC. :( But I have been following it as it unfolds with great interest.

[Sandy Claws]

I wanted to show a project from start to finish and this one had some slightly different molding and casting steps involved so I picked this one to do.
This is not a pretty mold by any means, nor is it the professional way to do things exactly, but it's the way a professional did it at home.

Heres the sculpt from before with the added round keys on the base. I am coring this mold out to make the castings lighter another reason why I picked this job to show the steps.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santa30.jpg


This is one of the keys from the side with an undercut because I'm using a flexible mold the undercuts will be like silicone snaps and hold my mold and core together.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santamoldkey.jpg



I will be using Smooth-on's Body double for the mold and core. You could use any kind of rubber, urethane or any type of silicone I just happen to have a fair bit of body double around and it's great for thin skins that reverse off your castings well.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santabodydouble.jpg


I will be using plaster bandages for the jacket on this, no special reason just it's easy and again I'm doing this at home.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santaplasterbandages.jpg

[Sandy Claws]

Here is my work area with everything I'll need to do the negative part of the mold. Get everything together before you mix you can save some scrambling later on. My Santa is crystal cleared and ready to go.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santamolding1.jpg



Mix the silicone 50/50 it comes in two great colors so it's easy to see if it stirred well before applying, it's almost idiot proof (thats why I'm using it realy). Like any platinum silicone be careful of Latex, sulfur based clays, styrene plastics.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santamolding2.jpg



Now it's evenly mixed and ready to apply. I also kept my Body Double in the fridge for a few days before molding this sculpt this will slow down the setting time and make sure I get all the details.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santamolding3.jpg



The first layer is on, I used the cotton buds to get into the hard parts but my fingers for the rest, a brush works too. When this is set, but not fully gone off I'll add my second layer.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santamolding4.jpg

[Sandy Claws]

On goes the last layer! I wanted to keep the skin thin on this mold so I could reverse it during de-molding so I would not have any seams to deal with.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santamolding5.jpg



He's covered. After the rubber sets I'll add my two part jacket for support.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santamolding6.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santamolding7.jpg

[Sandy Claws]

Now on goes the plaster jacket, be sure you push all the air bubbles out from under the layers I used about 3-4 doubled and overlapping layers. Yes I know it's an ugly little mold but it will work great still. I added a lump at the front to add one of three "feet" for my mold to sit on later while casting. The ridges in the plaster are for an elastic to hold both halves together, if this confuses anyone hopefully the following pictures will better explain.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santamolding8.jpg



When this layer hardens up clean any loose plaster bits off your silicone and plaster edge, then apply vaseline in your seam this is the same thing when life casting.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santamolding9.jpg






Does this pic help explain my techno babble? I'll just stick a wedge under the feet to make it level before adding my plaster. If I were doing this mold for long term use I could lay a board in my mold while doing the jacket and use a contractor's bubble level to make sure. There is nothing worse than having tons of castings to do and have to shim your mold EVERY time!
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santamolding10.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santamolding11.jpg

[Sandy Claws]

Here's the little guy all de-molded.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santamolding12.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santamolding13.jpg

This is the mold all cleaned out and ready to core.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santamolding14.jpg

[Sandy Claws]

For the coring process I used Klean Klay because it's soft and it won't inhibit the silicone plug when I pour it.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santakleenklay.jpg



I used a pasta roller to get nice even layers into my mold, you realy don't need to use this contraption but hey I have one so why not? Rolling out clay with a dowel or flattening with your hands will work to.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santapastaroller.jpg



Clay is going in........... Just make sure you have even coverage.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santamolding16.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santamolding17.jpg

[Sickie Ickie]

What is "crystal cleared" ?

How many coats did you use of the blue stuff?

[Sandy Claws]

After coring out my mold I found my core could stand to be cored as well (that silicone ain't cheap). This is definitely "ghetto" but hey production is not paying for these molds I am. Be sure to vaseline your exposed silicone ( keys) before pouring your core or the layers can bond!
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santamolding19.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santamolding18.jpg

Same as before mix your silicone and pour. I did not seal the Klean Klay before pouring my silicone because I wanted to use it later and like I said K.K wont inhibit it's setting.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santamolding20.jpg


Here's the mold and it's components.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santamolding21.jpg

[Sandy Claws]

This pic shows how the silicone will reverse to help your de-molding process.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santamolding22.jpg



Before doing my plaster work a great trick to stop buildup on your mold which will lead to poor castings later on, is line your jacket with plastic wrap. I can't begin to tell you how often I use this tip.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santacasting2.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santacasting3.jpg




Now for the fun part, using this thing! When adding plaster into molds like this use your fingers to push plaster into every nook and cranny and rub the inside of the rubber to make sure you get a good casting.
My core worked! This sucker will save my at least 2 cents in plaster........... well shipping anyways.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santacasting1.jpg

[Sickie Ickie]

do you have to let each plaster layer dry before adding another, or do you do all layers at once?

[Sandy Claws]

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santacast1.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santacast2.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santacast3.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santacore1.jpg

I hope this project is taking some guess work out of this stuff for those who are learning here. Most of these instructions will work with different materials they just might need adjusting to compensate for different situations, but the basics are the same. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! (It is xmas year round here right).

Stay tuned for painting...................

[Sandy Claws]

This mold is small so I did the plaster all at once, if you do it in layers you don't need to core it out. Crystal Clear is an acrylic spray found in most art stores.

http://www.birchhaby.com.au/datafiles/product/krylon_crystal_clear,_satin_finish_sprays.JPG

[Sickie Ickie]

no, I mean the plaster bandages. heh and what is chrystal clear, and how many layers of the silicone over an average model?

[Sandy Claws]

Damm Ickie your fast at this question thing! The bandages were done half a mold at a time, you can layer them wet on top of each other then they will bond better. When the first half of the jacket was set I released the dividing line and added the new layer. The thickness of silicone depends on the style of mold you do and what type of silicone you use, a block mold is a solid "block" of rubber, but I wanted a thin flexible skin that I could reverse and pop out castings, this style is also called a "sock mold" for obvious reasons.

[Sickie Ickie]

ah! and what is chrystal clear? and how many sili layers usually for a sock mold so it doesn't tear when reversing?

[Sandy Claws]

See post 27 for a link and discription on crystal clear. There is no rule on how many layers for a sock mold but at minimum two, you can release in between layers too for a multi layered sock mold or sock mold within a block mold ect.....

[Sickie Ickie]

I must have missed the 2nd part of post 27. Sorry about that. What is the advantage to a multi layered sock mold?

[Sandy Claws]

It's realy only used if your making fragile or breakaway props so that when your de-molding you hopefully wont break your casting. Or sometimes of you have crazy undercuts.

[Sickie Ickie]

like break away bottles?

[Sandy Claws]

Yup, done some breakaway props Ickie? Check this stuff out it safer than sugar glass too.



SMASH!™ was initially developed to be used in combination with our Rubber Glass (right), a flexible silicone rubber which simulates broken glass, ice and diamonds, giving end-users tremendous flexibility.

http://www.smooth-on.com/rubber_glass-web.jpg

[woodmizer]

Great job on this Sandy Claws!

[Sickie Ickie]

I've heard about SMASH, but never tried it. Someday I'd love to. I'd really like to get knowledgeable about molding.

[Nancj]

Wow! that was very interesting. Thanks for the toutorial Sandy. I'm sure I'll have about a million questions when I try this one day.

[CandyCane]

Very nice how-to, Sandy Claws. I'm so happy you made it over here. I'm looking forward to your posts and pics.

[putrid]

.......

SMASH!™ was initially developed to be used in combination with our Rubber Glass (right), a flexible silicone rubber which simulates broken glass, ice and diamonds, giving end-users tremendous flexibility.

http://www.smooth-on.com/rubber_glass-web.jpg

Totally cool thread Sandy Claws. Great job on the sculpt and mold. I followed your link but only got a small pic of the 'smash'. Was wondering if that's the stuff there using to give Christmas decorations a frosted icy look. Could you post a link with more info on the Smash? Thanks.

[Sandy Claws]

Nancj- when you get to your project and run into somthing you need answers on by all means ask away!

putrid- "smash" is not what they use for frosty icy looks it was developed for breakaway props ickie and I got off topic sorry. It's super fragile so I don't see this as being a great option for you. This is a link to the company that makes smash and other cool products.http://www.smooth-on.com/ . what are you trying to frost up, in the photo below I used hot glue for the drool and teeth, acrylic gel medium for the frosty bits, and a dry brushing of interference blue paint on top to finish it off. Does that help?
Sorry the pic is so small I was using as an avatar and don't have any bigger files uploaded.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/UnholyWreathretouched2.jpg
Thanks everyone for the responses and taking the time to look.

[Sickie Ickie]

What a great horror monster that would make! How large is that?

[Sandy Claws]

A couple of inches. He hangs on my door to greet my guests, I made a wack last Christmas for stocking stuffers. You could do a full sized wreath too, I have to admit I'm a huge "Nightmare Before Christmas" fan and got the idea from a scene in the film.

[Sandy Claws]

Hey all, I just wanted to add all the painting steps.

Here is the finished casting with a acrylic sealer on top.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santacast1.jpg



I started by doing a med flesh tone as a base (I forgot the mouth DOH).
It's regular acrylic paint I switched between acrylics and inks, mostly it came down to basing with the paints and details or washes with inks. I'll let you know which is which per picture.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santapaint2.jpg


This is the color I used for Santa's face (acrylic) with the brush I used as well. (#5)
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santapaintpad1.jpg



This red is layered in washes to add depth and ruddiness to him (inks).
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santapaint3.jpg

[Sandy Claws]

The brush is (#2).
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santapaintpad2.jpg

I wanted his beard to look kind of icy and supernatural (where else does Santa get his powers from).
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santapaint4.jpg

I mixed these till I got the color I wanted. (Acrylics)
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santapaintpad4.jpg

I punched up the cracks with a darker blue. (Ink)
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santapaintpad5.jpg

[Sandy Claws]

To help with the frosty look to his beard I added a layer of interference blue to it. (Acrylic)

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santapaintpad6.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santapaint5.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santapaint7.jpg

Where would Santa be without his red hat? (Acrylics)
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santapaint8.jpg

[Sandy Claws]

Had to mix these to get the color I wanted.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santapaintpad7.jpg

Some brown for the background and details for the brim. (Acrylic)
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santapaint10.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santapaintpad8.jpg

Time for some white. I also used a makeup wedge ripped in half to just hit the high points on the beard and the brush for the finer work. (Acrylic)
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santapaintpad9.jpg

[Sandy Claws]

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santapaint11.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santapaint12.jpg

Then a dry brushing of aged bronze for the background. (Acrylic)
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santapaint13.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santapaintpad10.jpg

[Sandy Claws]

I used the same red for the candy cane stripes as I did for the hat, but because I was using it to hold into I saved painting it till almost last. I'm not 100% happy with this green but it's all I had at the time I did get some better paint today so the next batch will be different. (Acrylic)
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santapaint14.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santapaintpad11.jpg

Just finish the eyes and he's done (well maybe some clear sealer) I used the same blue ink as the wash in his beard.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santaeyesretouched.jpg

This gives you an idea of his size.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santanew1.jpg

[Sandy Claws]

double post

[Sandy Claws]

Here he is done and hanging out with his task master (and you thought working at the North Pole would be fun).........

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Santafullretouched.jpg


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/elf107.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Elf307.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/Santa%20demo/Elf207.jpg

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

[Sickie Ickie]

LMAO!!! I love the elf!!! I would have left the words white, or painted them gold with the background a diff color. heh That's what makes the world go round though. Each eye sees something different- and I NEVER could be as talented as to create such likenesses!

[Sandy Claws]

Thanks Ickie, I have to admit the paint job changed a little after doing these two but I did not take any pics. I made 25 of these little $%&#*!^@ and I simplified and improved it along the way. I left out the dark blue in the beard got a much better green and added white into the writing as well. What color would you have done? I was never realy sold on the way I finished them but I had a strict deadline to meet.

[putrid]

Nancj- ....
putrid- "smash" is not what they use for frosty icy looks it was developed for breakaway props ickie and I got off topic sorry. It's super fragile so I don't see this as being a great option for you. This is a link to the company that makes smash and other cool products.http://www.smooth-on.com/ . what are you trying to frost up, in the photo below I used hot glue for the drool and teeth, acrylic gel medium for the frosty bits, and a dry brushing of interference blue paint on top to finish it off. Does that help?
Sorry the pic is so small I was using as an avatar and don't have any bigger files uploaded.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/NOMAD_11/UnholyWreathretouched2.jpg
Thanks everyone for the responses and taking the time to look.


Thanks Sandy Claws. Will check your link out soon. I'm a big fan of 'A Nightmare Before Christmas' myself. Cool wreath!

[Sickie Ickie]

What color? hmmmmmmmm... I'm not sure. Maybe white and red letters? In my opinion the darker colors tend to blend into the background and become lost. (?) It's always a hard choice on color when doing white hair. If you don't add a contrast, the nooks and crannies tend to get lost. In the past, I have used a cream or buff, but I must admit that the blue certainly added a chilly factor that has grown on me.. :D

Did you sell those or so you work for a company that you sculpt for?

[Sandy Claws]

Soooo you would leave the background dark bronze and do the lettering red and white? When I was painting these I did toy with the idea of all white writing but there was so much white already I thought it was to much. I made these for family and friends, no company sculpts here. Maybe one day I'll sell some, when I get my act together and put up a website. Thanks for looking everyone!

[Sickie Ickie]

Well, you'd know more than me considering you already tried it. Please don't think I was criticizing. I honestly think these look terrific! I especially love the elf!

[Mummy deer-est]

Wow, Sandy -- it looks really great!
Now, I'm not knocking it in any way, but why not make a "jolly" santa? Or is Jolly not your cup of tea? :D

[Sandy Claws]

Ickie crits are always welcome, I was trying to see another perspective to improve the paint up. :)

Mummy- I guess my avatar is not enough of a hint? I wanted to sculpt something different that you could not find at any store. I wanted Santa to look like he really could cross the world dropping off gifts to every single house, he could put you on the naughty list, that he'd been dipping into the eggnog. As for the elf, have you ever worked in a sweatshop before? ;)

[Mummy deer-est]

lol, SC...he def is a take charge lookin' Santa! I would never want to be on his naughty list! I think it's neat that you made something different - kinda ties in our love for halloween a bit. A little off the norm is nice.

Great job with the elf too....he looks likes he pissed and tired of doing slave labor. I'm with ya, elf....:D

[Xmaslilly]

I like that santa... see next post

[Xmaslilly]

Hey sandy claws..your sculpt is excellent and fits your name.
any fan of Zappa must be cool. He's one of my favs!
your santa is cool
I like the painting on the elf but heres my 2 cents worth anyways
I might have done the wreath gold and background white and then your lettering could be any color or no lettering at all...or have lettering as
<Have you been naughty or nice >(haha)
sculpting is hard I think, for me anyways. I have tried my hand at it and it just lacks something so I stick to the little things . So I appreciate anyone that can so this.
what is your site is it on the forum somewhere?

[Sandy Claws]

Mummy- I can't belive I even mentioned you might have worked in a sweatshop......your a Haunter you work in a self created sweatshop!
p.s. I can smell your garage from here you might want to air it out. ;)

Xmaslilly- Thanks for the ideas, I might try some of them if I tackle these guys again next year. I can't change the writing as it's already cast into my mold, but I did contemplate the "Naughty or Nice" thing for awhile, maybe I should have gone that route mumble mumble mumble.
Sorry Lilly I don't have a site yet..........one day.
Sculpting is something you need to work at, I learn new things almost every time I do it. Don't get discouraged right away, if your not happy with something keep at it you will evolve! Look at Playfx's thread on sculpting the "coot" in the Hauntforum for inspiration and tips.

[Xmaslilly]

Oh okay I dint know they were set in ..
the last time i did do a sculpt was prob 30 yrs ago..it turned out okay i guess (don't have it anymore though) maybe it's just not my cup of tea.
Y Playfx is good ic his stuff al lthe time in haunt..who are you in that?

[Sandy Claws]

I'm not involved in the forum sculpt, but I do check in everyday to see everyone's progress. My name on that forum is Undeadvoodoomonkey, it just was not Christmassy at all so I changed it up. :)

[Xmaslilly]

OK y..you made that cleaver that was cool prop..
I will have to check on that scuplt class, havent since they started it.

[Sickie Ickie]

They're progressing well. Doc's is really good and so is Play's of course. Actually they are all doing well. Kind of intimidating! LOL