DIY Network

Cast Resin Bobblehead Learn how to create a unique bobblehead doll with polymer clay. From "Craft Lab" episode DCLB-102

Jennifer Perkins, the host of Craft Lab, is joined in studio by guest Gretchen Martin, who demonstrates how to create a CopyCat® bobblehead with polymer clay.

She creates the original form, mold and, finally, the casting resin to complete the project.

PDF Download Diagram A

PDF Download Diagram B

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Learn the steps involved in creating your very own unique bobbleheads.

Project designed by Gretchen Martin.

Sculpting Materials:

Super Sculpey polymer clay
various wooden and/or metal sculpting tools (optional)
wooden dowel (suggested 1/2" width by 1-1/2" tall)
utility spring (suggested 5/8" width by 1-1/2" tall, .41 gauge or below)

Follow Gretchen Martin's instructions, left, to create the original forms for the CopyCat® bobbleheads.

Form of the Bobblehead

1. Condition Super Sculpey by kneading it. Make simple shapes to form the basis for your Copy Cat:
   • 1 large tapered oval for head.
     
   • 2 ovals to form mouthpieces.
     
   • 1 slightly triangular oval for nose.
     
   • 2 triangles for ears.
     
   • 1 large tapered oval for body.
     
   • 6 graduated ovals for front toes (3 on each side)
     
   • 2 circles for rear hips.
     
   • 2 ovals for back feet.
     
   • 1 roll for tail.
     
   • 1 ring for bobble neck.

2. Blend shapes together using fingers or tool(s). Add clay to connect the front toes to the body and form forearms for your Copy Cat. Take away clay from the mid-section to create pear shape for body. Finish the forms to your artistic desire.

3. Use a pointer tool to dot pupils for eyes above the nose.

4. Draw a "heart shape" around eyes.

5. Use a carving tool to hollow out 1" deep tunnel (1/2" wide) in the top of the body. Press one half of a wooden dowel into tunnel. Place spring over exposed wooden dowel. Be sure that approximately 3/4" of spring overhangs dowel.

6. Take a clay neck ring and fit over the dowel and spring, making sure it's wide enough for the spring to retain movement. Blend ring.

7. Make "1" deep tunnel in bottom of head, wide enough that it will envelope the width of the spring. Place head on spring and make adjustments to bobble.

8. Remove the spring to get ready for molding.

   Note: Baking clay is not necessary to complete this project.

   Tip:If sculpting a more advanced figure, such as a human figure bobblehead, use wire armature (skeleton) in order to support appendages such as arms and legs.

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