Last week, I made a Grumpy Frog Vessel out of polymer clay. I made a second one so I could make a DIY video in case anyone else wants to make their own.
I think fanart is, like, really important (slow release of dopamine, it makes you less crazy AS a fan). I think gift-giving is, like, really important. I think art is really important; while money does buy stability, art is worthwhile in and of itself.
Video below link with text-notes since not everyone wants to learn by a video!
I’m including a speed-run of notes in case you A) watch the video and need reminders B) can’t be fuckin’ bothered to watch a video C) need notes. (I recently discovered I have an utter garbage working-memory (and its inconsistent, so the neuropsych evaluating me had a fun time) and explains why I both learn in multi-media and present in multi-media.
SUPPLIES:
Polymer clay (like Sculpey)
Aluminum foil
Paint (white, black, green or red, and gold if doing green)
TOOLS:
A small implement like a tooth-pick (you can get fancy, but really don’t buy things just for 1 project)
An oven to back the clay in
Paintbrushes
OPTIONAL TOOLS AND SUPPLIES:
Sand paper
Additional paints for added depth, but, like, really, it's debatable if I know enough what I’m doing. Yknow what. Please. Show me up. Let me learn. Show me a sub-surface-scattered Frogsel skin via paint techniques.
Paint-tip-marker or micron marker (makes it easier to do the eyes)
GENERAL STEPS:
Gather ref. Always gather ref.
Sketch. Reflect. Plan. Take the 5-10 minutes. Your frog is your own! What sort of profile silhouette do you want? What sort of front-facing silhouette do you think makes sense for the mask? ¾ top down (as he’ll mostly be seen), how much lip will actually be visible?
Make aluminum general insides
Sculpt
Bake!
Sand (optional) (but it makes it a nicer tactile experience)
Paint (base coat, layer as you see fit)
Varnish (unless you’re me and your ex still hasn’t loaned you the shiny varnish)
If even one person makes one for themselves (<3) or their bestie or partner, this’ll have been worth making. If you’re worried it’ll be a waste of time to make it NO IT WONT. SHOW ME. I WANT TO SEE. ME. SHOW ME YOUR ART.
