First time OOAK doll Tip List
AN: I am by no means an expert. I am only writing this in hopes of helping another first timer avoid things I ran into when making my first face up! So take all these mentioned tips with a grain of salt.
1: Match Project to skill level
I was making big big big plans for my first face up doll. Thankfully my helpful sounded board keeps bringing me back to reality. He even reminded me I probably shouldn’t be trying to add extra arms to my 2nd OOAK. :) Try to keep your skill level in mind when you are making your project, or think of ways that a big idea might be more executable, ex: use oven baked clay and not time dry epoxy for first time sculpting.
2: Use the right glue
Knowing your glue is important. You don’t want to use the wrong glue and melt plastic, or the right glue and mix mediums that it doesn’t stick to. All glues will tell you ideal uses and you can use google for odd uses if you aren’t sure it will work.
3: Learn from your mistakes
Mistakes will happen. Use them to learn how to do something better, or not to do something. Don’t let mistakes defeat you. It’s your first try, you can only get better with practice!
4: Mark your scissors!
As a crafter who deals in many different kinds of crafts. I have over 10+ scissors. And any multicrafter, or any sewer will tell you. “I swear if you cut anything with my fabric cutting scissors I will end you.“ Mark your scissors, if that is with sharpie, colors ribbons, colored handles. Whatever you need to do make sure you don’t miss use scissors. Since scissors are known to grown legs and move around the house.
5: Know your paints, sealants, and primers
Just as with glues specific paints will work on specific surfaces. Some surfaces might also be paint resistant requiring primers! And always seal your paint. You don’t want your work to fade away or accidently get wiped off!
6: Be safe, read the product labels
Depending on what chemicals or products you are using you might find you are working with toxic or acidic things! Read the labels and know what you are working with. Wear appropriate safety gear.
7: Shake your spray sealant to mix well!
I had a serious mixing problem with my first face up. Going so far as to even clump and gather in one of my doll’s tear ducts. Even one side of her face (the first side I sprayed each time) was hard to draw on. Properly mixing your sealant is important.
8: Finish your project
I know how hard it can be to finish a project when you start loosing interest in it or things aren’t looking how you want them too. But finishing a project is a great feeling and you can’t get that feeling if you don’t. Besides, wouldn’t you be proud of yourself to have a finish product to show off?
9: Budget extra money for unexpected expenses
More than likely you will forget something you didn’t anticipate you needed. Some of you might not have an issue with that, others who function on project budgets- give yourself a bit extra to use later. Just in case ^_~
10: Fray check or glue secures thread!
If this is your first foray into anything crafty! Please keep glue or fray check on hand if you are going to hand sew or do any sewing on a small scale. It will keep your thread form unraveling. Keep in mind fray check does visibly stain some materials.
11: Puff paint is... weird.
I used puff paint on my first OOAK as well as on my spider hair accessory. Both times it has deflated on me. I’m not sure if I have done something wrong, or if it was simply too cold or hot where I lived. Use puff paint with caution? Or at least research interesting materials like this before use unlike me! hah.
12: Attitude is everything! HAVE FUN.
Mindsets and attitudes are very important during a project. While yes Rule 8 is important imo. Your mood is even more so. If you need to take a break, DO IT. Just remember to come back to it!