May 17 2009
figurines-part II
Now that you have finished the basic work of making your figurine…you are at the phase I call the fun part. Assembling the figurine and seeing how it turns out.
For this part of the project, you need a drill, and a 1/4 inch drill bit, and a second drill bit about the size of the tip of the wire. You also need something to use for hair, yarn, roving wool or whatever material you would like. The third thing you need is whatever you can come up with to give your figurine personality. something for a broach, a sword, whatever fits and your imagination will allow.
start by drilling the holes in both the figurines arms so they will slide onto the wire. You want the wire inserted far enough that only the arms show beneath the gowns sleeves when your figurine is complete.
I often end up trimming the ends of the wire, so the arms are slightly shorter and I don’t have to drill the holes so deep.
attach the arms to the wire using a strong glue. I find jewelry glue works the best…or you can tape the arms to the wire and batting.
Once that is done, slip the gown over the top of the dowel…if you haven’t cut the neck hole now is the time to do so.
Arrange the gown into folds until you like the way it hangs on your figurine. tie a belt around the waist.
drill a 1/4 inch hole in the head of your figurine so it will fit over the dowel. Push it into place carefully. If the dowel is too long remove the head and cut a piece off the dowel and try again. Once the head fits as it should glue the head in place.
Now you are ready to put hair on your figuine. If you are using yarn or other material that comes in individual strands start at the base of the head and glue the hair on one strand at a time. If you are using roving wool or some other type of material you can glue the hair on in sections.
You are all finished except for adding any additional touches you would like.
If you want a layered look like that on the gnome all you need to do is make another gown, cut it up the middle and hem or trim the front. The witches cape I cut from a cape on a china doll my sister had but you can make your own, though it might take a bit of trial and error.
If you would have any question on how to make a figurine please contact me, and I will try and send you some detailed step by step directions.
Thank you for joining me for kid’s craft week!
