Transforming a Cloth Doll to “Porcelain”

I’m starting a new doll.

This is going to be a big project with a complete transformation.  She is a fabric doll, but that’s about to change.  When we are through, she’ll look more like porcelain.  It will get a little tricky since she’s already got clothing, and I can’t remove it.  And sorry honey, but off with your hair!

1. Mix 1 part of gel medium and 1 part modeling paste.
2. Brush the mixture on 3 times, allowing it to dry for a few hours in between coats.
3. Sand each coat with fine sandpaper.
4. When done, paint with skin colored paint and then apply a glossy glaze.

Before laying down the protective undercoating, I actually added some Paperclay to improve her needle sculpted nose.  I also built up the area where her lips will be, and a little on the brow above her eyes. In addition, I “smeared” Paperclay over the seams so they would disappear under the paint.  I used a bit of water to get the Paperclay to the consistency that I need.  After the Paperclay was dry, the undercoating mixture was ready to be applied.

By the way, here is a little tip when using this method:  Dab a bit of fabric glue onto the fabric before putting the Paperclay down.  This really works.  If you don’t use the glue, the clay could just fall off when it dries.  It also makes it easier to get it on there in the first place.

I think I can see her smiling underneath the undercoating.  Can you?

Next, I’d like to work on her hands.  I think I can improve them.

I added some Paperclay to the tips of the fingers.   I found it a bit difficult to control the clay because the area is so small, but it worked.  The pointer finger is a little on the fat side.  I’ll just have to deal with it… nobody’s perfect.

To suggest fingernails, I cut a drinking straw on an angle.  By pressing down into the clay, I made indentations.  When it dried, I painted the hands and nails, and applied a final layer of gloss varnish  I’m happy with the result.

I painted the rest of the doll carefully.  My next step will be painting her face and changing her hair.

This post has been edited and posted with original photos intact. The doll evolved into Avigayil.  Pearl Paint went out of business.  I’m lucky I went!