I didn’t get to sculpt today so I thought I would share with you pics of the tools I use for sculpting. The first is my favorite that I made just recently, based off of a homemade tool by Gene VanHorne.
Custom Tool -- Spoon Tip
I saw an article about this tool on a blog and followed the instructions. Basically, I took an old tool that I got from Dick Blick Art Store (it had a needle in it) and removed the needle. Then I took a paperclip and with a hammer, made the end flat. With some sand paper (basic fine grade) I then sanded it to the shape of a spoon. The other end of this tool has a tip I made into a fine point, almost like the tip of a needle.
The great part is the paperclip fits perfectly in the hole left by the needle that I took out. Everything stays secure with some putty. I absolutely love this tool! It’s the perfect size for pushing the putty around.
Sponge Can
To prevent the tool from sticking to the putty, I use Odorless Mineral Spirits. I bought this cheap at Joann’s Etc. (a craft store). This technique I learned from watching Stefan Niehues sculpt on his YouTube channel. He uses a sponge so I emptied a tin can that held gaming dice and put a sponge in there (also bought at Joann’s). Now whenever I sculpt I pour a little pit of mineral spirits on the sponge and then wipe my tool on it. It picks up some of the mineral spirits and prevents the putty from sticking.
I also use various clay shapers but as you can see from my other posts, I don’t do a good job of smoothing my sculpts — something I have to work on.
Sculpting Tools
I’ll talk about the exacto blade in my next post, another Gene VanHorne Homemade tool.
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