Johnston Original Art Dolls

The question was asked by Jeanine Carhart, "How do I start to make a thing of beauty". There are scores of DVD's, videos, books and courses available. Finding the one that fits your needs is generally done by searching the Internet and looking under the type of doll you wish to sculpt. At Johnston Original Artdolls we have books explaining how to make realistic and character dolls, videos on character and Santa, and a new DVD on making baby dolls. We carry all of the supplies for making any scale or type of doll. We offer classes in most of the states year round. You may see our teaching schedule by clicking on the "schedule" button above. We have a wonderful sale (up to 70% off) on our video's right now as we are closing them out and producing only DVD's as our educational films. You may call us toll free at 800-290-9998 or click on "catalog" and order directly from this secure site. Good luck, Jack

Hi everyone! I have always dabbled in 'crafty things', so it seems kind of natural to finally make my way into the doll making world. I can't draw and I can't sculpt, so how do I start to make a thing of beauty? Which videos should I buy that will teach me the basics? What classes should I take? I have so many questions to inundate you with! :) I’m thinking I’d like to start with miniature characters and then later learn how to make baby dolls. I like the way people describe working with polymer and Prosculpt and can’t wait to get into it! It sounds like so much fun! Mr. Johnston, I must tell you that I'm very impressed with your generous and giving spirit. It's rare to find a person with so much talent who is willing to share it with others...let alone to actually teach those people how to achieve similar results! Ego usually gets in the way, but it appears you haven’t allowed it to conquer you! Congratulations! Thanks everyone in advance for any replies you may make and any help you may offer! jeanine

I'm delighted to see new artists using ProSculpt, joining the forum and making artdolls. As new artists you have a wonderful journey ahead of you in this exciting and rewarding industry. You will enjoy seeing hundreds of dolls and artists in our Gallery section at www.artdolls.com. You should also go to www.artdollguild.net and see the artists and dolls in the Professional Doll Makers Art Guild. If you like what you see, and would like to be members of the Guild you may find out more about the Guild and even join by calling toll free 800-949-1334. We welcome all artists at any level of proficiency from beginning to professional. You will find over 130 artists in the Guild willing to visit with you electronically, on the phone and at shows. We like nothing better than to speak with other artists that love what we love and do what we do. I look forward to speaking to you and to helping you join our Guild. By the way, as a member of the Guild you will receive a 20% discount on all of your doll making supplies. If you have questions you may call me personally at 800-290-9998 (toll free). Your new friend in doll making, Jack Johnston

I'm delighted to see new artists using ProSculpt, joining the forum and making artdolls. As new artists you have a wonderful journey ahead of you in this exciting and rewarding industry. You will enjoy seeing hundreds of dolls and artists in our Gallery section at www.artdolls.com. You should also go to www.artdollguild.net and see the artists and dolls in the Professional Doll Makers Art Guild. If you like what you see, and would like to be members of the Guild you may find out more about the Guild and even join by calling toll free 800-949-1334. We welcome all artists at any level of proficiency from beginning to professional. You will find over 130 artists in the Guild willing to visit with you electronically, on the phone and at shows. We like nothing better than to speak with other artists that love what we love and do what we do. I look forward to speaking to you and to helping you join our Guild. By the way, as a member of the Guild you will receive a 20% discount on all of your doll making supplies. If you have questions you may call me personally at 800-290-9998 (toll free). Your new friend in doll making, Jack Johnston

It took me almost 50 years to finally figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up! As a young child who was always reading, coloring, drawing, and building with Tinkertoy & Lincoln Logs, I later got into sewing, embroidery, beading, and many other fine arts and woodworking crafts (does anyone remember Rub-Ons, VacUForm, and melting lead to pour into soldier molds? : ) Always wanting to learn more, I sculpted in pottery clay and painted oil portraits (even being a caricaturist for a while). As an adult, I earned a BFA in Studio Arts and Art History and had my own art gallery and school for many years before I became a stay-at-home doll artist. My favorite pasttime for inspiration is people-watching. It made perfect sense to incorporate all my diverse interests and express them into one neat package--DOLLS! I absolutely enjoy the innovative and creative process from concept to photographing the finished doll. I believe that my lifetime of learning has given me a treasure trove of skills and tools to apply in my dollmaking adventures. I look forward to meeting other doll artists to share our techniques and enthusiasm at upcoming events.

Hello, I'm 53, retired, and stay at home these days. I've always been an artist, and have made dolls since I could, probably about 49 years. I've made'em out of anything I could get to work...and a lot of stuff that didn't. I just recently discovered prosculpt on e-bay and ordered some. Can't wait to get my fingers into the stuff. I was just amazed to stumble onto all these new mediums and tools for doll making! Oh, am I ever re-exited, and then I found this site!!!

Hello, Everyone I'm glad to find so many people with the same interest in sculpting. I am a stay at home Dad (Domestic Goddess :-)) with two little boys aged 3.5 and 8 months. So here's to sculpting and doll making. Have to go I have heads in the oven. Justin

Thank you for joining us at the Artdolls Forum. We are pleased to have you. If you have any questions you can post them on the forum. If you don't get the answers you are looking for you may call me personally at 800-290-9998. I will be pleased to help you with your questions and doll making. Enjoy the forum, Gallery and our catalog. Your friend, Jack

Hello my name is patricia , Im new to the forum. Ive been teaching art and making dolls for a while. I just started back doll making again full time. Im a mom and a homemaker as well. I would love to meeet all of you and talk about our favorite subject -dollmaking! I hope that I can post helpfull things that I have found that work well. If there is anything that I have learned I will be glad to share anything with anyone who asks me. patricia

Hey there. My name is Cassandra. I'm fairly new to doll sculpting, having only just completed my second ProSculpt doll. Bar all the ups and downs and learning to properly use and manipulate the clay, I have to say, I love making them!

Welcome Rene, we are pleased to have you a one of our fellow artists. If there is anything you need help with this is a great place to talk to other artists. Let me know if there is anything I may do to help you in your doll making effort. Thanks, Jack

I am new to this forum. I am now sculpting for a couple of month now and I hope to learn, explore and browse around this great site! Thank you for giving me help I need! Rene

Hello! My name is Dawn McLeod and I have been sculpting for almost a year now! I have always peeked in and browsed around this awesome website but just recently decided to join in the fun and learning. I am very happy to be here and have the potential help from artists all around the world! Dawn McLeod

Hi, I am excited about this forum and look forward to the discussions. It's wonderful to find a place filled with so much knowledge. I look forward to learning a lot and sharing a lot. Thanks, Carmella Manning

We have members of our forum who are working in reborning, but my work is all original sculpting in ProSculpt clay. We do have scores of reborners purchasing supplies from us and we even have some in our Guild. We will be having some reborn artists joining us in Washington, D.C. this week for the annual EXPO show. I'm sure that would be a fun show for you to attend if you live on the East Coast. I look forward to having you as a member of the Forum. Thanks, Jack

Hello Jack & Everyone! I am new to Sculpting and also to this forum. I am very glad to be here as I have done quite a bit of reading during my short time here. My name is Falicia Sherbon, I've been reborning dolls for over 4 years under the name of Lilbitt's Nursery. I started sculpting this past April, just to see if I could do it. Much to my suprise I was able to and now I am hooked LOL. I submitted two of my sculpts to the contest and I am so nervous yet excited. I have found the people involved in sculpting are very friendly and helpful and just a wonderful group of talented individuals. Thank You for allowing me to be a part of this Great Community! Falicia Sherbon aka Lilbitt's Nursery

Hello :) I've been enjoying this forum for a while now, but just finally registered so I can join in the conversation too. :) I'm in love with Prosculpt clay, so it's great to see so many people who use it all together in one place sharing tips! I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone. :) -Jenny

Welcome Joe, we are pleased to have you as one of our forum members. The most exciting thing that is going on right now is the announcement coming next week of the winners fo the Annual ProSculpt Scholarship Contest. Please, feel free to make comments and read the posts. Thanks, Jack

Hi Jack...I'm glad and excited to find out about this forum! I hope I can share my Ideas as well as learn a lot of new knowledge toward the wonderfull world of doll making. Best Regards to all, Joe MacPhale

Hello from Texas ...your English is great....do you sculpt? what type doll...? I sculpt Santa's large and small...my web site is Teridolls.com... I use to live in Sicily years ago..Military..wife...hope you reply...Teri

ohhh i'm new entry and I'm so axcited to stay with you in this forum.. I'm italian and my english in not very correct but i hope that you can understand same!!!! hallo to you all and i hope to came bach soon here!!!

If you have any questions about doll making, artdolls, baby dolls, marketing, mold making, or any other doll related questions, please write a post. I will answer all question within 24 hours. Of course you may wish to speak to other artists as well. Feel free to use the "Forum" 24-7-364. It is yours to use. Thanks, Jack

Welcome Philomena, we are pleased to have you join the "forum". Feel free to ask any questions you may have or just read the posts that are already started. Make a comment or question and someone will likely answer it. I also watch the forum, so I may answer your questions too. Let us know if we can help you in your doll making. Thanks, Jack

Hi everyone, It is lovely to be here, I am looking forward to getting know you all.

We are pleased to have you join the "Forum". I'm excited to see that you are selling your dolls. Once you start selling the dolls you make it really becomes fun. If you are able to pay for your expenses as you go along it becomes much more rewarding. The more you make the better you will become and the more money you will get for your sculpts. Please, write me if I can help you in anyway. jack@artdolls.com Good luck, Jack

Hello, I just joined today. I've been sculpting for about two years and love using ProSculpt for the bodies. It was really fun entering the last contest and getting a critique Mr. Johnson. It was very helpful to see where I needed to improve. Since that time I've been able to sell a couple sculptures on eBay and it's been one of the coolest experiences for me. Both you and Mr. Dennis are so very kind and helpful--a blessing to those of us only starting our exciting journey. I've learned so much from just forums like this. Anyways, it's really nice to be here. Angelique Barton/ClayRealm Designs

Welcome to the Artdolls Forum. We are receiving over 2,000 visitors per day. You may wish to make a post, ask a question or just read some of the posts by other artists. Each month we have a guest speaker to keep you up to date with the latest news in doll making and with the trends of the industry. May 3rd our guest speaker will be Joe Jones of Doll Crafter and Dolls magazines. This will be great night, don't miss it. If you have any questions you may read the other posts about the guest speakers or call me toll free at 800-290-9998. Thanks, Jack Johnston

Thanks Victoriya, Feel free to ask questions and to read posts from other artists. We are all learning from one another.

Good Day Mr. Johnston and everyone! I am very happy to have a chance to talk with such a Great artist as Mr Jonston and other wonderful artists :) I am new in forum. This is a Great chance to comunicate with many people with same interests and job. I dont have anyone around me to talk about art dolls, but so often want to share some tips about sculpting. Thank you for this oportune.

Hi everyone... New to this forum, looking foreward to meeting people and learning sculpting techniques!!!! Toni :)

Welcome Adele, we are very pleased to have you. Feel free to ask any questions or make any comments you like. You're with friends now. Jack

Hi Adele, I'm another newbie and I'm so glad I'm not alone amy more! Happy doll making - J.

Please, feel free to click on any of the "threads". You may just read the information, add questions or make comments. The "forum" is for your enjoyment without charge. The purpose of the "forum" is to open a line of communication between beginning, advanced and professional artists. Once a month we will have a professional guest artist live. Our next guest artist is Mark Dennis. He will be with us on the 6th of April. Mark is one of the best polymer sculptors in the world. His work is well documented in his new book "The Human Figure in Clay". You may read more about it in the catalog section of this web site.

Dear Jack, Thank you for the opportunity to be a member of the forum. This is such a great idea! I am new to sculpting dolls and I enjoyed reading all the threads and learning so much about the art. Looking forward to opening night! Connie

Hi Jack and all, I am a relative newbie and am looking forward to learning and will share whenever I can. Jack, I am looking forward to the seminar in November in Louisiana. Cheers to all, NancyB

Hi JACK, This is a great idea for all of us. Looking forward to working with everyone!

We are starting to get some intellegent conversations going on the forum. I think it will be a wonderful place to come for friendship and knowledge in the future. One of the things I'm seeing is the long time artists are helping the beginners openly. That is just what I have always dreamed of. Helping one another is how we perpetuate the industry. Thanks for helping one another.

Hi, I am excited about this forum and look forward to the discussions. Thanks, again, to Jack for making this available to all of us. Linda

Thank-you for your generous time and efforts in creating an educational forum in this art form we love so much! I've already read some very informative postings, and look forward to being here. Thanks again!

Thank-you for your generous time and efforts in creating an educational forum in this art form we love so much! I've already read some very informative postings, and look forward to being here. Thanks again!

Hi Jack, and everyone else who's joined the forum. I'm happy to be here, and grateful for the invitation. I look forward to meeting some of the new names that I've seen here. It's so nice to have a place where you can speak directly to the creator of the clay that most of us use! Thank you Jack for doing this. Have a wonderful evening. xo Maddy

I'm so honored to have you all join the forum. We want it to be your home for doll making.

Hi and thank you so much for the invite. What a wonderful place to meet fellow sculptors. Kim

Jack, Thanks for putting this together. I have already had a great response to one of my questions. This is goint to be a great outlet for our collaborative dollmaking efforts. What a great way to discuss ideas and get great information and tips. Thanks again! Kate

Thanks for putting this forum together! What a wonderful gift to the doll world. I'll be checking in often to see what people are doing, problem solving, and what have you. Thanks again, Janet Fish

Hi Debbie, I've just arrived on the scene as well. (about 5 mins ago) Glad to join another newbie. I think we'll have some fun, and learn heaps as well. God bless, Adele (Down Under)

Hi Jack, Thank you for the invite email. This is exactly what I have been looking for. I am still learning to sculpt and hope to find some help here. :o)

We are so pleased with the artists that are reading the Forum. If you have ideas that will help the forum to be more helpful to you, please let me know.

Thanks for the invitation Jack. I'm looking forward to the discussions. I took your class last year in Albany, NY. I learned a lot. - Kelly

Linda, were you from out of town? That sounds like the same time i took the seminar. Do you live in Jacksonville? Curious here... joanna

Thank you for the invite, this is wonderful! Looking forward to learning lots of new things! Dee

It wonderful to see many of our friends joining the Forum. We will have guest speakers on a monthly basis. We will start with Pat Moulton on the 6th of March. She wll be here at 6:00 P.M. PST. Other guests are mentioned earlier in this same thread. Call me if you have any questions or needs.

Hi Jack- Thanks for starting this forum and for the invite. I am really happy to be here! Nancy

Hi Jack- Thanks for starting this forum and for the invite. I am really happy to be here! Nancy

I received the email and decided it was time for a visit. Looks like some new things happening, I will have to stop by more often to catch up. Hugs Christina

Yes....I am. Had a great time....you were there too...lost track of the others...would like to get together with the Jax. group. Linda

Linda, were you from out of town? That sounds like the same time i took the seminar. Do you live in Jacksonville? Curious here... joanna

Pat will be joining us on Tuesday the 6th of March at 6:00 P.M. PST. That is 9:00 EST (New York City, 8:00 CST (Chicago), 7:00 MST (Denver-Salt Lake City) and 6:00 Las Angeles. She has agreed to answer any questions you may have about sculpting baby dolls or about her new book. She is a wonderful artists and a very easy person to get to know. You will love her as I do.

Hi Jack-- Glad to see your forum up and running !-- I see many names I know already on here. Hello everyone. I spent a very enjoyable two days at a seminair you held in Seattle a couple years ago and have looked forward to you having a forum of your own since then- thanks so much for hosting this board.-Will There be a thread to start new topics soon? -Pat W. P.S. I have been wanting to know what ever happened to that book on sculpting babies your were working on with all those baby artists?

What are the details of the Tuesday evening with Pat? Do we just show up here and there will be a new threaded topic? Or is "Live Chat" done elsewhere? What time(ET)will the chat begin and end? How does a member begin a new topic? -Gale

Hello pat I cant wait to talk with you Hugs Belinda

What a wounderful forum Jack. I look forward to being on line on Tuesday evening to talk with every one . Thank you very much for your invite Pat

Jack, Thansk so much for the invitation to the forum. Nice to see so many friends here. I look forward to some lively discussions and learning opportunities.

I'm very happy to have joined.. I do reborns and sculpting of newborns. Over the years I've made dolls of all sorts. I wish you all well and look forward to all your expertise.

Hi Debbie: What is Mix Quick? Where can I get it? I have sculpey solvent. Can I use it? I don't know how to not trap air in between the layers of clay. How can I avoid it?

Thanks Lorna, I'm sure you will find many old friends here. We look forward to serving you and all of our customers.

Thank you Jack for the invite, this is great, I already see a few that I know. I will be checking back here every day to see what is going on.. Lorna

Good to see you here too Debbie..is the board of Stans still up?...donna ----- Original Message ----- From: Debbie Weimert To: gdb120@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2007 12:29 PM Subject: Re: Welcome to the forum, please sign in. Hi donna! I took Jack's first online class too! It was fun wasn't it. Good to see you here. Debbie This message was submitted to the artdolls.com forum. You can view the thread or to reply. If you want, you may remove your email address from the artdolls.com website. This email was sent to gdb120@comcast.net.

Debbie please tell me a bit about Mix quick...donna ----- Original Message ----- From: Debbie Weimert To: gdb120@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2007 12:24 PM Subject: Re: Welcome to the forum, please sign in. Tana and Sau Wei Ma it could be that the clay was not conditioned enough, although I find that Prosculpt does not take much conditioning at all. It is hard to say. Were you using the Fairy color? I find that to be a little "chalkier" than the others, so I prefer to use either Baby or Caucasian. I find mixing in some Mix Quick with the clay helps a lot. It really helps strengthen it. Whenever you do series baking, be very careful that you do not trap air in between the layers of clay. That can also cause cracking. This message was submitted to the artdolls.com forum. You can view the thread or to reply. If you want, you may remove your email address from the artdolls.com website. This email was sent to gdb120@comcast.net.

Hi donna! I took Jack's first online class too! It was fun wasn't it. Good to see you here. Debbie

Tana and Sau Wei Ma it could be that the clay was not conditioned enough, although I find that Prosculpt does not take much conditioning at all. It is hard to say. Were you using the Fairy color? I find that to be a little "chalkier" than the others, so I prefer to use either Baby or Caucasian. I find mixing in some Mix Quick with the clay helps a lot. It really helps strengthen it. Whenever you do series baking, be very careful that you do not trap air in between the layers of clay. That can also cause cracking.

thanks so much for the tip on the full body sculpting:) -------------- Original message -------------- From: Jack Johnston <71.cd@forum.artdolls.com> I've noticed that some are curing the clay at temperatures that are too low or too high. The times have been all over the place too. There is only one temperature and time that is recommended by the manufacturer. The proper curing temperature is 275 degrees for 10-15 minutes. Anything lower will result in pieces that will break very easily. In temperatures over 275 the clay will turn dark. The Internet is a wonderful tool, but it is also a double edged sword. Just because something is printed on the Internet it isn't always correct. Please, follow the directions on the back of the package for the proper curing times and temperatures. Polymer clay works the best when it is no more than 1/4 inch thick. If you wish to make a full sculpted body you must build an armature in the basic shape of the torso first. This way the thickness of the clay will be kept at 1/4 inch of thickness or less. Following this simple rule will solve most of the problems we hear about. Of course if you have questions you may call us direct. You may reach the ProSculpt Company toll free by calling 800-290-9998. Let me know if I can help. This message was submitted to the artdolls.com forum. You can view the thread or to reply. If you want, you may remove your email address from the artdolls.com website. This email was sent to toddnlaurie@comcast.net.

Hello Thanks for your reply---I could not see the picture:( Laurie -------------- Original message -------------- From: Hello goddess <6y.ca@forum.artdolls.com> Hi Laurie: It was so long ago and I was such a neophyte. She was a soft body doll but I had so much trouble with the head cracking I almost gave up. Her skull was much too thick. Since then one finger broke because I had no armature in them. I have no experience in making a larger fully sculpted body so I can't be much help. Here's a pic of her. She looks a bit dwarfish because her arms and legs need to be longer. I tried to respond on the forum but could not log in. http://stores.ebay.com/Hello-Goddess-Doll-Making-Supplies -------Original Message------- From: Laurie Sullivan-Roy Date: 02/27/07 09:00:35 To: HelloGoddess@comcast.net Subject: Re: Welcome to the forum, please sign in. hello I am glad to be here Joanne--- I have a question for you--- the four foot doll you made --is it soft body??? or full sculpt??? I am trying to do 20-22 inch full sculpts fairies and am having cracking issues--I am useing foil with Aves apoxie scult over it for the under armature. I am having cracking in the wa ist and the hip jiont. I figures the crackig was due to me handleing the doll before she was completly cool from the oven --any suggestions??? anyone??? Also the clay is really not thick in those areas thanks a million Laurie This message was submitted to the artdolls.com forum. You can view the thread or to reply. If you want, you may remove your email address from the artdolls.com website. This email was sent to HelloGoddess@comcast.net. . This message was submitted to the artdolls.com forum. You can view the thread or to reply. If you want, you may remove your email address from the artdolls.com website. This email was sent to toddnlaurie@comcast.net.

I think you wanted to send this to Laurie, I'm Michele, lol... Although I did love your ebay site. Hello goddess <6y.ca@forum.artdolls.com> wrote: Hi Laurie: It was so long ago and I was such a neophyte. She was a soft body doll but I had so much trouble with the head cracking I almost gave up. Her skull was much too thick. Since then one finger broke because I had no armature in them. I have no experience in making a larger fully sculpted body so I can't be much help. Here's a pic of her. She looks a bit dwarfish because her arms and legs need to be longer. I tried to respond on the forum but could not log in. http://stores.ebay.com/Hello-Goddess-Doll-Making-Supplies -------Original Message------- From: Laurie Sullivan-Roy Date: 02/27/07 09:00:35 To: HelloGoddess@comcast.net Subject: Re: Welcome to the forum, please sign in. hello I am glad to be here Joanne--- I have a question for you--- the four foot doll you made --is it soft body??? or full sculpt??? I am trying to do 20-22 inch full sculpts fairies and am having cracking issues--I am useing foil with Aves apoxie scult over it for the under armature. I am having cracking in the waist and the hip jiont. I figures the crackig was due to me handleing the doll before she was completly cool from the oven --any suggestions??? anyone??? Also the clay is really not thick in those areas thanks a million Laurie This message was submitted to the artdolls.com forum. You can view the thread or to reply. If you want, you may remove your email address from the artdolls.com website. This email was sent to HelloGoddess@comcast.net. . This message was submitted to the artdolls.com forum. You can view the thread or to reply. If you want, you may remove your email address from the artdolls.com website. This email was sent to babiesrmything@yahoo.com. XOXOXOXOXO Michele www.clayandplayartguild.com www.clayandplayartguild.com/artist_c.michele_ward.html www.clayandplayartguild.com/mountain_life_creations

I've noticed that some are curing the clay at temperatures that are too low or too high. The times have been all over the place too. There is only one temperature and time that is recommended by the manufacturer. The proper curing temperature is 275 degrees for 10-15 minutes. Anything lower will result in pieces that will break very easily. In temperatures over 275 the clay will turn dark. The Internet is a wonderful tool, but it is also a double edged sword. Just because something is printed on the Internet it isn't always correct. Please, follow the directions on the back of the package for the proper curing times and temperatures. Polymer clay works the best when it is no more than 1/4 inch thick. If you wish to make a full sculpted body you must build an armature in the basic shape of the torso first. This way the thickness of the clay will be kept at 1/4 inch of thickness or less. Following this simple rule will solve most of the problems we hear about. Of course if you have questions you may call us direct. You may reach the ProSculpt Company toll free by calling 800-290-9998. Let me know if I can help.

Hi Debbie: I too had a problem similar to Sau Wei Ma. I baked the body and head. It came out fine. I then baked the feet and hands for 15 minutes at the correct temperature. They appeared a lighter in color but I assumed because of less time baking then the body. I then sanded and scraped with a very, very light touch. The clay on the hands and feet appeared powdery. A few days later, while I was barely touching the figure, a hand broke off.

Hi Laurie: It was so long ago and I was such a neophyte. She was a soft body doll but I had so much trouble with the head cracking I almost gave up. Her skull was much too thick. Since then one finger broke because I had no armature in them. I have no experience in making a larger fully sculpted body so I can't be much help. Here's a pic of her. She looks a bit dwarfish because her arms and legs need to be longer. I tried to respond on the forum but could not log in. http://stores.ebay.com/Hello-Goddess-Doll-Making-Supplies -------Original Message------- From: Laurie Sullivan-Roy Date: 02/27/07 09:00:35 To: HelloGoddess@comcast.net Subject: Re: Welcome to the forum, please sign in. hello I am glad to be here Joanne--- I have a question for you--- the four foot doll you made --is it soft body??? or full sculpt??? I am trying to do 20-22 inch full sculpts fairies and am having cracking issues--I am useing foil with Aves apoxie scult over it for the under armature. I am having cracking in the waist and the hip jiont. I figures the crackig was due to me handleing the doll before she was completly cool from the oven --any suggestions??? anyone??? Also the clay is really not thick in those areas thanks a million Laurie This message was submitted to the artdolls.com forum. You can view the thread or to reply. If you want, you may remove your email address from the artdolls.com website. This email was sent to HelloGoddess@comcast.net. .

Hi Debbie: I'm taking a class with Patricia Rose. I used a clay under armature instead of a aluminum foil one, but it still cracks. It even broke off a foot too. Very frustrated. I don't know if it was because the clay was under conditioned.

hello I am glad to be here Joanne--- I have a question for you--- the four foot doll you made --is it soft body??? or full sculpt??? I am trying to do 20-22 inch full sculpts fairies and am having cracking issues--I am useing foil with Aves apoxie scult over it for the under armature. I am having cracking in the waist and the hip jiont. I figures the crackig was due to me handleing the doll before she was completly cool from the oven --any suggestions??? anyone??? Also the clay is really not thick in those areas thanks a million Laurie

Hi Jack. I have 2 questions about the forum. How do you start a new subject? I don't see that anywhere. Also, is there a way to get a daily digest instead of the single replies in your email? Thanks.

G'day Jack & Everyone else. I just want to say a big THANK YOU to Jack & his team & for being invited to join. I'm so looking forward to this group. Talk soon kris

Thanks Marcia. The new Forum should be a lot of fun for us. It will give us a chance to keep in close touch with all fo the one-of-a-kind doll makers. I look forward to speaking to you and the others as it catches hold.

I'm excited about this new feature to your website. I admire you for sharing your talent....I look forward to what will manifest...Marcia

The online courses have been very helpful. I'm amazed how many people finished their dolls through the online course with nothing more to follow than the book, video and the online conversation. We hope to soon have the ability to download photographs to our online forum. That will make having an online class on the forum very simple. The advantage of being able to download and upload photos will be fantastic. We will be able to see someones work within seconds of them completing it. I will be able to show my ideas and critique theirs live. It will be very helpful.

Thank You Jack for opening the Forum..what a wonderful way to share and learn..I took your online class a couple of years ago..it was so informative and helpful...and fun!!...donna

We are getting closer to having the Doll Making Forum up and working. It should be working by tomorrow. Once it is up and working I will try to answer all of the questions that come in. Our goal is to give our clients the very best service possible. I know that many of our customers know as much about sculpting as I do, so each of you are invited to put you post up to answer questions. Together we will all learn more and have fun doing it. I feel like we have so many friends out there that having the "forum" just puts us that much closer together.

I'm so pleaed to have you. The forum is not working correctly yet, but we are working on it. It should be perfect soon. Thanks, Jack

Just a word of thanks for starting this forum. N

Glad to see this site come up. Took your course in Jax., Fla. three years ago and had a great time. You wanted to trade one of your dolls for some of my Native American material for dolls. I brought in the doll with the fully beaded to scale dress with the full belt set and leggings/mocc. Have not done much since because of retiring from teaching to write a book due out in April on "tipis-tepees-teepees." Hope now to to get back to my doll making and learning even more. Thanks for the site.

For some reason I'm unable to answer your question direct. I have asked our web master to solve the problem as soon as he can. For now. It appears you can write to one another, but I cannot reply. I hope to have the problem fixed right away. Your friend, Jack

Thank you so much for responding to our new forum. We hope to serve all of you with answers and ideas to help you with your sculpting needs. It will take us a few days to answer all of your questions, but I will take the time necessary to do it. If you have a specific question you can write me at jack@artdolls.com. If your question is of general nature one of the other members of the forum may answer it for you. Open conversation is accepted and encouraged.

Jack, I have been looking forward to the start of the forum. What a great place to share ideas, get inspiration and learn new things. You have made dollmaking such a pleasure. Linda

Hi Sau Wei Ma. Just wondering, are you using an aluminum foil armature under the clay? I am wondering if you have the clay too thick in those areas. That can cause cracking. Debbie

Thanks for the forum and the invitation, Jack! I'm a sculptor for Secrist Dolls and always willing to learn something new! Vicki in Michigan

Love it! Thanks for this and all your help with guild and everything. It's wonderful when those who are successful are willing to give back and help us newbies out! Aloha, Bo Bergemann bozeke.com

This is wonderful Jack. What a great opportunity to connect with other artists and share ideas, inspiration and information. Hurrah!!

This is great!! So glad to be here :0). Just took your class in Jacksonville a few weeks ago and loved it. What a great idea!! I am sure I will be visiting here often. xoxo Danna

Hello Glad to be here--I am hoping to learn alot and share--thanks for starting this Jack::) Laurie Renea

HI Jack Hi every one else glad to see a new forum coming up !!! Belinda

Hello Jack and all cant wait to talk with you all Belinda

Hi Jack. So happy to see this forum. I plan on being here often to soak up all the information. Tana

Hi Jack, This is great that you have a forum. I will be visiting often. Good luck with the Grand Opening! Take care, Dessa Rae

I am pleased to see this forum and really look forward to reading all the posts. I started with Sculpey about 16 yezars ago, give or take a couple of years. I almost gave it up when I made a 4 foot tall doll because I didn't know it couldn't be done! But I did it and now use her as my logo. There wasn't much information when I started but I am still learning a lot with forums such as this. Thanks, Jack

Hello Jack and everyone here. I'm looking forward to this forum very much and I'm sure it will be very helpful to many of us. Connie

Hi Jack: I purchase a copy of Mark A Dennis's book and I discovered he uses both prosculpt and sculpey translucent white clay for the head? Why is that? Also, I'm work on sculpting a doll with prosculpt polymer clay, I don't know if it is because the clay is too dry or what, the body parts such as the thighs and waist area cracked as soon as I did the first fire. Hope you can help me. Thanks, Sau Wei Ma

jack i have a large dollhead and i tryed to make a babyboy but the face keeps looking like an old man what am i doing wrong joan boekema

Hello Jack and all! I see a few names I already know! How neat. I want to that a moment and thank you Jack!! It's so exciting that you have started this kind of forum for all. I know this will be a huge hit with newbies, such as myself, and many others. I can't wait for the grand opening to the forum and am sure looking forward to learning so much from such huge talents. XOXOXOXOXO Michele

Hi Jacqui! I thought it was you! Marsha

sorry to post twice but it said there was a system error so I posted again:( I will check next time. Jacqui

Hi Marsha, I am happy to see you here:):):) Jacqui

Hi Marsha, good to see you here:):) Jacqui

Hi, Jack- I'm really excited about this forum! I have alot of questions to ask!:) Thanks for yet another resource for ooak doll sculptors. Best, Katie:)

Hello, I was so happy to receive your email about the forum this morning. I've been working with miniature porcelain dolls for 10 years now but am starting to venture into sculpting. Unfortunately I missed your seminar in Oakland, California this year but there's always next year! I look forward to this forum! Kind regards, Marsha

Thanks for the heads up on this new forum Jack. It looks like a great place for exchanging ideas and making new friends. I look forward to checking in on a daily basis. Thanks again, Cindy

Hi Jack, This is just great! Jen :o)

Good idea! See you soon. -Gale

This is Great!!!!! Will love to meet everyone and find out all the new ideas. Have a Great Day Jack. Thanks for the forum. Carolyn

I was very happy to receive your email. Looking forward to visiting the forum...should be interesting and fun. Thanks for the invitation. B

Good Morning friends I am happy to see this forum. I am prety new to dolls making and hope to learn and share a ton here and make some new friends:):) Kisses Jacqui

Hi Jack, I received mail from you just now.I am looking forward to argument about the doll here. Thank you Yoko

Hi, Received an email this morning notifying me of the forum. I’m now pleased to be a member and look forward to seeing more. Tony.

It looks like the forum is ready enough to send out an announcement. We'll continue to tweak it as needs arise. Thanks to our early visitors for helping to test it out.

Stopped in for a visit at your website and was very happy to see the forum. This is great!

Jack, I have been watching for the forum and I am glad to see it start up. Plan on checking in often, and look forward to doll making discussions.

Welcome to the Artdolls.com Forum. We will have our Grand opening within the next few days. I look forward to serving you and to becoming a part of your doll making world. I look forward to speaking with you very soon. Thanks! Jack