Huberine, yes a kiln and porcelain are a bit of a learning curve and yes, you need to be very careful about the dust. Porcelain just lasts forever, I suppose that's why I love it. It does have a lovely texture and quality too. That said, polymer clay has come so far and now the colors (like Emma's doll below) are so natural and you can make one so much fast than porcelain. You already do such lovely dolls with clay, but if you ever feel like taking the plunge to porcelain it's really a beautiful medium. Email me anytime if you need information/advice. :)

Yay!! Yes, I'm almost certain you would find one in a special shop. So glad you were able to bid on one..I'm sure you will get it. I know there are small irons out there, but this one is great because of it's small size, it can get into the tiniest of places.

I'm sure there has to be! Start checking quilt supply stores and websites. It's so great to have but not if it won't work where you live!

It's a good book to have on hand. There just isn't a lot out there about mold making. Yes, Jamie is very talented! I wonder if he shows at Kensington? I saw him at his last show in the US (Chicago) in 2017.

Those a great clays. Cosclay is flexible right? I know kilns are a bit intimdating at first. It's really a simple tool, but takes testing and using it over and over to really understand it. Go for it!

I agree. Viscose seems to be the only one I've tried that has fine enough fibers. I do have some silk tussah, and that works too, but it's a little frizzy.

Cute doll! That looks like a very fun class. Her dolls are so full of character and fun. I love Jamie's book! I still reference it to this day. When I met him, I was star struck lol! Yes, mold making is an adventure. I mentioned the book above, but there is also a course that I purchased from a ball jointed doll artist, Nymphai Dolls and that was really helpful. It's just getting the supplies for it and the right water to plaster ratio. I would start with a two part mold and practice. Set up your model in soft clay (half of it is buried in the clay for the first part), surround with your boards, seal the inside and outside with the soft clay, use parting agent like a mold release or oil soap. Even a petroleum jelly works .I think it would be a fun course to teach at IGMA sometime. Here is the link to Nymphai Dolls course: https://www.nymphaidolls.com/making-plaster-molds

Hi Huberine, thanks for bringing this up! I have not used molds for polymer clay but I do know that plaster molds work for the clay, so you are well on your way. There is also the option of silicone molds for using with clay. I'd love to see pictures of how it turns out! As for tips, make sure you have a soft clay to set up your mold and place your model in. You will need retaining walls or what is called "cottle boards" to keep the plaster in form. There is a book I have that I learned from. Hopefully that will help! Here is the amazon link: https://a.co/d/4dpUfna I should mention the book name is: The Essential Guide To Mold Making And Slip Casting, by Andrew Martin.

Hi Emma, good to see you on the forum! I am so excited to see you making dolls. How fantasic that you have a kiln and are going into porcelain. I saw your post from Jeanne's class, and you did excellent! Polymer clay is a great medium and I use it to make models for mold making. I actually started out using polymer clay 22 years ago! Have you tried Bee's Putty? I use Sculpey Firm for most of the figure, and then Bee's Putty for delicate hands (it's a really firm clay). Keep us updated on your progess and any questions are welcome :) Lilli

I will try a hair straightener...it sounds quite useful. A tiny board for sleeves!!! That's fantastic! Sleeves are so difficult to iron!

Porcelain is a wonderful material! I started making dolls in clay and I still use it to make models. I am hooked on porcelain though for the final result. I learned from many sources about porcelain. Let me know if you have any questions. I'll start posting more about porcelain in the group "Porcelain/Clay/Resin".

Yes, that's probably good to use the tacky glue on polymer clay. It's good stuff! One good thing with hot glue and porcelain, if you need to take parts off or disassemble the doll, you can put the whole thing in very hot water and the glue will loosen up. After breaking fingers while dressing, I learned that was the best way to replace a hand.

Oh I would like to get the red Clover mini iron. I love the attachements they offer. Good to hear it's worth it. The hair straightener is a great idea! I've heard of folks using one on viscose..have you done that? I'm afraid it will melt so I haven't given it a try! good idea for your ironing board. I'd love to make some mini tailor hams for curves.

I didn't know you were taught by Dana! Me too! That list was invaluable when I was learning. It is addicting for sure!

Hi Huberine, nice to meet you! Yes I follow you on Instagram and your dolls are so lovely! You are well on your way to making your own molds honestly. Sculpting is half of the battle! So glad I could help you. Let me know if you have any questions or ideas :)

Hi Karin, I'm so glad to hear that you've joined! Yes, it's great to share and talk about the dolls and the community!

Hey girl hey! I know you!! This will be great! Glad to you on the forum :)

Hi sweet lady! Thanks for joining! Yes, let's have so much fun with this! I have been loving what you are creating...you will be valuable to this forum!!

Hi guys, I'm Lilli of Lilli's Littles. Feel free to introduce yourself, show pics of your dolls, and ask questions. I'll be on here a lot so any suggestions are welcome.