I guess maybe it’s one of those innate characteristics that my genetics blessed upon me, but I have a weak spot for art of all kinds, especially illustration. Dimensional illustration is something I have always loved, taking the subject off the paper and bringing him to life. Polymer clay is a great medium for this type of sculpting.

At a recent trip to the Dollar Tree, I picked up two generic metal skulls. What I love about things like these skulls, is they make a great base for a polymer project, without needing to make a base. They keep the item lightweight and cut costs for the project. Since these two skulls were barely even skulls and very, very minimalistic, they were a perfect base to add clay to. Metal is easy to heat at the lower temps in the oven for polymer and since polymer tends to shrink somewhat, the base helps keep an even, solid foundation that doesn't bend under pressure.

Mr. and Mrs. Sugar Skulls were born from these dollar items. I was also able to incorporate a recycled bottle cap for the base of his hat, for a touch of the unexpected. It added a neat additional texture to the finished sculpt, as well. These skulls are each about four inches high, by three-and-a-half inches deep, excluding the hat.

“Dimensional illustration is something I have always loved, taking the subject off the paper and bringing him to life."

PLEASE FOLLOW ME as I embark on a quest to enjoy, learn from, and raise my little bamBEANos, in the best way this Mama Chickpea can. Art is my "balance" to life and I enjoy all the DIY therapy I can handle!

Artwork © copyright Shelly Arroyo, A.k.a. Mama Chickpea.