Frustration!!

[MrsDavis]

 
So, I've been working on my first ever custom, and may have bit off a little more than I can chew.
I decided to try some sculpting, since just painting wouldn't really be a challenge since I paint a alot already.

Well, scuplting's kind of a butt.

It's going much better now that I got some tools and learned that Vaseline really helps with Apoxie Sculpt. My main issue is sculpting between and around the legs. I figured out that doing one leg at a time and letting it set up really helps. (I kept dinging up the legs I'd already done when I tried to do them all at once.) But, I'm still having issues getting in that small space, and just recently cracked some of my previous sculpting by moving the legs to much. 

Any tips, guys?

[Sarahlacewing]

I know you said you got some tools (oh I love my tools so much).  For the between the legs places I have a small ball tool that I use to spread the clay around where I need it.  visitors can't see pics , please register or login
 
I feel your pain on the cracking, definitely don't want to move the pony around too much.  When sculpting I try to start in those hard to reach places so I can bend and move the pony.  Then I don't move it hardly at all on the easier o reach spots.  I think you are on the right track though.  Divide it into smaller parts and let each one cure before moving on to another section. Apoxie is usually pretty hard but can separate from the pony. 

[MrsDavis]

Yeah, I should have done the underside and between the legs first and let that harden up, then I would be able to still move the legs. Blehhhh. Oh well, I'll know better next time.

And yeah, it's plenty hard, but separated a little and cracked at the edges. Thankfully, easy enough to fix. It's just going to be a butt to get her gloves sculpted now.

I need one of those ball tools. I have pretty much every shaped tool, but a smooth ball. I have really small hands, so that helps some, and I've been improvising with q-tips dipped in a little vaseline to get between the legs more, lol.

[Sarahlacewing]

Good idea! I've had success with pen caps but if it's not a true ball you can get that those lines/grooves.  What else works for between the legs.  A flat tool like a bobby pin can if you smooth left to right instead of front and back.  A seam puller with one of those tiny balls on one side and a straight point on the other can be good for detail work on the underbelly and between the legs.  Swiveling a straw with a bit of water or lotion on it can help to smooth out that between the legs pony area. 

I'm so macgyver about it.  Everything is a pony tool!

[jupiternwndrlnd]

some great tips here!
don't feel too bad, I generally stick to painting cause sculpting STILL kicks my butt, after all these years
I am excited to see your first pony tho!

[MrsDavis]

Oooo, I do have an extra seam ripper hanging around somewhere. I'll have to try that.

Thanks guys! I was just frustrated and ready to throw the pony across the room. I'm inspired to keep working, though. Once I get to the painting, it'll be cake. Though...I've never rehaired before either...

Maybe next pony, I won't try something so big, lol.

[Kanthaka]

I admire your ambition and I can't wait to see what this pony ends up looking like! 

Whenever you want to throw the pony, walk away, even if just for a little bit.   I think that has saved a number of potentially awesome customs from being chucked!