Please Help Me Sculpt Ruffles Before I Go CRAZY!

[Ren-Ren]

I've been trying to sculpt some ruffles as part of a G4 outfit, but I just can't figure out how to do it. It's kinda driving me insane...  Even when I actually make something that somewhat resembles a ruffle I can't get it to stick on the pony and ruin it in the attempt

Can anyone offer some advice on how to make them? I will definitely practice (and have been over the last month or so), but I can't help but feel I'm tackling it all wrong.

[fiwen30]

I use oven-bake clay and start with rolling out a strip about 2-3 inches long, depending on the scale of the piece, then start at one end of the strip and shape the ruffles into place as I put it on the pony. Keeping the strip short helps with control, and you can make more if needed. I normally just use my fingers with a little water, or sometimes the end of a pencil to shape the curves and make sure they stand up properly. Hope that's some help!

[Maniah]

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I made the ruffles on this corset using Apoxie sculpt.

I tolled it out thin, in about two inches length. I added it to clay that had already dried, though it works best on wet clay.

I kept my fingers lotioned up and used a sculpting needle/awl to apply the ruffle. Starting at on end, I tucked the end of it down under, then pressed it firm with the needle. Then I used the needle to fold and drape the clay, pressing on top of the please, as well as under it with each tuck.

Im not sure how to best describe what I did. So I hoe that is sufficient. I might could make a tutorial for it at some point, assuming my iPad would work well enough for it.

[Ren-Ren]

Thanks I think I probably need to get a better tool to help me with it--right now all I have that is small enough is a rehairing needle and that's just punching holes in the clay Maybe I also need to try with a longer piece--I've been using strips half an inch to an inch in length (only enough for about two ruffles). Maybe I also need to just place a strip of clay on the pony to anchor the ruffle to. Jsut realized that another one of my problems may stem from the fact that I'm going an "upside down" ruffle that needs to be secured at the bottom rather than the top. Maybe if I turn the pony upside down and put it on that way it will help.

Thanks for the help. I'll let you know if/when I'm successful ^^

Oh yeah, and a tutorial would be great!! If you have the time and inclination

[Ligress]

Good luck I havent tried ruffles yet but they are so pretty!

[Maniah]

Ill add the tutorial to my list of things to do. No telling how long it will take to get around to. But eventually, I will have it.

[lilacamy931]

Just a further pic idea for the ruffles as I find looking at construction of others can sometimes help figure it out. I did similar to Maniah but had a small sculpting tool and toothpick. I rolled some milliput pressed flat, smoothed and then applied pretty carefully. I will be honest it did take a few attempts even for my loose small ones...all the best of luck
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[MoonHawke]

Thanks Maniah. That was a huge help.

I opted to scrap my first attempt, as I made the ruffles too long to add a cutie mark on my pony; but I was pleased with how they turned out other than that.

[Maniah]

Woo! I helped someone! Ruffles covering the rump is a common difficulty. Im glad you are allowing me to use swirly gems on your pony for this very reason.

[Diamond]

Also when working with Apoxie you may find it helpful to add it and then let it sit till it starts to be harder.  Apoxie has a long open time, and as it stiffens you can do more with it when it comes to ruffles or flowers or ribbons and bows.

[Katika]

I know that with Sculpey at least, it's very forgiving and you can go back and "fix" things after you've already put it down.  I sculpt with what I call my pointy tool (I found it in the same aisle as Sculpey at Michaels.  Kinda looks like an ice pick about the size of a pencil), a dedicated clay paint brush and an exacto knife for most of my sculpting.  My pointy tool gets the most use, and I'll turn it kind of long-ways and use to to press the outside edges of my sculpt work down.  If I smash pieces while doing this, it's also a small enough tool that I can usually pull whatever got crushed back up with the pointy end, and it's the BEST for "carving" details into already sculpted parts.  I vote that you put your ruffles on, then go back with a finer instrument and try to perk them back up before you decide you don't like them.  I can't tell you how many times I've forced myself to just keep going even though I think it'll turn out disasterous, and had things still work out in the end

[PhyllieBean]

These are not the best shots (and especially since they paint was goopy!) but this is on the last piece I did with a lot of ruffles on it.  I did some shorter sections too and it does make it a lot easier.  I would recommend having something that covers the top edge of the ruffle, so it will help you to both anchor it and hide any rough edges.  On the large ruffles under her skirt I used a sculpting tool that has a rounded end like a ball.  And the little ruffles around her neck and sleeves I think I actually did with the stick part on a pen cap.  I was at work and didn't have my tools with me!  Definitely use water when you're shaping them, it'll help A LOT.     

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[MoonHawke]

Also when working with Apoxie you may find it helpful to add it and then let it sit till it starts to be harder.  Apoxie has a long open time, and as it stiffens you can do more with it when it comes to ruffles or flowers or ribbons and bows.

Yeah, I was working with my Apoxie scuplt after about an hour and a half of mixing it. I don't think I would want to try it with fresh stuff.

[hannaliten]

Also when working with Apoxie you may find it helpful to add it and then let it sit till it starts to be harder.  Apoxie has a long open time, and as it stiffens you can do more with it when it comes to ruffles or flowers or ribbons and bows.

Yeah, I was working with my Apoxie scuplt after about an hour and a half of mixing it. I don't think I would want to try it with fresh stuff.

Yes, I agree with this. I like to roll mine out, then let it sit until I can cut it with scissors. Much easier!