Thank you so much for this video! I have wanted to make my own doll for the longest time, but have found it very hard to find any kind of info on how to do it. This is a good way to get a look into some of the things needed for making one!
A joint tip for somebody who only wants the doll to be made out of clay, without the mold-making and casting: Instead of making a full ball (it will be so much work to get it hollow), get yourself a half-ball silicone mold (like resin artists use for making BJD eyes). That way, you can put a layer of clay in (thus making only the walls). Make the clay go beyond the mold in height and trim it down. You now have one perfect half circle/ball, make a second one and glue them together. This way you get a perfect ball for your joints that is already hollow and needs absolutely no clean up :)
@@Narko_Marko There is some mighty strong air dry clay out there! And it holds up fantastically even after years of being under tension :) I built a BJD years ago out of "DAS paper clay", which isn't even considered as strong as stone powder clays like LaDoll (which is commonly used for BJDs out of air dry clay); and there is no cracking or crumbling at the joints. Even falling to the ground multiple times due to me being clumsy have not hurt the clay at all. Air dry clays have come a long way over the years :)
@@fuchsfarben i use DAS clay and it's pretty strong except for some really thin parts like small fingers or hair strands but I've never used it for moving parts. I want to make a doll but I'd like to try to articulate it with magnets and ball bearings to make it more robotic looking and it should be a fun way of articulation. But I can't find magnets anywhere in town, I'll have to order some.
@@Narko_Marko While DAS is great, it doesn't work well with super tiny parts, especially when sanding them, they get fuzzy due to the cellulose fibre in there, which is why stone powder clay is so beloved by BJD makers. The BJD I made has more chibi-proportions and therefore didn't have any tiny, delicate parts like small, thin fingers etc. Your idea sounds so cool! You'd have to get really strong magnets though if they're supposed to hold a whole arm or leg up. There are tiny magnets out there though. I got some for the head of my BJD so I can put some horns on top without having to model them and then having to bother with a special wig to go around them :D
@@fuchsfarben actually as i was looking for magnets i came across those wooden popsicle like sticks so i changed my mind and instead of troubling myself with magnets I'm going to make joints out of those sticks and wooden balls, i have a pretty good idea of how everything should come together and i was just about to start working on it when i got your comment. I had some practice with making paper joints for my titanfall scorch miniature, i made some huge mistakes then that i now know to avoid. When it comes to details im most likely going to use fimo professional for head, hands and feet which i bought and intended to continue working with but for some reason i just find it easier to sculpt with DAS clay (thank god since its way cheaper). I'm making an android woman, something similar to those from the game signalis.
I’ve always wanted to make my own doll (specifically of my favorite anime character because he’s not really the type to get a doll) but thought it was super difficult and too expensive for me to do, this video gives me hope that I could actually make my dream doll because you explain everything so well and thoroughly! Thank you so much! Someday I hope to come back to this comment to update it and share my progress 💜
I’m so glad to read that! It get’s expensive if you start to cast dolls in different materials and do it professionally. But to sculpt your own doll is really doable and you don’t need that many materials. Only time and patience ☺️
Gosh, I love BJD dolls so much! 💞 I've always wanted to make one myself due to their cute and wonderful beauty. But it always looked so hard, and still is. You do it so amazingly 💖
Thank you! It’s not that hard once you get going. It seems like a big task, but broken into smaller steps it’s really doable. That’s probably the main reason why I made my BJD sculpting course, to show that’s possible to sculpt one even if you’re a beginner. 😌
i want to make my own custom splatoon doll so its going to be in a ''chibi'' style (less realistic), a lot smaller and overall easier to make also - i always wondered how the hell they made the joints, now i know it was pretty simple :0 thank you so much for that video, beautiful; doll, voice and a way of explaining things ♥ (sorry for bad english hehe)
this clay looks amazing! i dont make bjd's myself, but i see a lot of properties with this clay that would really just make sculpting much easier for me. i should try it out since this is air dry, it must be really lightweight right? and since you use these for creating molds rather than it being the final doll, how would you say this clay would fare as a sculpture? air dry clay isnt the sturdiest thing out there i know, but i really love the look of this!
It’s very lightweight! Also, if you use primer and varnish to strenghten the clay and protect it from environmental conditions like humidity it really holds up. I still make some sculptures from air-dry clay and if they only sit on the shelf they can last for years without any damage. For dolls that will be played with, I suggest finding somethibg stronger. But a lot of artists use air-dry clay to create all kinds of dolls and sculptures.
Have thought of using glass eyes for your dolls? If you already do, sorry about asking:) Also can you show a slower video on shaping ball joints. I can't see how you carve sections where the string goes through. Thanks for video! Beautiful artwork!
I don’t use glass eyes, I like to paint them. ☺️ you can see all the parts of making a BJD by joining my masterclass. This is just short overview to share the process. Thank you so much for watching! 🙏
Your videos have been very helpful to me, thank you so much. Would you consider to do an in depth video on how to do the face? I struggle with eyes quite a bit, and could need some professional advice 😀 Love from germany 🇩🇪💖🌞
@@goblin1226 That’s so lovely to hear! I have one video about sculpting the face on my Patreon, but I might do something on RUclips in the future as well. 🫶
@@sirop591 I wet the surface with a little bit of water and it sticks perfectly. You should always use water when sculpting with air-dry clay. It helps with smoothing out the clay, the layers will be even and the clay won’t dry too quickly.
@Nymphaidolls thank you! i always used water, but i never waited for it to dry and then sculpt it and then add more clay on top after that! im gonna try it next time!!
@ This way it’s easier to control the clay itself. Sometimes when sculpting small details it’s so easy to squish the previously sculpted features, but when the clay is dry you can build it bit by bit.
@@nightynightshade Yes, but it won’t have very good poseability, the joints might snap back or won’t bend as much as you want. It’s very common in beginner’s dolls though ☺️
It depends on how much time you can spend on your doll. If only the weekends it might take a few months. But if you can spare a few hours every day, you can complete your doll in a month. ☺️
i just want to make a simple ball jointed fish like thing where his only joints are shoulders and legs and i was having trouble figuring out how to make it hollow so i will definitely try using a fine Styrofoam
sorry if this has been asked before, but i'm curious... does the air dry clay get worn down by the joints over time? is there any way to prevent or slow this down?
The primer and varnish helps a lot. You can also add lining to the joint sockets, like the porcelain dolls have. For hobbyists it’s usually enough. But if you want to sell your dolls, consider casting them in other materials. ☺️
I have a couple questions. What gage wire do you use for the fingers and you don’t show how you put the holes into the ball joints for the string to feed through, aren’t the balls solid? Or do you cut them in half and hollow them out and glue it back together? I’m just a little confused would love to get into doll making:) Amazing video btw!
The wire is around 20-22 gauge. I don’t remember exactly what I used. I drill the holes with my trusty Dremel tool, so no need to cut the balls if they’re small. Check out my BJD sculpting masterclass if you want to see each step in this process, it’s hard to put everything in a short video ☺️
Oh yes, a lot of doll makers use polymer clay. The sculpting process just will be different. You can’t cut and glue the parts back together, or resculpt them as easily as with air-dry clay. But polymer clay has other cool properties.
Hey I’m confused. How come the original prototype clay doll have some grey parts mix towards the end? What is the grey material called and what it is for? I’m also in the process of sculpting my own bjd as an amateur and I always see this grey stuff on the newly sculpted doll artists. Thank you for this vid.
It’s a spray primer. Usually Mr. Surfacer 1200. It fills in small imperfections after sanding and makes the clay very smooth, more durable and ready for mold making. There are white primers as well, but with grey it’s easier to see the areas that need more work.
I'm working on a new video about the best practices when working with air-dry clay. But in short, make sure to sculpt in thin layers, use water to smooth out the clay and make it stick to the dry clay, and use excellent quality clay (cheap clays for crafts usually crack more). Clay cracks, because the outer layer dries faster and shrinks a little and when the inside is still wet the surface tension leads to cracking. So sculpting in thin layers and waiting for them to dry before adding more clay, is the best way to ensure no cracking.
Mostly sanding and finishing with very fine grit sandpaper. It will never be this smooth just using tools and fingers. Sadly, sanding is the most annoying part, but very necessary 😌
1. Choose High-Quality Clay Some clays are more prone to cracking than others. Use good stone clays like La Doll, La Doll Premix, or Premier, as they perform better compared to clays intended for kids' crafts. 2. Sculpt in Layers Air-dry clay tends to crack when the outer layer dries faster than the inner layers. As the clay dries, it shrinks slightly, and uneven drying can lead to cracks. To avoid this, sculpt in thin layers and allow each layer to dry at least partially before adding the next. This ensures even drying and minimizes cracking. 3. Use Water While Sculpting Incorporating water while sculpting helps the clay stick together and form a cohesive structure. Without enough moisture, air pockets can form, which increases the risk of cracking. 4. Ensure Even Drying If the outer layer is drying too quickly due to environmental factors, cover the sculpture with a plastic bag. This slows the drying process and allows the entire piece to dry evenly.
Ok so I just wanna say this, which it may makes my comment a little stupid XD But here it come a little story time of the way I'm here (also thank you I think this video can help me a lot) so anyway, two months ago I saw a tmnt 12 figure (really used tbh but meh) and I wanted to buy it but for personal reason I couldn't go and 3 weeks ago they told me they sold him x""D and now I think I might never find another of those... But I like to draw and make 3d models! So I came with my 3am idea of making my own figures that look exactly like in the show... Which it ain't so hard cause of the style but welp, I will tell ya when I can finally do it and probably fail in the first Attempt 👍
Brilliant tutorial.
No boring bits. No waffling on.
Of course her finished doll is pure art.
Thank you! 🥰
Thank you so much for this video! I have wanted to make my own doll for the longest time, but have found it very hard to find any kind of info on how to do it. This is a good way to get a look into some of the things needed for making one!
My pleasure! I have a video about materials as well. Good luck making your doll ☺
@@Nymphaidollsi so thankful for this vid too this helped me so much to make my first bjd thank you so much
A joint tip for somebody who only wants the doll to be made out of clay, without the mold-making and casting:
Instead of making a full ball (it will be so much work to get it hollow), get yourself a half-ball silicone mold (like resin artists use for making BJD eyes).
That way, you can put a layer of clay in (thus making only the walls). Make the clay go beyond the mold in height and trim it down.
You now have one perfect half circle/ball, make a second one and glue them together. This way you get a perfect ball for your joints that is already hollow and needs absolutely no clean up :)
is air dry clay strong enough to not crumble or just wear down a bunch under tension?
@@Narko_Marko There is some mighty strong air dry clay out there! And it holds up fantastically even after years of being under tension :) I built a BJD years ago out of "DAS paper clay", which isn't even considered as strong as stone powder clays like LaDoll (which is commonly used for BJDs out of air dry clay); and there is no cracking or crumbling at the joints.
Even falling to the ground multiple times due to me being clumsy have not hurt the clay at all.
Air dry clays have come a long way over the years :)
@@fuchsfarben i use DAS clay and it's pretty strong except for some really thin parts like small fingers or hair strands but I've never used it for moving parts. I want to make a doll but I'd like to try to articulate it with magnets and ball bearings to make it more robotic looking and it should be a fun way of articulation. But I can't find magnets anywhere in town, I'll have to order some.
@@Narko_Marko While DAS is great, it doesn't work well with super tiny parts, especially when sanding them, they get fuzzy due to the cellulose fibre in there, which is why stone powder clay is so beloved by BJD makers.
The BJD I made has more chibi-proportions and therefore didn't have any tiny, delicate parts like small, thin fingers etc.
Your idea sounds so cool! You'd have to get really strong magnets though if they're supposed to hold a whole arm or leg up.
There are tiny magnets out there though. I got some for the head of my BJD so I can put some horns on top without having to model them and then having to bother with a special wig to go around them :D
@@fuchsfarben actually as i was looking for magnets i came across those wooden popsicle like sticks so i changed my mind and instead of troubling myself with magnets I'm going to make joints out of those sticks and wooden balls, i have a pretty good idea of how everything should come together and i was just about to start working on it when i got your comment. I had some practice with making paper joints for my titanfall scorch miniature, i made some huge mistakes then that i now know to avoid.
When it comes to details im most likely going to use fimo professional for head, hands and feet which i bought and intended to continue working with but for some reason i just find it easier to sculpt with DAS clay (thank god since its way cheaper).
I'm making an android woman, something similar to those from the game signalis.
Your dollsare so lifelike and expressive, I can feel their emotions and personalities. You are a master of your craft!
Thank you so much! That’s the biggest compliment for me 🫶
Im doing an independent study for my ceramics class and i plan on challenging myself to make a doll, this tutorial was really helpful!
Good luck! 👏
i would like to see!!!!!
Finally a tutorial we can follow clearly… been following ur work
just want to say that i (and many others, i'm sure) truly appreciate everything you do on this channel
Oh my goodness, you’re making me blush ♥️ Thank you so much! I’m creating for people like you 🫶
@@Nymphaidolls Aww thank you that just warms my heart!! 🥰 you are very welcome and i'm always looking forward to whatever you create next!! ❤
I’ve always wanted to make my own doll (specifically of my favorite anime character because he’s not really the type to get a doll) but thought it was super difficult and too expensive for me to do, this video gives me hope that I could actually make my dream doll because you explain everything so well and thoroughly! Thank you so much! Someday I hope to come back to this comment to update it and share my progress 💜
I’m so glad to read that! It get’s expensive if you start to cast dolls in different materials and do it professionally. But to sculpt your own doll is really doable and you don’t need that many materials. Only time and patience ☺️
Hi, I loved the video! But the one part I couldn’t figure out was how you made the joints hollow? Did you drill a hole after you sculpted the knee?
@@Eju-qq2mw Yes, just drill the hole for the elastic to go through.
Gosh, I love BJD dolls so much! 💞 I've always wanted to make one myself due to their cute and wonderful beauty. But it always looked so hard, and still is. You do it so amazingly 💖
Thank you! It’s not that hard once you get going. It seems like a big task, but broken into smaller steps it’s really doable. That’s probably the main reason why I made my BJD sculpting course, to show that’s possible to sculpt one even if you’re a beginner. 😌
@@Nymphaidolls That's really inspiring! Thank you dearly! 💝
i want to make my own custom splatoon doll so its going to be in a ''chibi'' style (less realistic), a lot smaller and overall easier to make
also - i always wondered how the hell they made the joints, now i know it was pretty simple :0
thank you so much for that video, beautiful; doll, voice and a way of explaining things
♥ (sorry for bad english hehe)
this clay looks amazing! i dont make bjd's myself, but i see a lot of properties with this clay that would really just make sculpting much easier for me. i should try it out
since this is air dry, it must be really lightweight right? and since you use these for creating molds rather than it being the final doll, how would you say this clay would fare as a sculpture? air dry clay isnt the sturdiest thing out there i know, but i really love the look of this!
It’s very lightweight! Also, if you use primer and varnish to strenghten the clay and protect it from environmental conditions like humidity it really holds up. I still make some sculptures from air-dry clay and if they only sit on the shelf they can last for years without any damage. For dolls that will be played with, I suggest finding somethibg stronger. But a lot of artists use air-dry clay to create all kinds of dolls and sculptures.
Have thought of using glass eyes for your dolls? If you already do, sorry about asking:) Also can you show a slower video on shaping ball joints. I can't see how you carve sections where the string goes through. Thanks for video! Beautiful artwork!
I don’t use glass eyes, I like to paint them. ☺️ you can see all the parts of making a BJD by joining my masterclass. This is just short overview to share the process. Thank you so much for watching! 🙏
I am doing this tutorial rn!! When I am finished w/ this project I’ll share it results!!
Your videos have been very helpful to me, thank you so much. Would you consider to do an in depth video on how to do the face? I struggle with eyes quite a bit, and could need some professional advice 😀 Love from germany 🇩🇪💖🌞
@@goblin1226 That’s so lovely to hear! I have one video about sculpting the face on my Patreon, but I might do something on RUclips in the future as well. 🫶
@@Nymphaidolls that would be great, your dolls are absolutely beautiful ☺️
when you work in layers, how do you add fresh clay on top of the dried one? does it stick like that?
@@sirop591 I wet the surface with a little bit of water and it sticks perfectly. You should always use water when sculpting with air-dry clay. It helps with smoothing out the clay, the layers will be even and the clay won’t dry too quickly.
@Nymphaidolls thank you! i always used water, but i never waited for it to dry and then sculpt it and then add more clay on top after that! im gonna try it next time!!
@ This way it’s easier to control the clay itself. Sometimes when sculpting small details it’s so easy to squish the previously sculpted features, but when the clay is dry you can build it bit by bit.
@Nymphaidolls that was my problem, all the details would get squished at the end. i really appreciate these tips! thank you for all your work 🙏
Amazing video, thank you for sharing your expertise
Is it possible for a doll to be pose-able without perfect ball joints?
@@nightynightshade Yes, but it won’t have very good poseability, the joints might snap back or won’t bend as much as you want. It’s very common in beginner’s dolls though ☺️
How long it takes u to complete ur first prototype?
It depends on how much time you can spend on your doll. If only the weekends it might take a few months. But if you can spare a few hours every day, you can complete your doll in a month. ☺️
i just want to make a simple ball jointed fish like thing where his only joints are shoulders and legs and i was having trouble figuring out how to make it hollow so i will definitely try using a fine Styrofoam
I love this video. I went and bought the full course. I am so excited to make my own doll.
Thank you so much! Let me know if you need any help. ☺️
sorry if this has been asked before, but i'm curious... does the air dry clay get worn down by the joints over time? is there any way to prevent or slow this down?
The primer and varnish helps a lot. You can also add lining to the joint sockets, like the porcelain dolls have. For hobbyists it’s usually enough. But if you want to sell your dolls, consider casting them in other materials. ☺️
@@Nymphaidolls i see, thank you! i will try these and see what works best for me
is there any alternative to the circle making tool? or does it also work with a semi round ball?
You can use molds to make the balls, they’re available on Etsy. Also, you can use wooden balls or make the silicone mold yourself using them.
@@Nymphaidolls thank you!!!
I have a couple questions. What gage wire do you use for the fingers and you don’t show how you put the holes into the ball joints for the string to feed through, aren’t the balls solid? Or do you cut them in half and hollow them out and glue it back together? I’m just a little confused would love to get into doll making:) Amazing video btw!
The wire is around 20-22 gauge. I don’t remember exactly what I used. I drill the holes with my trusty Dremel tool, so no need to cut the balls if they’re small. Check out my BJD sculpting masterclass if you want to see each step in this process, it’s hard to put everything in a short video ☺️
Thank you so much! I had a feeling you used dremel
All you’re work is stunning!! Do you think it would be possible for me to substitute air dry for polymer clay or would it not work?
Oh yes, a lot of doll makers use polymer clay. The sculpting process just will be different. You can’t cut and glue the parts back together, or resculpt them as easily as with air-dry clay. But polymer clay has other cool properties.
@@Nymphaidolls thank you!
How do you cut the holes and notches in the ball joints?
With a Dremel tool. But it’s doable with the X-acto knife too.
@@Nymphaidolls thank you!
super happy to have found your YT! Thank you for sharing your art :)
Thanks for watching! ☺️
Thank you! I can’t thank you enough for your video and RUclips channel ❤
Hey I’m confused. How come the original prototype clay doll have some grey parts mix towards the end? What is the grey material called and what it is for? I’m also in the process of sculpting my own bjd as an amateur and I always see this grey stuff on the newly sculpted doll artists. Thank you for this vid.
It’s a spray primer. Usually Mr. Surfacer 1200. It fills in small imperfections after sanding and makes the clay very smooth, more durable and ready for mold making. There are white primers as well, but with grey it’s easier to see the areas that need more work.
@@Nymphaidolls omg!! Thank you so much for this info. I appreciate it.
how do you avoid cracks when working in layers?
I'm working on a new video about the best practices when working with air-dry clay. But in short, make sure to sculpt in thin layers, use water to smooth out the clay and make it stick to the dry clay, and use excellent quality clay (cheap clays for crafts usually crack more).
Clay cracks, because the outer layer dries faster and shrinks a little and when the inside is still wet the surface tension leads to cracking. So sculpting in thin layers and waiting for them to dry before adding more clay, is the best way to ensure no cracking.
@@Nymphaidolls Thank you!!!
Incredibly beautiful!
Where do you get the la doll? I am so looking forward to make my own doll☺️
I purchase it in my local art supplies store. But you can get it on Etsy, Amazon, Activa Products website.
How do you get the clay so smooth? I tried smoothing it with my fingers , brush but non of them work
Mostly sanding and finishing with very fine grit sandpaper. It will never be this smooth just using tools and fingers. Sadly, sanding is the most annoying part, but very necessary 😌
how do you stop the clay from cracking?
1. Choose High-Quality Clay Some clays are more prone to cracking than others. Use good stone clays like La Doll, La Doll Premix, or Premier, as they perform better compared to clays intended for kids' crafts.
2. Sculpt in Layers Air-dry clay tends to crack when the outer layer dries faster than the inner layers. As the clay dries, it shrinks slightly, and uneven drying can lead to cracks. To avoid this, sculpt in thin layers and allow each layer to dry at least partially before adding the next. This ensures even drying and minimizes cracking.
3. Use Water While Sculpting Incorporating water while sculpting helps the clay stick together and form a cohesive structure. Without enough moisture, air pockets can form, which increases the risk of cracking.
4. Ensure Even Drying If the outer layer is drying too quickly due to environmental factors, cover the sculpture with a plastic bag. This slows the drying process and allows the entire piece to dry evenly.
Fantástico,quanto temo vc leva para fazer esta boneca?
Thank you! It depends how much time you can spare for doll making. For me, about a month. ☺️
hey how do you put the hands and feet on the doll's body😭😭
Using S-hooks. This prototype is strung with elastic string and the S-hooks are attached to that string and metal bars in the hands.
@@Nymphaidolls i cant understand😓😓
What’s s-hooks
amazing, thank you so much
Glad you liked it!
What size should I use for my doll?
i will made one . i love it.
In my head I can do it
You can! 👏
What is the name of your ruler with holes? where can I find it?
It’s linked in the video description. Usually it’s called a circle template, but might have other names too. ☺️
very fascinating video!
Thanks for watching! 🥰
what happen if it fell into water
I love this tutorial I also made one 😄
Randall is coming closer to fruition hallelujah
No way a Randall doll 😮 thats gonna be sick
hows it going
@@lefty7142 i completely forgot i was planning to do this lmao thanks for the reminder
@@sobbycdz yaya
É meu sonho ter uma boneca dessa infelizmente não tem materiais pra fazer e acho que eu não ia conseguir fazer
Vou ficar nesse sonho pra sempre😢
thank you for this! it's so clear and any chance you would make a tutorial without stringing? pls like this so the creator will see it
Not sure what you have in mind. If you want to create static art dolls, without stringing, I already have doll making classes about this topic ☺️
@@Nymphaidollsooh okay, I don't know where to find your classes but I'll definitely check our your other videos thank you for replying!
@@loo0cat All the links are always posted in the video description ☺️ www.adelepo.com/doll-making-classes
Bravissima ❤
I didn't know it's possible to make a bjd by air dry clay
Ok so I just wanna say this, which it may makes my comment a little stupid XD
But here it come a little story time of the way I'm here (also thank you I think this video can help me a lot) so anyway, two months ago I saw a tmnt 12 figure (really used tbh but meh) and I wanted to buy it but for personal reason I couldn't go and 3 weeks ago they told me they sold him x""D and now I think I might never find another of those... But I like to draw and make 3d models! So I came with my 3am idea of making my own figures that look exactly like in the show... Which it ain't so hard cause of the style but welp, I will tell ya when I can finally do it and probably fail in the first Attempt 👍
Good luck! It sounds like a fun project 👏
💕💕💕
I accidentally used the wrong Clay and I had to start all over again 😩
Oh no, maybe you can sculpt on top of it? Some clays work good together.
Mmm ok
چطور میتونم زبان ویدیو را به فارسی تبدیل کنم?