My favourite tools for sculpting BJD
There’re so many tools and art supplies out there that it’s easy to get lost. I know the feeling! I wasted a lot of money over the years buying things that didn’t work for me. Because of that, I want to share a streamlined list of supplies that I use to sculpt ball-jointed dolls.
This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. I wouldn’t promote anything I don’t absolutely love!
Clay
I’m using air-dry clay because I like how easy it is to work with. I like to carve and sand the pieces until I achieve the result I’m looking for. If you’re a beginner, air-dry clay is very forgiving - you can re-sculpt the pieces as many times as you want. Here’re my favourite air-dry clays:
La Doll - my most used clay because of the texture, price and availability. It sands like a dream, is easy to work with and is suitable even for small details.
Premier - this clay is even smoother than La Doll but comes in a smaller package. Very lightweight, so stringing a finished doll is easy.
Premix - this clay is a mix of La Doll and Premier, so it has the best qualities of both. It has great elasticity and texture. You can read my full review here.
Sculpting tools
I like to use a variety of precise metal tools, which can be used for carving too. Such tools almost remind me of the ones that dentists use, so precision is impeccable! They are great for detailing and sculpt difficult areas like the nose or lips.
X-acto knife
Good quality X-Acto knife or a scalpel is very useful for carving and shaping dry clay. Get one with changeable blades - this way you'll always have it sharp.
Sanding paper
Even though sanding is my least favourite part of sculpting a BJD, it’s inevitable. For the best results, I use an assortment of sanding paper - from coarse to very smooth ones.
Dremel tool
Sculpting a ball-jointed doll involves drilling, polishing hard to get to areas, refining joint sockets. All of it is easier with a power tool. If doll making is your long-term hobby, consider investing in a Dremel tool with a flexible shaft for precision.
Grey primer
Even though it’s not a tool, it’s worth mentioning. This stuff really helps to cover small imperfections, protect air-dry clay from humidity and prepare it for casting. After a few layers of Mr Surfacer, the doll will have a smooth and protective coating.
As you can see, sculpting a ball-jointed doll doesn’t require huge amounts of supplies and investments. The most valuable thing here is actually time. It can take months to complete it, but it will be incredibly rewarding to see your own ball-jointed doll!
