
Learn to sculpt a skull using Super Sculpey clay with a tin can and aluminum foil armature, then finish with primer, gold spray, and water-based acrylics.
Block out the skull's main shape by wrapping a tin can with aluminum foil to form a thicker front and back armature. Indent the eye sockets with a ball stylus.
Wrap the armature with polymer clay to half a centimetre thickness, smooth and compress patches to avoid air pockets, then bake in a regular oven for a beginner-friendly skull sculpture.
Establish the main skull shape by blocking, blending, and smoothing the forehead, expanding eye sockets with an outline and ball stylus, and forming a proportional snout before nostrils.
Shape a proportional cone of clay for the nostrils, blend with fingers, then outline an upside-down heart and deepen the nostrils with a ball stylus to form the vomer bone.
Learn to bake clay in a toaster oven by covering with aluminum foil to protect from direct heat, bake at 180°C for ten minutes, cool to cure, then paint.
Prime the skull, apply a black base coat, spray gold to enhance depth, and build a blue-green patina, then dry brush copper before drying overnight.
Complete your skull sculpture by building the armature and adding the final paint touches. Cultivate patience, creativity, and experimentation, and keep practicing to push your skills and keep creating.
Want to learn how to sculpt? In this class, I’ll teach you how to sculpt a realistic skull using Super Sculpey Firm—but with a twist! Instead of just a display piece, we’ll turn it into a functional pen/tool holder.
I’m an artist from the Philippines, and I believe the world needs more creations! If you’ve ever asked a sculptor how to practice, most will tell you to sculpt a skull. That’s exactly what we’re going to do in this step-by-step class.
You’ll learn:
- The fundamentals of sculpting (blocking, blending, and smoothing)
- How to create a strong armature using tin cans and aluminum foil
- Techniques for adding realistic details like cracks and textures
- Painting & finishing for a professional look
This class is perfect for beginners and anyone looking to improve their sculpting skills. By the end, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind skull sculpture that’s both artistic and functional.
For this class project, you’ll create a realistic skull sculpture that doubles as a pen or tool holder. This will help you practice the fundamentals of sculpting while also making something functional for your workspace.
What You’ll Do:
Build a strong armature using tin cans and aluminum foil
Sculpt a detailed skull with realistic features
Add textures and cracks for a weathered look
Paint and finish your sculpture to bring it to life
Materials Needed:
Super Sculpey Firm (or any sculpting clay)
A sculpting tool set (or household alternatives)
Aerosol primer & paints (for finishing touches)
Paintbrushes and acrylic paints
Let’s get sculpting!