HOW THE CLAY FIGURES ARE MADE

Sculpted, modeled, built, crafted - however you want to describe it, polymer clay delivers. It has a smooth porcelain-like texture that is also strong. It allows the most minute details to be captured.
In the photo left I'm sculpting a horse that might be attached to beautiful hand-painted beads like the one in the picture. Or I might choose to make it into a Christmas tree ornament instead. You can see a close-up of a similar horse on the model below or click here.
All figures are sculpted over wire armature.

Layers are sculpted on bit by bit and fired after each at a low temperature.

First the body and legs are modeled -fired - mane and tail - fired - finally saddle and all the trim.

Next I the paints and glaze. I use acrylics and other paints and high gloss glaze.

I use very simple tools for the modelling such as a smooth round wooden toothpick, manicure stick and a few of my own specially made tools. Glass beads are used for the eyes and sometimes mirrors and other trappings that can be embedded and fired safely. The clay allows a lot of freedom of expression.

Many of the figures have a moving part - an Originals by LE trademark, which is built-in before the piece is fired. You will find animated examples throughout this site.

Left is an example of one with a moving part. As you can see, the 'Playing Dress Up' kitty lifts her arm to put on lipstick.