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Crafts/Hair removal from plastic doll face

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Expert: Dodie Casey - 8/1/2008


Question
I have a Santa Claus fact with beard, that I would like to make a mold of.  Any suggestions as to how I can remove the beard, without ripping it off.

Thank you for your time.

Answer
Dear Carolyn:
Clip the "hair" from the face of the doll as closely as possible.  Then, you might try using a hair dryer, set on high, to see if that will weaken the wax enough for you to remove the hair

If that doesn't work, try using nail polish remover.  Just coat the hair with it & leave it sit for awhile, testing it every few minutes.

If neither of these solutions work for you, let me know, as I have other ideas.  I'd rather you used these methods first.  The other ideas I have use stronger solutions, & may damage the dolls face & render it useless for molding purposes.

Good Luck...Dodie

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Dodie Casey

Expertise

I am able to answer questions regarding: ceramics, beeswax candles, cleaning things from other things, working with wood/pinecones/etc. in the making of centre pieces & wall hangings. I also have a Christmas Village that is approximately 60 square feet in area & takes, at this time, 3 days to assemble for the Christmas Season, but only one day to take down. I also am a great baker & cake/cookie/cupcake decorator (I made my own wedding cake, my sister's for her 25th wedding anniversary, & for two of my friends weddings) & chocolate user for fancy stuff. I have done some small quilting projects & am starting something known as a "Farm Quilt". It requires taking pictures of people, animals & farm buildings on the farm you are using for a model. These pics are then transfered onto the quilt & "quilted" into it. Great fun! Great Family Heirlooms! I know a little about bisque, but more about ceramics. I also do sewing pictures. No, I do not do needle point. The pics are drawn & then various stitches are used to create a three-dimentional appearance.

Experience

I have made many presents for others--Christmas, Birthdays, etc. Also, I sold crafts for several years. I have also worked with 4-h-ers for several years as a craft leader, goat leader, woodsman coach, & photography. Now, a friend & I have a business (more hers than mine:) making several varieties of pure beeswax candles. Not the cheepy ones you buy in the dollar store. We go through several hundred pounds of high-grade beeswax every year. It is more a natural, life-styles choice than just candles for burning. They are all natural in style although they take on various shapes as we learn more about versatility.

Organizations
I am still a 4-H leader in crafts & gardening. "The Garden Bee" is the name of my friend's company. You can view it at www.thegardenbee.com on her website, should you so desire. Also, I have recently retired after 16 years of directing our Church Choir.

Education/Credentials
I have a BSc in Psychology/Computer Sciences. As well, I have taken a couple of courses in ceramics & basic painting which have come in very handy over the years when doing various things with students & friends.

Awards and Honors
Absolutely none, unless you count the numberous children & adults who have shown their gratitude for the teaching/coaching/helping/providing that I have done over the years.

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