Expert: Marilyn B. Hughes - 9/16/2009

Question
Where may I obtain moulds for making dolls house dolls 12th scale, using polymer clay?

Answer
Patricia Rose at www.patriciarosestudio.com carries a couple of molds for polymer clay that are the right size for Dollhouse dolls.  Right now she has a sale going on as she is trying to get rid of all the hyrdrocal plaster molds - she is going to "plastic" molds that are lighter and cheaper to ship.

You can also use some of the regular plaster porcelain molds, coat them with a couple of coatings of Armor All (www.houseofcaron.com - ask Jackie how to do this) to protect the delicate plaster, and then use polymer clay.  You will want the molds that make the smaller dollhouse dolls - all doll molds are not created equal in that some maker's dolls are larger than others.  Keep in mind that since you are using polymer clay, you will not get the shrinkage you do with porcelain (20%) therefore the need for the smaller dollhouse doll molds.  Again, Jackie at the House of Caron (web address above) can help you with this by telling you which ones make smaller dolls.  I have no affiliation with her what-so-ever....she's just really nice and generous with her assistance and I buy supplies from her occasionally.

In case you are not already a member, you will want to go to www.MiniDollList.com and join their companion yahoo groups MSATMiniDolls.  Most of the members make/dress dollhouse dolls made from porcelain but some of use do both and others sculpt in clay.  You'll find a lot of help there also.

Keep in mind that if you are not already working with polymer clay that you will need a separate tabletop (preferably digital) convection oven (about $80 US) as it's better not to use your regular oven that you will cook food in.  

If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Thank you.
Marilyn