NIADA Academy

Description: We will show you how to make an "Artie Bean" starting with constructing the armature using wood dowels and twisted wire; sculpting his head, hands and feet in Paperclay using paint brushes and the supplied sculpting templates; then sewing his costume with the included patterns; followed by priming, painting and varnishing the body parts; applying and styling his hair; and finally assembling and filling the Bean.

Media Category: Air Dry Clay
Course Type: Interactive - with detailed step-by-step written descriptions and photos for each Lesson (refer to the FAQ page for full descriptions of each course type)
Course Format:  Full project
Course Begins:  Ongoing, open to Everyone
Course Duration: No time limit, at Student pace

What will Students learn? We will share our techniques in working with Paperclay using sculpting templates. Introduction to Gimlets, which are small tools used for hand drilling holes in wood. The gimlets are not required, but it is a very useful and easy to use tool for drilling holes if you don't have access to a Dremel tool or drill press. (see Tool note below)
Instructor/Students interaction: Answer questions via emails
Skill Level: All levels welcome
Required skill(s): Basic sculpting and sewing skills; working knowledge of air-dry clay. Comfortable using a band or hand saw to cut wood dowels and learning about new tools.

Supplies and tools: Wood dowels, armature wire, Fishing barrel swivels, Paperclay, Gimlet tools (optional). Brushes, acrylic paint, wool crêpe or mohair. Weldbond glue, small glue brushes. Cotton fabrics, ribbon.
Full supply list: ChoMeder-Artie Bean-CourseSupplyList.pdf
Downloads: Sewing patterns and sculpting guides, Chapter PDFs, How to Use Gimlets Demo video

Tool Note: This project includes instruction on working with Gimlets, which are small tools used for hand drilling holes in wood. The gimlets are not required, but it is a very useful and easy to use tool for drilling holes if you don't have access to a Dremel or drill press.

The highest quality Gimlet is made in France from blackened, tempered steel wire and comes in a set of 7 gimlets 2.0mm - 5.0mm. There are smaller 4 piece sets available online but the additional sizes are needed to incrementally drill larger holes to avoid splitting the wood. The set we highly recommend is available from Garrett Wade (Supply list has source link).

ALTERNATIVE to Gimlets Dremel drill bit set: 1/8"  1/16"  3/16"

HANDY TOOL: If you have access to a vise – clamp the wood dowels and head piece in the vise to the drill holes.