sculpting an apple.

[MartyMcFly160]

okay so i am looking to sculpt a circular object some what of an apple shape.

the items i am looking to sculpt are these



so my question is i don't want to waste so much clay and have a solid master. i would like to use something i can build up on and form the sculpt i want so im guessing the question is what can i use as an armature to not end up wasting money and sculpey

[johnclone]

how about a wadded up ball of tin foil?

[MartyMcFly160]

i was thinkin that but then that would be a lot of tin foil. . .

[johnclone]

what about a fairly round small rock to start, then wrap tin foil around that

[cyborgt800]

Wad up newspaper then a coat of aluminum foils to secure. Or, you could carve/sand some EPS foam then coat that. OR you could spray some foam insulation into a baggie then shape it as it firms up. OR you could use a small balloon and paper mache'. OR you could mold/cast a real apple. OR you could go to Hobby Lobby and buy a styrofoam/plastic apple in the flower section.

[MartyMcFly160]

i like the news paper idea but would would that hold up in the oven for baking? i also figured maybe foam but they baking factor always comes to mind

[Astounding]

Yeah, I definitely would not use foam if you are going to bake. The newspaper is also a bit scary for baking. I know that sort of thing will burn out just fine in a kiln, but that's a different story than you kitchen oven. You might be able to find a wooden apple at Hobby Lobby - but I would avoid a painted one (like the Christmas ornaments we have). I'd be more confident with that in the oven than either of the other two. Other than that I'm leaning toward the foil again. I'll keep thinking.

[MartyMcFly160]

i also had a concern with a wooden center because wouldn't the wood expand and or crack being the fact that its dried already and the oven would just dry it out more?

again i am just going by assumption and logical thinking of possible out comes.

as i think of it more i'm thinking that the best bet would be to just go with the foil. . .

[cyborgt800]

....Or use a medium that doesn't require heat to cure.

[Astounding]

Yes the wood might react to the heat, I don't know if it would dry MORE, but almost anything will have at least some response with expansion or contraction. So far, foil does sound like it might be the safest. Whatever you do, you are required by courtesy to let us know how it comes out.

And yes, I also considered suggesting another medium, but it sounded like you were set on Sculpey.