Unit 3 · Project 2
Practice Skulls
Before you work on your masterpiece, you'll build and paint two practice skulls to develop your technique. Practice skulls let you experiment with clay thickness, eye socket depth, and painting approaches without the pressure of it being your final piece. You'll try at least two different painting styles on your practice skulls — one more traditional (black outlines, bright fills) and one more experimental. Document what worked and what you'd do differently.
Objectives
- 1Build 2 practice skull forms using the provided skull base
- 2Paint each practice skull with a different color/style approach
- 3Write 3 sentences noting what you learned from each practice skull
- 4Skulls must be fully baked and cooled before painting
Materials
- Polymer clay (white or neutral base)
- Skull form template (provided)
- Acrylic paints
- Fine detail brushes
- Sealant spray (teacher-applied)
Tips & Techniques
1Build up clay in thin layers rather than one thick mass — it bakes more evenly
2Eye sockets should be deep enough to add clay decorations inside them
3Let your first coat of paint dry completely before adding details
4Reference real Día de los Muertos imagery for authentic design inspiration
Lesson Videos
Polymer Clay Cane Techniques
14 minStep-by-step guide to rolling, stacking, and slicing polymer clay canes.
Sculpting a Sugar Skull
16 minBuilding form, adding detail, and painting your Día de los Muertos-inspired skull.