ArtFire

This fun winter scene portrays a Christmas elf pulling a sled filled with brightly wrapped presents through deep snow. The elf was sculpted by hand in polymer clay. I used red Premo polymer clay for his body and red and green striped Premo clay for his arms and legs. His hat and scarf were made by swirling red and green polymer clay together. His shoes, belt, buttons, and mittens were sculpted from a mix of green and gold Premo polymer clay. His arms and legs have wooden toothpicks running through the center and into the body for added support and a heavy gauge wire runs through the base and into his foot, further securing him to the base. His feet and the sled's runners are also glued to the base. This cute elf has bright blue eyes which I coated with high gloss glaze. His sled is made of wood and painted bright red with a wire handle. I made each of the presents by creating my own boxes and wrapping them with colorful bits of Christmas wrapping paper. They're glued securely to the sled and to each other. For the snow I used a white wooly fabric with a deep pile, so it looks like the elf is pulling his sled through deep drifts of winter snow. The bottom of the wooden base is covered with white felt and is signed and dated, so you know you're getting a one of a kind original creation. The base measures 6 1/2 inches long and 4 inches wide. The elf is 3 1/2 inches tall. This would make a wonderful accent to you winter decor, and is sure to bring a smile to all who see it!

This sculpture was inspired by a gift I received for Christmas- not the gift itself, but the paper it was wrapped with. Christmas wrapping paper is full of wonderful characters and scenes, and I often find inspiration for whimsical creations within those scenes. I find it fun and challenging to figure out how to turn those pictures into three dimensional sculptures and generally make up a story to go with the picture as I sculpt. This little elf is one of Santa's helpers and is delivering this load of presents to a family living in the snowy regions far from town. The elf loves to bring joy to others and made many of these gifts himself ;-)

Premo polymer clay, wood base, toothpicks, cardboard, wrapping paper, wooly fabric, wood shapes for sled, glue, felt, wire