Worm, In An Apple Head, On A Body, In A Box!

On reflection of the numerous posts about Worm popping up on the internet, I realise there is scant visual reference to the box itself. This post hopes to rectify that.

When I was designing the Bods, I wanted to frame them somehow. My solution was to create a box that was integral to the display of the figure. This also helped me arrive at the name Box-Bods.

So here's a picture of Worm in his natural environment.

Worm-in-the-box early prototype

Each box is numbered 1-25 and has my signature on the back. The box has 4 windows to view the figure from each angle. You can see the box net here on my "about" page. This is an early iteration of the box.

As each Worm is hand made, they have slight differences from each other. As I mix my own paint from the primary colours, I was careful that the tones were consistent. When sculpting, however, I allowed each Worm to develop it's own character, the sculpting was done by hand and not from a mould or cast.

When painting the clay figures I adapted the design, to the nuance of each shape, in the hope that each Worm has it's own charm.

The figure is secured to the base of the box with a 1cm screw that locks it firmly onto the card.

Okay, description deficit rectified.

My Second Box-Bod: Tox

Here is Tox, short for toxic shock. I think he ate something that wasn't good for his tummy. He's still smiling though, poor thing.

Box-Bod Tox, initial design and finished bod.

There are further details on the figures' sides and back.

My first Box-Bod proper: Claude

I finally completed my box design, I made the clay figures and they are dry and undercoat applied. Now it's time to have some fun. Let the painting begin!..

..Some time later, here is my first Box-Bod, all packaged up.

You will notice the inside of the box is black to add a nice contrast to the figure and the white packaging. It allows the figure and the design to stand out.

Box-Bod Claude, initial design and finished bod.

I have added details to the figure's front, sides and back so you will really enjoy looking at the figure through the windows created in the box.

You'll have to buy one to see though! Shop coming soon.

How to Make your Own Figures - The Paints

After making some figures from Jovi air drying clay I went out and bought some paints to paint them with.

I decided to buy acrylic paint as this would adhere to most surfaces and seems to be the paint of choice for a lot of custom figure artists.

Acrylics, Red, Blue and Yellow and Gesso. Oh Black and White too.

I also decided to buy some gesso, this is an undercoat primer for canvas painters, but it's also good for clay and plaster. I recommend it, as it gave a great undercoat for the acrylics to adhere to.

Then it was the hard work of finding inspiration for a 'look' to paint my figures with.

I must admit there was no grand scheme at this point and I was just playing around and seeing what happened.

As I developed my process, however, I now doodle out a concept and work out a colour scheme first. I recommend doing this as it will save time in the long run and you will produce better results.

For my planning I use either; pens and felt tips on paper, or my computer. I then mix my paints and start painting.

Top Tip! Don't be a slave to your plan. Sometimes it's good to go with the flow, as long as you know the direction.

DIY Jinny

A first step into the vinyl figure world. My first purchase to date is a DIY Jinny. The DIY Jinny has no colour, it's off white for you to paint your own design. The Jinny is made and distributed by Bitbots a UK producer.

Here is my Jinny all painted up.

I call it Pork Snack Jinny. The idea is that it's a miniature, genetically engineered pig with the characteristic of having a peel off scalp.

Peel off the top of the head to find yummy pork spread inside. Spread it on your toast, mmm, lovely.

Bitbots delivered my Jinny quickly and with some surprise extra goodies inside. There were stickers and badges, yey, thanks bitbots. Reasonably priced and excellently packaged, with free post overseas.

Buy from these guys!