What to look for in Polymer OOAK Dolls

When considering the purchase a an OOAK polymer clay art doll , consider what it is you are looking for. Some sellers claim originality, when in fact they use molds for their sculpts. While dolls made withmolds have their own merits, be sure you know what it is you are buying and why you want it. Crafting an original doll is time consuming, painstaking work. The polymer clay itself can have a finicky nature and there is a definite learning curve to be able to handle the material well enough to bring "life" to the artists' creations, not to mention the special creativity it takes to make something uniquely original. Unfortunately there are some unscrupulous sellers that claim to make dolls "with the use of no molds", yet their own feedback history can show purchases of these very types of molds! Original OOAK polymer dolls can gemand a high ( and rightfully so) price so it would be prudent to ask the seller a few questions to know just what is it you are truly purchasing. An OOAK doll artist will often have "tutorials"( explanations/descriptions of the sculpting process)on their webpage, or at least a few picturespictures of their creations in various stages of progress. Nearly any legitimate seller will be able to show you how their work is done. Being an amateur polymer sculptor myself ( pen and ink illustration is really my "thing") I know that creators take great pride in the "birth" of their work. Most will happily answer:
1) what type of polymer clay was used
2) what type of armature ( the "skeleton" that holds the piece together) is used
3) how long the piece was baked
4) what type, if any, paints or otherembellishments were used
5) where their inspiration for the individual piece came from
6) how long they have been sculpting in polymer
7) and importantly, most will happily, and proudly,give a written guarantee that "NO MOLDS WERE USED" in the sculpt of the piece.
Polymer clay artists who create by hand, with no molds used, original works of art, are a special breed and they and their work deserve a special recognition. Take a few steps to knew what you are getting, the time and effort it took in making, and proudly enjoy and display your sculpt!