How can I make an elf head?

[Just Whisper]

I am trying to make a display this year that incorporates 3 elves. Each elf will be about the size of a one-year old child, and will eventually be animated. I am looking for suggestions on how to make a fairly realistic-looking head/face. Preferably from a weather-proof material as it will be outside. I used a Styrofoam wig form for Santa but it would be too large for a small elf. I do not have time or talent for things such as sculpting or sewing so lets eliminate those right off. Maybe I used up all my imaginative juices on Halloween. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[Blinky]

well in our H.E.B. they have dolls that are about 2-3feet high for around $10.00 maybe you can use one for a elf armature??

[Sickie Ickie]

What's HEB?

[Blinky]

H.E.B=its a grocery store here
sorry I forget they arent all over, this doll are like after market my size barbie's ( hope that makes sense)

[Sickie Ickie]

I understand. Nope. None around here.

[Just Whisper]

Not here either, but thanks Blinky. Where do you live, as I have no idea where sanity is, never been there.

[Warrant2000]

You could probably go to a toy store and look for dolls, life size maybe. Then embelish the faces with felt cloth pointy ears, a little makeup, some rosey cheeks, and elf hat and clothes.

[Just Whisper]

Hey, not a bad idea warrant. I was looking for dolls in WalMart today and a thrift store, but no luck. Maybe ToysRUs, or something big like that. i already have clothes for them, just need to make faces.

[Sikntwizted]

I snagged a couple of heads from a friend that went to beauty school. They are all female heads, and they have exaggeratged eye colors and cheek colors. I just have to wash the "product" out of their hair. Now I need the rest of the bodies.

[Just Whisper]

Yeah, have fun doing that. "Sorry, not tonight dear. I have to wash my dummies hair." LOL I have a couple of those that I use for Halloween. But they are too big for what I am doing. I may buy a few styrofoam wig heads and chisel them down to size. Running out of options. Trying to keep it cheap.

[Sikntwizted]

I hear you on the size, but I can't argue with free. I'm thinking rain washes hair pretty well :twisted:

[Sickie Ickie]

For a quickie, how about a nerf ball and a dowel rod for a nose and neck?

[Blinky]

Just Whisper insanity is Houston,everything is sane lol

if you really want a couple of these dolls pm me and I send you some need your addy and phone number too.

[Just Whisper]

Thanks Blinky. I ended up buying styro wig forms today, at a small fortune each, and will just make them a little smaller. We'll see what happens in the next couple of days. I am working on one of my elves tonight. Hope to get a little done.

[putrid]

I know you didn't want any sculpting but I thought I might add this to the list. It's how I make Santa faces and it really doesn't take much talent. A few practices and you might surprise yourself.

http://home.earthlink.net/~claysantaface/index.html

With a little ingenuity you might be able to do this over an existing doll face. This would allow you to have a complete body as well.

[woodmizer]

Out of respect to Larry I wont post the link, but I know where a sculpting tutorial thread is if you may need it........or if you think you might need any help you could PM me, i'd be glad to help ya any way I could, I've been know to sculpt a thing or two.:)

[Sickie Ickie]

or three! :D

[woodmizer]

Im working on it Sickie, won't be much longer i hope:)

[Just Whisper]

thank you all. so many great suggestions, so little time.