How to make a chain link of clay

Scetch. Draw patterns of all the parts you need and cut the patterns out.

Cut out a lump of clay, soften it between your hands. If you have to add more clay, make sure you don't leave any air in it.

Roll out the clay using a plastic pipe or a rolling pin. Use measuring sticks as shown in the picture below to ensure the clay has the same diameter from one end to the other.

Cut the pieces off using the pattern and a knife. If there are any marks on the clay, press them lightly on the clay (see the pictures below).

When making cylinders, you have to attach the ends together. Use the basic attaching method - criss-cross both surfaces with a knife, add slip over criss-crossings and press the surfaces together. Smooth the edges with a wooden tool or your finger.

 Before attaching the cylinders to the layers, leave all parts to dry and harden a little to keep their shape.

You can make the caps on the link using a plastic mold or just making the right shape with your hands.

Check the size of the cap and attach them. Use the same method as before.

Leave clay to dry and harden again before finishing it. You can scratch and burnish the clay with a spoon once the clay is hard enough.

Fire the clay and when it is fired once you can glaze it. I used a matt dark golden glazing, but something went wrong and it came out very yellowish and shiny. It had also twisted in the second firing.

I put some more glazing on cracked/twisted places an decided to try to re-fire it.

The final piece

How to make a human mold

Making a human mold using tin foil or clingfilm and sticky tape - very simplified:

1st step: Ask model to take a stabile pose and wrap her/him in clingfilm or tin foil. If you are using tin foil you have to ensure the structure with pieces of sticky tape. You can make the mold very detailed if you keep burnishing the foil.

2nd step (tin foil skip this step): Wrap your model in sticky tape. Make sure there is tape everywhere and attach the tape in different directions to make strong structure. Use lots of tape in joint places.

3rd step: Cut the wrapping carefully off in the center line on both flanks. You can try to push your finger inside before cutting to make sure not to cut skin or clothes. Once the model is out, attach the sides back.

4th step: Make the head. Use the same methods but leave mouth/nose area open. If using tape, use tiny little pieces of tape to save all the details in the face.

The head above is made of wire netting.

5th step: Once the head has been done, attach it to the body carefully. Make sure the neck is strong enough.