Bobbleheads are more than just fun collectables. Professional bobbleheads can be pricey, but this fun craft is a cheap way to create your own! You can make a fully custom bobblehead right in your home with some basic materials and patience.
In this ultimate guide, you will discover how to make do-it-yourself bobbleheads from start to finish, from collecting supplies to putting together and painting your finished product. Whether it be as a gift or for yourself, this project will not only help you bring out your artsy side but it will also leave you with a unique keepsake.
So, before you get started, make sure you have everything you need.
● Clay (air-dry or polymer clay) – For sculpting the head and body.
● Aluminum foil – Step in building the mass and reduce clay.
● A little spring – Let the head bobble.
● Thin wire – Gives additional support for the neck and bobbling motion.
● Sculpting tools — Toothpicks, carving tools, and rolling pin for shaping the clay.
● Super glue or epoxy – Joins the bobblehead elements.
● Acrylic paint and brushes – For customizing your bobblehead paint job.
● Varnish or sealant – Provides a protective, glossy finish over the paint.
After you have obtained these supplies, you are prepared to start creating your custom bobblehead.
Plan what your bobblehead should look like before you start sculpting. Decide what you want to base it on — yourself, a pet, a famous person, a cartoon character. An approximate sketch will give you an idea of the scale and features.
Bobbleheads have exaggerated features, so the head should be at least twice as big as the body. This proportion guarantees a clear bobble effect. Be sure to sketch these out ahead of time so you can integrate these accessories into your design.
Shape the Base – Crumple a ball of tin foil to make the head base. This allows you to save some clay, making the bobblehead much less heavy for baking or drying.
Put Clay on it – Then add a layer of clay around the ball of foil to form a head. Use fingers and sculpting tools to shape better.
Add Facial Features – Using small sculpting tools, carve out details such as the nose, lips, and ears. If you are trying to make a personalized bobblehead, then you will need to take some pictures.
Let It Dry or Bake – If it is air-dry clay, let it dry completely before moving on. For polymer clay, cure it to the recommended temperature for the packaged polymer (in most cases, at about 130°C / 275°F for 15-30 minutes).
Mold the Torso – Roll out clay to create the torso. Make sure to keep the body smaller than the head for that signature bobblehead appearance.
Sculpt clothing and details – This is also the time to carve in clothing folds, buttons, or logos that might be a part of her design into the clay and make that all in one piece while the clay is still malleable.
Add Arms and Legs (Optional) – For bobbleheads with arms or legs, sculpt them individually and securely attach them before drying or baking.
Prepare the Body – Dry or bake the body.
With the head and body set, it’s time to add the signature bobble effect.
Pin the Wire to the Body. Stick a wire into the top of the body where the head will be. This serves as a spring base.
Winterlock the Spring – Get a small spring and wind one of its ends around the wire. Use a strong glue to hold it in place.
You'll attach it to the spring at one end. Attach the Head to the Spring – Carefully superglue or epoxy the other end of the spring inside the head. Make sure the bond is strong, but give it enough slack to allow some movement.
Bobble Effect – Gently touch the head to check if it is free-motion. If the motion is too stiff, alter the spring position.
After assembling the structure, it’s time to add some flair to your bobblehead!
The best type to use on clay surfaces is acrylic paint. Pad Down to the Right Shades Choose skin colors, colors of the clothes, or shades of hair that enhance the design you are making.
Apply a Base Coat — Choose a solid color to start with, and let dry completely. The pencil detains the colors from mingling while adding detail.
Detail the Face – Use small brushes to fill in the eyes, eyebrows, lips, and any other characteristics. When necessary, break out the toothpick for accuracy.
When the clothing and accessories are dry, paint them. Use different colored paint to layer and make things look realistic. Shade and highlight for depth.
Apply a Protective Finish – After the paint has dried, apply a coat of varnish or sealant to preserve the colors and give a shiny finish.
Your bobblehead is now complete, and now it’s time to show it off!
On a Desk – A bobblehead would be a great conversation piece for your office or workspace.
On A Car Dashboard – A lot of people use bobbleheads as a fun accessory while driving, so they put them in their cars.
As a Gift, hand-tiled heads are unique and thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
In a Collection – If you enjoy bobbleheads, you can create your own collection of bobbleheads.
Enhancing Your Display
To customize and make your bobblehead unique, you can put it on a tailored base. You can have a themed stand made or add a nameplate with an engraving. Others even illuminate their bobbleheads with LED lighting.
Use a firm spring. If the spring has a poor fit, it is unable to create the bobble effect.
Exaggerate features – Oversize the head and more of the facial features on the bobblehead to make it eye-catching and silly.
Drying and baking take time – If you rush it, cracks or weak joints may occur.
Learn Different Styles – Make animals, cartoon characters, holiday bobbleheads, and more.
Whether you want a unique gift(bobblehead or metal models kits) or simply want to have fun during a free weekend, it is quite rewarding and creative to make it yourself. And whether you’re crafting one for yourself, giving it as a gift, or for a special occasion, the details are enjoyable, rewarding, and mentally engaging. With the right craftsmanship and just a dash of patience, you can transform your idea into a bobblehead that shakes to your heart's contentment.
Want to attempt to make your own? Grab your supplies and start sculpting now!
