- Joined
- Nov 12, 2022
- Messages
- 75
Hi, all! I wanted to show my process as I work on my new custom, and I thought it would be fun if I just posted pictures as I worked on it and let you all guess who it is lol. Here is a hint: this is a popular character from both a series and a video game. I have a feeling someone is going to get it pretty early on, but probably not this first post cause this is just the prep stage.
I decided to use a Golden Delicious from my bait box because I like that her head is turned slightly down and away--I can make a great expression out of that. She has a pink stain on her neck that I think is from the dress she came in. I could probably get it off if I worked at it, but for this particular character, I think the stain is fine.
I washed the pony with soap and water, took the cutie mark and eyes off with acetone, removed the hair, washed her again, and she is ready for customization!
How I remove hair: I sometimes MacGyver my way through things instead of buying proper tools lol. I put the pony in scorching hot water to soften it and squish the butt until I can just pull the tail out with my fingers. For the mane, I cut it as short as possible with cuticle scissors. Then I use my 5yo’s safety scissors to scrape the glue inside the head until the hair comes out. I can open the scissors slightly to make a little fork if I need to grip or pry it. They are not sharp, so they don't damage the pony or cut the hair. They are also easier to grip than tweezers.
I tend to not be overly particular about getting every last bit of paint out of the corner of the eyes because I know I am going to paint over it anyway. Tip for if you're getting into customizing ponies: you don't HAVE to remove the eyes at all. A lot of people like to keep the original eyes as a template! But I have a pretty distinct style I like to do for the eyes, and I also like the freedom to move the pupil around if I want my pony to be looking a certain direction, so the eyes go!
And FINALLY, here is the pony. (Sorry, I know I blab)
I decided to use a Golden Delicious from my bait box because I like that her head is turned slightly down and away--I can make a great expression out of that. She has a pink stain on her neck that I think is from the dress she came in. I could probably get it off if I worked at it, but for this particular character, I think the stain is fine.
I washed the pony with soap and water, took the cutie mark and eyes off with acetone, removed the hair, washed her again, and she is ready for customization!
How I remove hair: I sometimes MacGyver my way through things instead of buying proper tools lol. I put the pony in scorching hot water to soften it and squish the butt until I can just pull the tail out with my fingers. For the mane, I cut it as short as possible with cuticle scissors. Then I use my 5yo’s safety scissors to scrape the glue inside the head until the hair comes out. I can open the scissors slightly to make a little fork if I need to grip or pry it. They are not sharp, so they don't damage the pony or cut the hair. They are also easier to grip than tweezers.
I tend to not be overly particular about getting every last bit of paint out of the corner of the eyes because I know I am going to paint over it anyway. Tip for if you're getting into customizing ponies: you don't HAVE to remove the eyes at all. A lot of people like to keep the original eyes as a template! But I have a pretty distinct style I like to do for the eyes, and I also like the freedom to move the pupil around if I want my pony to be looking a certain direction, so the eyes go!
And FINALLY, here is the pony. (Sorry, I know I blab)