Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.3, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.

# R. Ruggles

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://rebeccaruggles.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [FebRuary 2025](https://rebeccaruggles.com/february-2025/) - With the paper clay layers finally dry, I dove into smoothing out the two larger sculptures I started back in January. I used joint compound and sanded between coats, repeating the process until I was happy with the shape—or until I accidentally left the lid off the joint compound and ruined half a bucket of
- [January 2025](https://rebeccaruggles.com/january-2025/) - I kicked off the year by driving an RV across the country—definitely not something I’d recommend in January, but it was a real adventure, and we made it through. Along the way, memories were made, and I couldn’t help but be in awe of the shifting landscapes. As I cruised down I-40, the scenery transformed
- [November 2024](https://rebeccaruggles.com/november-2024/) - Since I’ve been away from my sculpting studio, I’ve started painting my characters on small panels. This has been a great way for me to play around with color combinations and bring my daily sketches to life. I love taking these creatures from simple sketches and refining them on canvas so they can live beyond
- [September 2024](https://rebeccaruggles.com/september-2024/) - Week One: I am starting on a new sculpture of a round fish whose belly illuminates. The working title is "Fish Lantern" until the piece tells me its name. When complete, it will be a focal point lighting fixture for an entryway or room with high ceilings. I created a smaller 8" version of the
- [July 2024](https://rebeccaruggles.com/july-2024/)
- [August 2024](https://rebeccaruggles.com/august-2024/) - Post coming soon
- [January 2024](https://rebeccaruggles.com/january-2024/) - Summary Coming Soon
- [February 2024](https://rebeccaruggles.com/february-2024/) - Summary Coming Soon
- [March 2024](https://rebeccaruggles.com/march-2024/) - Summary Coming Soon
- [April 2024](https://rebeccaruggles.com/april-2024/) - Summary Photos Coming Soon
- [May 2024](https://rebeccaruggles.com/may-2024/)
- [June 2024](https://rebeccaruggles.com/june-2024/) - What I've Been Up To... Art Camp During the first week of June, I had the pleasure of attending Feather River Art Camp in Quincy, CA. At camp, I learned about printmaking from Chris Granillo and came home with new materials and techniques to explore. Exploring new art forms and seeing other artists' work was
- [How to paint a giant purple panda head.](https://rebeccaruggles.com/how-to-paint-a-giant-purple-panda-head/) - This month, I worked on finishing up Petunia the Purple Panda and started a new wall sculpture, Robin the Early Bird. Enjoyed building armatures from cardboard.
- [Chipboard Web Armature](https://rebeccaruggles.com/chipboard-web-armature/) - Filling out the armature with a cardboard web, then adding a skin of chipboard strips to firm the shape.
- [Wish Cardboard Armature](https://rebeccaruggles.com/wish-cardboard-armature/) - I enlarged my sketch to make a cardboard armature. With the side profile as a guide, I can build depth and move from two to three dimensions.
- [Building Cardboard Armature for Wish](https://rebeccaruggles.com/building-cardboard-armature-for-wish/) - Layers of cardboard were added to build depth and shape for the body, limbs, and head. I'm going for rough shape and scale.
- [Love at First Ish](https://rebeccaruggles.com/love-at-first-ish/) - Wish is an Ish prancing with a dandelion. Full of love and dreams, his joy is as contagious. Be still my heart.
- [Signature & Feet](https://rebeccaruggles.com/signature-feet/) - Using my jig has been so very handy. I can flip the piece so quickly and see areas that need attention and detail. Like today, working on the feet and the signature mark, I was able to just flip the piece and sculpt feet onto the underside of the sculpture. All my work will have
- [Wing Nuts](https://rebeccaruggles.com/wing-nuts/) - The t-nuts and bolts did a great job of holding the cup and wings to the main body of the bird. Now, I need a way to cover the bolt heads that show. I'm making a paper template for a pair of smaller wings that will cover the nut head but still allow it to
- [T-Nuts](https://rebeccaruggles.com/t-nuts/) - T-nuts are slowly becoming my favorite type of fastener. I already used these on the rear of my sculpture. The t-nuts allow me to create a threaded hole in my sculpture to which I can spin in bolts. The clever part is I can't access the inside of my sculpture, so the t-nut solves this
- [Handling Problem](https://rebeccaruggles.com/handling-problem/) - I built a jig to hold my sculpture in every direction to hold my work without having to touch it. I realize I need a way to see the piece from every angle and do this without touching and messing up wet paint or resin. I also need a better way to manipulate the sculpture
- [Clay WIngs](https://rebeccaruggles.com/clay-wings/) - Adding the free-form air over the EVA foam wings worked; I had to do this in two steps to avoid handling wet clay. I also attempted to add magnets as a means to mount them to the body after applying the final gloss resin. This ended up not working in the end; once the epoxy
- [Adding Clay](https://rebeccaruggles.com/adding-clay-2/) - This was the first sculpture in which I used Smooth-on's Free Form Air Epoxy Clay, and while I found the result to be strong and light, I did struggle to get the blending and smoothness I desired. I used alcohol with gloved fingers and tools, but it was difficult to get the clay to blend
- [Rhinoplasty](https://rebeccaruggles.com/rhinoplasty/) - The poster board left the beak area a little square, so I reshaped the point of the beak to a pleasing cone shape with epoxy clay. I also reinforced the neck area with leftover clay.
- [Eyes & Wings](https://rebeccaruggles.com/eyes-wings/) - I drew a circle for the eyes on paper, then transferred the shape to the armature and cut the eye holes with a knife. This made it easy to position the eyes where I wanted them. Then, I made a paper template for the wings and checked how it looked, holding it on the armature
- [Tightbond](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tightbond/) - I brushed a layer of Tightbond III over the entire posterboard skin to give it strength and seal the paper from the clay's moisture. I also built a leg mock-up, but it's too long, so I'll have to rework that later.
- [Early Bird Armature](https://rebeccaruggles.com/early-bird-armature/) - I am building an armature for a new wall-hanging sculpture called Early Bird. Starting with a cardboard profile hot glued to two circles that will support the wall-hanging hardware. Having learned from my former projects, I need the engineer to know how the piece will hang first. I used bolts, nuts, and fender washers to
- [Petal Baby](https://rebeccaruggles.com/petal-baby/)
- [Tripple Thick Glaze](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tripple-thick-glaze/)
- [Blue Bird](https://rebeccaruggles.com/blue-bird/)
- [New Mark](https://rebeccaruggles.com/new-mark/)
- [Gluing Eyes](https://rebeccaruggles.com/gluing-eyes/)
- [Optimistic Eyes](https://rebeccaruggles.com/optimistic-eyes/) - Panda eye patches are more optimistic now. Painted the ears and nose to match. Purple is taking 4-5 coats to get the proper rich hue.
- [Sad Panda](https://rebeccaruggles.com/sad-panda/) - Something is off about eh shape of these eye patches on the panda, it looks like a sad clown at the moment. Lucky for me acrylic paint is forgiving and I can paint over what I've done.
- [Violet](https://rebeccaruggles.com/violet/) - The decision has been made... the giant panda will be purple. I'm so fearful of painting it after all the prep on the layers before but one must cover the bravley canvas and forge ahead.
- [Painting on Wood](https://rebeccaruggles.com/painting-on-wood/) - Quick painting on a wood panel I found in my craft stash. I'm haunted by the HiRoo's and their stories. This one has a travel umbrella that allows it to go between the waking and sleeping worlds.
- [Sepia Pencil Sketches](https://rebeccaruggles.com/sepia-pencil-sketches/) - I came across my color pencils and decided to try drawing with just one color and see what would happen. This spril animal character arrived, and I like the soft look of the shading.
- [Dip Pen Trial](https://rebeccaruggles.com/dip-pen-trial/) - I splurged and purchased a dip pen, a few bottles of India, and acrylic ink to try out. I was inspired and curious after watching Chloe Gendron's Dip Pen Video about how these pens would perform for drawing. Her fine line drawings are proof these dip pens are magic. I used watercolor paper and tried
- [HiROO Sketch](https://rebeccaruggles.com/hiroo-sketch/) - These little HiROo creatures haunt my dreams. I can't stop drawing them. This one has unique ear details.
- [Paper Squishie](https://rebeccaruggles.com/paper-squishie/) - I made a stuffed animal out of paper, packing tape, and polyfill. It makes a satisfying crinkle squish. Could this be the next generation for TubbyWubby as a digital download product?
- [Painting Chip](https://rebeccaruggles.com/painting-chip/) - I found the perfect shade of yellow for Chip the Nuff bird. I learned that I must prime epoxy clay white before painting bright colors. The primer helped the acrylic paint go on much smoother than raw epoxy clay.
- [Put a Bird on It](https://rebeccaruggles.com/put-a-bird-on-it/) - Chip the Nuff bird will be perched on Violet's nose. I sculpted them separately, and now I'm playing with positioning before the final JB Weld adhesive is applied.
- [Panda Pupils](https://rebeccaruggles.com/panda-pupils/) - I sculpted Violet's pupils with epoxy clay over a foam ball, then painted with four coats of Payne's Grey Golden fluid acrylic. I find the pupil looks better if it's not pure black, an inky blue-black shade looks more realistic. Another trick is to use a toothpick with a styrofoam ball to form a handle.
- [Art group](https://rebeccaruggles.com/art-group/) - We had a fantastic celebration at Sooz's art group today. We did a gift exchange game with handmade art projects each lady crafted but perhaps was ready to part with. I brought my "Poppy" bird head, and it went home with Julie. I went home with a fabulous mixed-media art calendar made by Sooz. It
- [Art Gifts](https://rebeccaruggles.com/art-gifts/) - I made my loved one art gifts this year: a hand-painted hoodie and caricatures of our beloved puppies. I would not have the courage to pursue making art without his encouragement, support, and love. I am so lucky to have found him and share this stage of life.
- [Revisiting Mr. Tibbons](https://rebeccaruggles.com/revisiting-mr-tibbons/) - Mr. Tibbons and his tooth friend Bicuspid have been sitting around my studio unfinished for a while. I got stuck on this project, unsure of what to do next. So, it sat for months and months. Now was the time to pick him up and see what I could do to get him in a
- [Primed](https://rebeccaruggles.com/primed/) - After 5-6 layers of joint compound, gesso, and primer with sanding in between, the panda is prepped for the painting layer. All I know at this point is the panda will be shades of purple and not black and white. The adventure continues.
- [Smoothing Giant Panda](https://rebeccaruggles.com/smoothing-giant-panda/) - Sanding and troweling joint compound over the concrete paper clay to smooth the surface of the panda and correct any blemishes. Sand, fill, repeat. Wear your dust mask.
- [EyeLids](https://rebeccaruggles.com/eyelids/) - Added eyelids to the panda with magic sculpt and filled the seams with paintable caulk. Preparation makes the paint job. Also, this slower sanding and filling process allowed me to reflect on the sculpture and decide what it needs next. Get more failure with the shape and form.
- [Don't Skip Primer](https://rebeccaruggles.com/dont-skip-primer/) - Lesson learned. Magic Sculpt and epoxy clay need to be primed before painting with acrylic paint. Also, heavy body paint leaves lots of brush strokes, so I'm going to try some different mediums like leveling gel or fluid medium for better flow.
- [Cardboard Bird Armature](https://rebeccaruggles.com/cardboard-bird-armature/) - Fill in the bird with cardboard strips and develop a rough shape for the bird. Bulking out the form with cardboard is very satisfying. I continue filling in with cardboard, forming a "lath" structure that my concrete paper clay will trowel over.
- [Cardboard Armature for Giant Nuff Bird Sculpture](https://rebeccaruggles.com/cardboard-armature-for-giant-nuff-bird-sculpture/) - Following the lessons from Laurence Vallières' Online Course for Cardboard Sculpting, I'm attempting to make a giant version of my Nuff bird. This will be the armature I trowell concrete paper clay over the top. I started with a ruff cross structure of the front and side view, then added strips of cardboard to form
- [Laurence Vallières](https://rebeccaruggles.com/laurence-vallieres/) - I recently discovered and am obsessed with Laurence Vallières and her giant cardboard animal sculptures. I immediately signed up for her online class that teaches how to make them. I imagine her traveling the world with her glue gun and box knife, sculpting giant animals from the cardboard she encounters in each place. It would
- [Nuff Napping](https://rebeccaruggles.com/nuff-napping/) - Stanley was my first sculpted Nuff bird, and I've been dreaming up even more Nuffs to accompany him. Dreaming + Birds = the napping Nuff bird. He is dozing off while reading a book and mounts on the wall.
- [Color Testing with Procreate](https://rebeccaruggles.com/color-testing-with-procreate/) - Unsure of the robot's colors, I used my iPad and Procreate to mock up some colors in a quick digital format. Randomly dropping colors into the robot drawing, I could see that this green and grey/blue combo worked better. With a direction to head, I was on my way. Toning the robot helped the colors
- [Painting Robot](https://rebeccaruggles.com/painting-robot/) - I had some struggles figuring out what color to paint my HiROo robot. His name is Dewy, and he's a librarian robot the HiROo built to retrieve and care for the collection of originals. I started painting him yellow and purple at the art group meeting, but it did not feel right. So I got
- [Robot Cutting Robot](https://rebeccaruggles.com/robot-cutting-robot/) - The irony of a future with AI is that today, I'm cutting a robot artwork with my Shobot. Robots cutting robots! Humanity's days are numbered. I chose to spend the final days (however many that could be) painting and sculpting.
- [Sketch to Vector Art](https://rebeccaruggles.com/sketch-to-vector-art/) - In this photo, you can compare my original sketch and the resulting vector version done on the computer. With this vectorized illustration, I can scale it to any size and send it as a cut file to my ShobBot CNC machine.
- [Heart Feet](https://rebeccaruggles.com/heart-feet/) - The Magic Sculpt has cured, and I'm amazed at how fantastic the heart feet look. It adds a beautiful symbolism and looks magical and cartoonish. Time to repeat on the other leg!
- [New Bird Legs](https://rebeccaruggles.com/new-bird-legs/) - The bird can stand again with more muscular metal legs made from screws. I also adjusted the tail feathers to form a point, reshaping this part of the armature with foil. Magic Sculpt is very strong but can be cut, carved, and sanded as needed. I also modified the bird feet, changing from wire to
- [Broken legs](https://rebeccaruggles.com/broken-legs/) - Often things don’t go as planed, this is when a lesson is learned. After working on my bird for an afternoon I pressed too hard and the legs broke. Heartbroken but determined I stepped away and resumed in the morning. Clearly wood is not the way to go here, and the wire for the toes
- [Bird for panda](https://rebeccaruggles.com/bird-for-panda/) - I began sculpting the little bird that will perch on the panda’s nose. I built the armature out of foam balls, dowels, and eva foam. Added a two part epoxy clay, called Magic Sculpt, for a strong skin to protect this little sweetheart. I added wire for the long toes, but this proved difficult to
- [Book to wall](https://rebeccaruggles.com/book-to-wall/) - I’ve decided to cut out my sketches and post them on the wall so I can interact with them more. It must be better than life stuck in a sketchbook for ever. I have been drawing in 4x6 cards and cutting out the shapes, I like the non square shape and eventually want to move
- [Specimens](https://rebeccaruggles.com/specimens/) - The HiROo collect specimens from human dreams and store them in a library full of originals. Each jar a perfectly preserved hologram of an idea. They take their collection seriously and this particular HiROo is in charge of specimens relating to science.
- [The Umbrella](https://rebeccaruggles.com/the-umbrella/) - The HiROo use the umbrella to travel from the sleeping world to the waking world. This particular one wanted a yellow rain coat.
- [The HIROO](https://rebeccaruggles.com/the-hiroo/) - The story of the HiROo came to me over a series of day dreams and while I am a sculptor and painter, I feel compelled to also share their story. So I find myself sketching and writing the folklore story of the HiROo, which is very much out of my comfort zone as a dyslexic
- [Dry Panda Sculpture](https://rebeccaruggles.com/dry-panda-sculpture/) - It is so satisfying to see the Panda reach this stage. I love how the clay looks like stone—WOrking on the eyes and a bird that will perch on its nose.
- [Wet Panda Sculpture](https://rebeccaruggles.com/wet-panda-sculpture/) - Here is a photo after a five-hour sculpting session adding concrete paper clay to my Pana armature. Now we wait for it to dry. I like how the eyes and mouth are adding personality. He's talking to me now.
- [Clay Mix Upgrade](https://rebeccaruggles.com/clay-mix-upgrade/) - I had to use about 12 batches of concrete paper clay to cover the giant panda sculpture. That's too much for the electric hand mixer I've been using, so I upgraded to a drill mixer and a 5-gallon bucket. Upgrading to the drill and bucket, I could mix six batches of clay at one time.
- [Panda Eyes](https://rebeccaruggles.com/panda-eyes/) - For the panda eyes, I taped a round acrylic ornament in half. This created a fantastic, concave eye socket. I used the same technique on my alien heads. Pressing the concrete paper clay into the recessed curve took a little patience. A round sponge helped blend and smooth.
- [Panda Nose](https://rebeccaruggles.com/panda-nose/) - I added EVA foam to form ridges where I wanted to sculpt the nose and mouth of the Panda. This provides a nice ledge to build up material and also a way to keep my reference lines. I liked how this batch of concrete paper clay troweled smoothly and kept a verticle edge.
- [Fixing Panda's Ear](https://rebeccaruggles.com/fixing-pandas-ear/) - Back in March, I started this giant Panda head, but after adding some epoxy clay, it fell off the wall, and the ears popped off. I needed to rethink how to hang something so large. With the cleat and bolts modification made Panda is back on the wall, and it's time to reattach the paper
- [What Big Eyes You Have](https://rebeccaruggles.com/what-big-eyes-you-have/) - The giant alien, with whom I used an exercise ball for the armature, is looking ready for the next step - troweling clay over his new foam eyes. I need to figure out how to get this on the wall. Remember - the next armature you build starts with how it mounts to the wall
- [Panda 2.0](https://rebeccaruggles.com/panda-2-0/) - Panda is on the wall, and I'm adding a fresh batch of clay. Happy with the new approach on the eyes, and the cleat system was lovely to work with. This will be my go-to for future sculptures. Note to self, build the armature starting with the wall hanging system first. Always learning new tricks.
- [Cleats & Bolts](https://rebeccaruggles.com/cleats-bolts/) - Bolts with a large washer sandwich were added to the panda wall sculpture. A layer of concrete paper clay to strengthen and anchor the back side. These bolts will hold French cleat hardware from Ook that will support 200 lbs. Fingers crossed, the panda stays on the wall for good now!
- [Panda Surgery](https://rebeccaruggles.com/panda-surgery/) - I started this Panda back in February and got as far as adding a paper mache skin over a cardboard armature. Then it came crashing down off the wall in the middle of the night, and it's been collecting dust on its back. I experimented with several different clays, paper mache clay, and magic sculpt,
- [Mr. Tibbons](https://rebeccaruggles.com/mr-tibbons/) - Today at art group, I began the underpainting on a character I sculpted a while ago. He's a tooth fairy called Mr. Tibbons, and his underpainting makes him look horrendous. Must keep adding paint so he does not scare children.
- [Thoughts on Forks](https://rebeccaruggles.com/thoughts-on-forks/) - Perspective matters. What do they think of all our discarded items?
- [Painting the Green Alien](https://rebeccaruggles.com/painting-the-green-alien/) - Painting the alien green with purple eyes. These bright colors took about 7 coats to fully cover. Gluing in the pupils (painted separately) with epoxy.
- [Stanley and His Doughnut](https://rebeccaruggles.com/stanley-and-his-doughnut/) - Stanley and His Doughnut by Rebecca Ruggles Sculpted in concrete paper clay and epoxy clay over gourd, foam, and metal armature. Painted with acrylic paint and glaze. Seated on a wooden doll chair. 15H x 5W x 5D in / 38H x 13W x 13D cm
- [Art Resin #2](https://rebeccaruggles.com/art-resin-2/) - Two layers of art resin, poured 3 hours apart. Worked much better than sanding between coats.
- [Satchel & Penny vs. the Sea Monster](https://rebeccaruggles.com/satchel-penny-vs-the-sea-monster/) - “Satchel & Penny vs. Sea Monster” Acrylic paint on engraved Palboard diorama by Rebecca Ruggles. 24x24x5 inches, May 2023 Reflections and lessons learned: I'm very pleased with how this piece turned out. It was better than my initial vision, which rarely happens in the creative process. Completing this piece is a huge milestone because finishing and
- [Sprinkles at Art Group](https://rebeccaruggles.com/sprinkles-at-art-group/) - Painting sprinkles on Stanley's doughnut at art group. Stanley enjoyed lunch and chatting with the girls at the art group.
- [Paint Cups](https://rebeccaruggles.com/paint-cups/) - I love using the Solo 2oz plastic cups to mix and store my paint. I mixed this green and bagie almost four weeks ago, and it's still fresh and ready to use. I did ad Golden's Open Matte Medium to retard the drying, but the lid is airtight and does an excellent job of preserving
- [Painting Small](https://rebeccaruggles.com/painting-small/) - Using a magnification light is a humbling experience. You have to look closely to see all the flaws you created. Once I have it looking halfway decent under magnification, I then look with my naked eye and the piece looks great!
- [Painting Lil Bird](https://rebeccaruggles.com/painting-lil-bird/) - I started painting the first layers of color at the art group today. I was unsure how to paint him, so I used a watercolor pencil to mark different areas of color as a starting point. As the process continued, I added a point to his beak and colored rings around his eyes. I always
- [What is Lil Bird holding?](https://rebeccaruggles.com/what-is-lil-bird-holding/) - Adding the layers of plaster to the Lil Bird, I used a Potter sponge to smooth the plaster. While waiting for the plaster to dry, I felt the urge to place the sponge between its wings. It was a perfect fit. I was never sure why I positioned the wings the way I did; it
- [Coming to Life](https://rebeccaruggles.com/coming-to-life/) - Covering the giraffe head with paper strips took about five hours, but now I have a firm, hollow shape to begin my sculpture. It's strong enough to mount on this tripod stand so I can start to get a feel for the shape and how I want to position it on the neck that I'm
- [Back to the Giraffe](https://rebeccaruggles.com/back-to-the-giraffe/) - I have found the courage to return to the giant giraffe head I started months ago. I enlarged this pattern by Joni Good at Ultimate Paper Mache to print on 36" paper. I cut each pattern piece on poster board from the dollar store, and the results were a little floppy and not holding shape.
- [Paper Mache on Giant Giraffe Head](https://rebeccaruggles.com/paper-mache-on-giant-giraffe-head/) - I'm using torn strips of a paper bag with Tightbond lll wood glue for the paper mache on this giant giraffe head. I started with the underside of the head first, so I would have a firm base to hold the head. The entire head took five paper bags to complete and lots of wood
- [Sponge Doughnut](https://rebeccaruggles.com/sponge-doughnut/) - Sculpting Stanley's doughnut using a round potter sponge as my armature. I cut a hole in the sponge and coated it with gesso, which did not stiffen it up much. So I just rolled out the Apoxie clay and formed it around the bottom half, letting it dry. Then, another slab to form the frosting
- [Signature Plaque](https://rebeccaruggles.com/signature-plaque/) - I wanted a unique way to sign the Stanley bird sculpture and decided to try a name plaque on the back of the chair. I sculpted the plaque with Apoxie sculpt, then used my rubber signature stamp to emboss my signature. Once it's dry, I can paint it.
- [Pink Frosted with Sprinkles](https://rebeccaruggles.com/pink-frosted-with-sprinkles/) - Stanley told me he wanted to hold his favorite doughnut, pink frosted with rainbow sprinkles. It is coming right up, Sir! The first coat of paint on the doughnut was sculpted out of Apoxie sculpt clay over a potter's round sponge. I guess that makes it "cake" inside?
- [Tripple Thick Glossy](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tripple-thick-glossy/) - Sculpture of Stanley, the little blue bird, with his first coat of glossy varnish. This is my first time using DecoArt's Tripple Thick Glaze varnish, and I'm hoping it will give a resin-like look to my sculptures. The first coat is a little uneven, so I'm hoping doing three coats will achieve a glazed pottery
- [Baby Bird Details](https://rebeccaruggles.com/baby-bird-details/) - It was difficult to sculpt smaller details with the concrete paper clay on the baby bird, so I tried adding epoxy clay to see if the two materials would work together. I was able to fill some voids under the wings and form eyebrows, and beak details. Blending the clay together with a damp finger.
- [Sanding & Filling Second Alien](https://rebeccaruggles.com/sanding-filling-second-alien/) - Sanding and filling the surface of the second alien in preparation for paint. My first two coats are using a drywall joint compound with a wet sponge, sanding between layers. Then three coats of gesso are used to seal and smooth the surface for painting.
- [Off the Ball](https://rebeccaruggles.com/off-the-ball/) - With the second coat dry, it was time to deflate the exercise ball and see if the sculpture would hold shape. This was a very exciting and nervous moment as I had about 15 hours invested into this experiment. To my amazement, it worked better than expected! It released easily, and the hollow shell was
- [Second Layer](https://rebeccaruggles.com/second-layer/) - Applying a second coat of concrete paper clay to the exercise-ball form. This layer needed to be done in one setting, so I would not have seams. I planned ahead, knowing the first coat took about 6.25 batches of clay. I pre-measured my paper pulp the night before so I could quickly mix successive batches
- [X-Files](https://rebeccaruggles.com/x-files/) - Working on my second and third alien. One with wet clay and the other dry enough to sand. I like to use a coarse sanding paper to remove trowel marks and clumps.
- [Third Alien](https://rebeccaruggles.com/third-alien/) - Adding clay to the third alien head sculpture. I hate calling it that, but I don't name my creatures till they start showing personality. Each alien has a little different expression and mood.
- [Big Bird Eyebrows](https://rebeccaruggles.com/big-bird-eyebrows/) - Adding eyebrow details and a second layer on the bird beak. I have to sculpt the head in stages so I can hold it without damaging it. In hindsight making a stand for the head would have been helpful.
- [Sculpting Baby Bird Feet](https://rebeccaruggles.com/sculpting-baby-bird-feet/) - Adding concrete paper clay to the bottom of the feet. had to let it dry feet up to hold the shape.
- [Giant Alien](https://rebeccaruggles.com/giant-alien/) - Today I started making a giant version of my alien sculpture using an exercise ball as my form. If this works out it will be my largest wall sculpture measuring 36 inches in diameter. This will take two coats of clay, for a total thickness of 0.5 inches. I’m trying a scratch coat technique to
- [Alien Trio](https://rebeccaruggles.com/alien-trio/) - I’ve decided to make two more alien heads so I have a trio to hang on the wall. Each one will be a little different.
- [Big Bird Head](https://rebeccaruggles.com/big-bird-head/) - I liked how the little bird sculpt is shaping up I decided to attempt a larger one using a larger gourd and a 5’ foam ball. I’m doing the head and body separate this time so I can fine tune the pose.
- [Little Bird](https://rebeccaruggles.com/little-bird/) - Applying clay to my little bird sculpture.
- [Little Bird Clay](https://rebeccaruggles.com/little-bird-clay/) - First layer of clay on little bird. Next will be sculpting the legs and feet. I need to do this in two steps so I can hold the piece without damaging the wings.
- [Legs & Wings](https://rebeccaruggles.com/legs-wings/) - Adding wings and legs to my gourd bird.
- [Gourd](https://rebeccaruggles.com/gourd/) - Using a gourd and foam ball as an armature. I also found a cute tiny chair.
- [Flashy Feathers](https://rebeccaruggles.com/flashy-feathers/) - Painted the first layers of acrylic base on my bird head today. I plan on dry brushing and paint pens on top.
- [Resin Alien](https://rebeccaruggles.com/resin-alien/) - This was my first time applying Art Resin to a sculpture. It look two coats sanding between each to get it to look right. I learned some techniques for the next one.
- [Painted Alien](https://rebeccaruggles.com/painted-alien/) - Final painted alien with pupils attached. It’s really come to life.
- [Blue Alien](https://rebeccaruggles.com/blue-alien/) - Painting the alien shades of blue with acrylic paint.
- [Gesso Alien](https://rebeccaruggles.com/gesso-alien/) - Three layers of gesso on the alien, sanding between each coat, to prep it for acrylic paint.
- [Antennas Make the Alien](https://rebeccaruggles.com/antennas-make-the-alien/) - This project started with no clear direction other than testing the concrete paper clay over various forms. Now I'm looking back at a creature that is telling me he needs a set of antennas. I often feel my pieces tell me what they want next, and it is my job as their humble creator to
- [Smooth & Fill](https://rebeccaruggles.com/smooth-fill/) - I waited two days for the clay to dry on the beak and eyelids, then I took a coarse grit 80 sandpaper to smooth off any sloppy trowel ridges and seams. I repeated the sanding with 120 grit and 340 grit to get the concrete as smooth as possible. I wore a respirator and worked
- [Alien Mouth](https://rebeccaruggles.com/alien-mouth/) - Continuing with my EVA foam exploration, I added a strip with hot glue to my alien head to form a "dam wall" to make a simple overbite mouth. Then I backfilled the foam with clay and blended it into the head. The foam made keeping a sharp ledge for the mouth easy, and the clay
- [EVA Foam Beak](https://rebeccaruggles.com/eva-foam-beak/) - I cut a beak out of eva foam and used masking tape to form a beak. I coated the inside of the beak first since this would be hard to access after it was attached to the face. I used more wet clay to attach and blend it into the face and top feathers. I
- [EVA Foam & Styrofoam](https://rebeccaruggles.com/eva-foam-styrofoam/) - I took an 8" and 2" styrofoam ball from the floral section of my craft store and used it as an armature for a bird sculpture. I cut the 2" ball in half with a serrated kitchen knife and hot glued it to the larger ball. Then I cut a 5mm sheet of EVA craft
- [Resin Coat Test](https://rebeccaruggles.com/resin-coat-test/) - Loving how this resin layer transforms the concrete paper clay into a glazed surface.
- [Fill and Smooth](https://rebeccaruggles.com/fill-and-smooth/) - Added a thin coat of joint compound and gesso sanding between layers for a smoother surface on the concrete paper clay.
- [Face From Three Bowls](https://rebeccaruggles.com/face-from-three-bowls/) - Using the three bowls, made by troweling concrete paper clay over half-sphere forms, I made a cute alien face. I started by tracing the smaller bowls onto the large bowl where I wanted the eyes. Then I cut the circles out with a craft knife and was able to recess the eye bowls into the
- [Concrete Paper Clay with Forms](https://rebeccaruggles.com/concrete-paper-clay-with-forms/) - I mixed up another batch of the Concrete Paper Clay recipe I learned about on Ultimate Paper Mache to experiment with using it over a form to make a hollow shell. I had these half-spheres in the studio, and I decided to give it a try. Wrapped the form with foil, spread the clay with
- [Concrete Paper Clay](https://rebeccaruggles.com/concrete-paper-clay/) - Testing out another of Jonni's recipes, which uses Portland cement. The result was even better than the Silky SMooth Paper Clay, and the finish was rock hard. I could sand, cut, and smooth the finished result, and the shell was strong like stone. I must seal this before painting, but I may have found my
- [DIY Silky Smooth Paper Clay](https://rebeccaruggles.com/diy-silky-smooth-paper-clay/) - After applying Magic Sculpt and Apoxie Sculpt clays to my large, I realized this medium would not work for large areas. I need the clay to form a rock-hard surface over the top of the paper strips, so my armature has a shell skin I can paint, sand, and texture. The epoxy-based clays are very
- [Seeker Wall Sculpture: Dry Brush & Washes](https://rebeccaruggles.com/seeker-wall-sculpture-dry-brush-washes/) - I am adding acrylic paint over the bunt umber base coat with a dry brush technique. Dry brushing shades of ocher, green, and red. I start with the darkest shade of green, then layer two lighter shades to highlight the texture and create depth in the color.
- [Seeker Wall Sculpture: Base Color Paint](https://rebeccaruggles.com/seeker-wall-sculpture-base-color-paint/) - Using the same concept of colored ground for canvas printing, I painted my entire Seeker sculpture with Burnt Umber. Pushing the paint into the nooks and crannies so no pink is showing. Sadly in doing this, I broke his cape! Not to fear I believe I can glue it back, but I'm going to paint
- [Seeker Wall Sculpture: Armature](https://rebeccaruggles.com/seeker-wall-sculpture-armature/) - I cut a silhouette of the seeker from my drawing on cardboard for the flat back, then added aluminum foil balls to make the body and head shape. I added some hot glue to hold the foil to the cardboard. Then cover the foil and cardboard with air-light polymer clay and insert toothpicks for the
- [Seeker Wall Sculpture: Fur and Arm](https://rebeccaruggles.com/seeker-wall-sculpture-fur-and-arm/) - I use 'Bake & Bond' between baked and raw clay; it acts like glue and fuses in the oven. In this case, I brush on Bake & Bond first, then add each tuft of fur. I trimmed the toothpicks to hold the final arm position. I only need one arm to make the wall sculpture
- [Seeker Wall Sculpture: Cloak & Boots](https://rebeccaruggles.com/seeker-wall-sculpture-cloak-boots/) - I sculpted the first layer of skin, face, eyes, ears, cloak, and boots. The cloak was so delicate I decided to do a bake to harden this portion of the sculpture before working on the fur and arms. This way, I can hold the cloak and not mess up the intricate folds I created.
- [Summer Sniffs](https://rebeccaruggles.com/summer-sniffs/) - On my walks, I can't help but take a moment to close my eyes and smell the blooms. The roses and jasmine are delightful, rubbing the sages and herbs and smelling my fingers. Little delights to season the day.
- [Sketchbook](https://rebeccaruggles.com/sketchbook/) - Between projects and learning new software, I have been turning to my sketchbook as an outlet for doodling ideas and keeping my art moving forward. I take 30 minutes and challenge myself to fill a page with marks, often starting with simple shapes and improvising each mark as I go.
- [New Materials MDF](https://rebeccaruggles.com/new-materials-mdf/) - I wanted to explore some thicker materials to use in my next-layer scene diorama. With a thicker edge, I could carve an edge relief detail that would give the piece a more sculptural 3D look. I had some 1/2 inch MDF in the shop so I decided to give it a try. Here I'm cutting
- [Rabbit Augmentation](https://rebeccaruggles.com/rabbit-augmentation/) - I found this rabbit resin statue in the Easter decor section at Michaels and was charmed by its little expression and hands. I wanted to give it more personality and help tell its story, so I decided to sculpt over it. To start I wanted to add in bunny fur instead of the wood-carved look
- [The Value of Cohorts](https://rebeccaruggles.com/the-value-of-cohorts/) - I want to express my gratitude to the cohorts at the art group that have made my art possible with their encouragement, enthusiasm, and wisdom. Creating in a vacuum of isolation is difficult and having a place to go two Wednesdays a month has made a huge difference in my ability to bring my Diorama
- [First Look: Satchel & Penny Art Diorama](https://rebeccaruggles.com/first-look-satchel-penny-art-diorama/) - For the first time, I can see my art diorama fully realized. I still have some touch-ups on the edges and areas I scratched while putting it together. Now I hang it on the wall and digest the piece with a little time to take it in. Painting each layer separately, it's hard to fully
- [Assembling the Diorama](https://rebeccaruggles.com/assembling-the-diorama/) - With each layer and the floating bits painted, it was time for the final assembly. Sliding each layer onto the eight bolts with aluminum tube spacers holding the gaps. Tee nut screws tighten the sandwich together; the frame is mounted to the tee nuts with VHB tape for a clean look.
- [Floating Layers](https://rebeccaruggles.com/floating-layers/) - Figuring out a hardware solution to mount the floating layers of the diorama was tricky. I did not want to rely upon glue to hold the weight. I developed a nut bolt sandwich technique that forms a mini pedestal for the floating bits, then applied VHB tape to mount the bits to the pedestal.
- [First Roses of 2023](https://rebeccaruggles.com/first-roses-of-2023/) - I always stop when the first roses emerge from their buds in spring. This year the spectacle began the last week in April. With all the winter rain the bushes are loaded with buds all ready to open.
- [Organize & Clean Studio](https://rebeccaruggles.com/organize-clean-studio/) - It started with the garage purge and clean last weekend, and now my studio space is screaming for a clean-up and attention. I would have shared a picture before, but I was too ashamed. I'm loving these Brush Carousels from Black Lab Mill, that dog is one talented woodworker over there! I now have homes
- [Diorama Hardware](https://rebeccaruggles.com/diorama-hardware/) - Moment of truth... will the holes in each layer line up and work with the hardware plan? The only way to know is to do a dry fit and see how the bolts align and stack with the aluminum spacers. The verdict is in, and it worked! I'm thrilled and relieved it all stacks so
- [Painting Sea Monster Tentacles](https://rebeccaruggles.com/painting-sea-monster-tentacles/) - I love the colors of these scary sea monster tentacles and how the burnt umber underneath affects the paint's tone. I brought my half-complete diorama to show to the art group, and the ladies were very positive and encouraging of my progress.
- [Water Color Diorama](https://rebeccaruggles.com/water-color-diorama/) - At the art group in Nipomo, I decided to take a break from acrylic and do a little watercolor scene that came to me in a dream. I wrote down this about my dream, and I plan on turning it into a diorama. In my dream, there was a meadow bursting with painted flowers and
- [Preview Diorama Layers](https://rebeccaruggles.com/preview-diorama-layers/) - With a few layers painted, I did a test stack of the background, frame, and teacup. I'm delighted with how the shadows and depth are developing. I also see how the light blue edge on the teacup looks like a glow once inserted into the scene.
- [Painting Background](https://rebeccaruggles.com/painting-background/) - After toning the background with a burnt umber glaze, I painted the scene. I wanted a bright, epic sunset with pinks and yellows. I enjoyed blending these colors in a free-form way using clear medium and water to fade the colors into each other. The sun rays were tricky to paint around, so I had
- [Background Fabrication](https://rebeccaruggles.com/background-fabrication/) - The process I'm using to convert my drawings into toolpaths for the ShopBot are as follows: Draw my illustration in Procreate Export the drawing as a PNG Import the PNG to Adobe Illustrator Image trace to convert to vector points Clean up and reduce the number of points. Export vector art as a SVG Import
- [Ode to Spring](https://rebeccaruggles.com/ode-to-spring/) - The ranch received 30 inches of much-needed rain. After years of drought, the hills have been transformed, and the result is simply awe-inspiring. I love hearing the grass wave in the afternoon breeze. The colors and shapes of rare wildflowers emerge from the soil. The cows lay in a circle casually taking it all in
- [Patches Doodle](https://rebeccaruggles.com/patches-doodle/) - It's wonderful to be a part of a group of ladies that meets and does art together twice a month. I'm so appreciative of Sooz and the ladies in Nipomo. Their encouragement and wisdom always leave me recharged and inspired. I hope to be as cool as they are when I'm their age. I worked
- [Color Tests](https://rebeccaruggles.com/color-tests/) - Since I wasted several sheets of material perfecting the engraving with the CNC on this piece, I had the perfect scrap to test some colors on. With this freedom, I happened upon a happy accident. I set out to tone the white and grey to a warmer hue with some raw umber mixed with glazing
- [Nibbles Take Two](https://rebeccaruggles.com/nibbles-take-two/) - Not satisfied with the first painting of Nibbles, I took a second attempt, this time looking to eliminate the thick illustration lines and let the colors touch. I began the repaint with light sanding to remove paint ridges. Brushing on darker shades and then blending in white to get the tone I liked. I'm especially
- [Cutting Trials & Errors](https://rebeccaruggles.com/cutting-trials-errors/) - Realizing I wanted a thinner engraved line on my diorama, I took about a week to figure out the combination of vector at and tool bits to achieve the look I wanted. I had to re-draw my original art in Procreate using a fine line brush, repeat the export and vector process in Illustrator, and
- [Painting Nibbles](https://rebeccaruggles.com/painting-nibbles/) - Trying some new things while painting Nibbles. I wanted to try toning the canvas blue, so I painted my whiteboard with a translucent blue all over it. I have learned that a colored ground creates unity in the colors since they all will have that color mixing thru underneath. I also wanted to try using
- [Nibble Cutting Result](https://rebeccaruggles.com/nibble-cutting-result/) - This is how the final cut turned out. I decided to try just lightly engraving my lines so that the paint can have an edge to follow. I'm thrilled with the result of turning my little 2' doodle into a 23" piece of wall art I can now paint. It's nice to be able to
- [Nibbles Tool Paths](https://rebeccaruggles.com/nibbles-tool-paths/) - After drawing Nibbles on my iPad with Procreate, I exported the line drawing as a PNG. This PNG file is imported into Adobe Illustrator and Image Traces into vector art. There are many settings to tweak when doing an Image Trace in Illustrator; I selected Mode = Black and White Drawing, Threshold = 250, and
- [Sketch to Vector](https://rebeccaruggles.com/sketch-to-vector/) - One of the daily drawings in my sketchbook stood out to me to have a name. I started with Crumb, then Scant, and then we landed on Nibbles. I inked him on paper, and the following day I took a photo of the sketch with my iPad and decided to refine him in Procreate. Once
- [Symmetry Tool](https://rebeccaruggles.com/symmetry-tool/) - I'm always learning about new features in Procreate from artist friends and the web. The other day I heard about the Symmetry Tool that allows you to mirror your drawing on multiple planes. For example, if you need to draw a face, now you only need to sketch half of it, and the other side
- [Book Mouse](https://rebeccaruggles.com/book-mouse/) - Quick drawing of a bibliophile mouse. Using Procreate, I imported a photo of a felted mouse and traced its basic shape and outline. Then I removed the reference image and had fun creating colorful pants and coloring in.
- [Daily Drawing Practice](https://rebeccaruggles.com/daily-drawing-practice/) - Morning Pages have worked out so well for me that I've also decided to add daily drawing. To essentially warm up the hand/eye coordination and be free to move the pencil on the page. I intentionally used a ruled comp book instead of a sketchbook to lower my logic brain's expectations. So far, the practice
- [Seeking Nimbus](https://rebeccaruggles.com/seeking-nimbus/) - Nimbus, the Wind Whale, can not resist the joy of lifting a kite. He pushes a gentle wind for the kite to make it dance, and his heart enlarges with happiness. The tribe of Seekers passed this wisdom thru the generations. They climb the high mountain to summon Nimbus from the sky with colorful kites.
- [The Wind Whale](https://rebeccaruggles.com/the-wind-whale/) - Nimbus, the Wind Whale, soars thru the sky, forming new clouds with each exhale of his giant lungs. His body cuts thru the air pulling the sky and creating wind with each swing of his tail. He tirelessly paints the patterns of the sky remaining invisible to most.
- [The Mushroom Topper](https://rebeccaruggles.com/the-mushroom-topper/) - The Mushroom Topper climbs down from the tree with a basket full of germinated spores ready to be sewn into the damp earth of the meadow. She gently plants each one into its unique place, where it will have the best opportunity to thrive. Working by the light of the moon her paws wiggle into
- [Stardust Dipper](https://rebeccaruggles.com/stardust-dipper/) - I've been dreaming of these layered drawings that create depth and tell a story about my character's life. A diorama of a vignette, like a theatrical stage, of a moment in their life. This is a miniature paper version of a concept I want to enlarge and cut on the Shopbot. It helps to work
- [Color Mixing](https://rebeccaruggles.com/color-mixing/) - Started an online course on Color Mixing with Will Kemp's Art School. I've has never taken the time to stop and learn about the color wheel or color theory. I have hacked my way forward, guessing with trial and error. Now I'm learning a process for mixing acrylic paint to reproduce any color I see
- [Clay Shell](https://rebeccaruggles.com/clay-shell/) - Working in sections, I'm adding the epoxy clay shell over the paper armature. This creates a very hard rigid base to sculpt against. I have a working time of 2.5-3 hours once the clay is kneaded together. After it dries overnight, I can add more on top. Everything was progressing well until the panda came
- [Shape in Eyes](https://rebeccaruggles.com/shape-in-eyes/) - The first layer of epoxy clay over the eye armature builds the basic shape of the eyelids. This area will need more bulking to join the eyes with the face.
- [Adding Clay](https://rebeccaruggles.com/adding-clay/) - Today I began adding magic sculpt epoxy clay to my panda and immediately fell into techniques I used on my small handheld sculptures. Making fur with dental tools and nose pours with a ball stylus. The next day realizing that I'm way too early in the sculpture to be adding details like this. I need
- [Making a Study](https://rebeccaruggles.com/making-a-study/) - I approached this panda with a very loose plan at the start. I wanted it to be big and round. Now that I have my basic shape, it's time to add clay. I still have no specific vision for the final piece. I'm asking myself, "So, what am I making?" I took a photo of
- [Building Ears](https://rebeccaruggles.com/building-ears/) - With the ear, placement marked, it was time to bulk out the basic shape of the ear. Using crumpled paper, I formed the rolled ear edge and held it in place with masking tape. Then, hot gluing strips of cardboard to make the rear ear dome. The entire ear was covered in masking tape, and
- [Foam Ball Eyes](https://rebeccaruggles.com/foam-ball-eyes/) - Using 3" styrofoam balls cut in half, I placed the eyes in a line extending from the nostril to the ear. Then made sure the eyes were in a straight line with each other to get proper face proportions. My panda will be cartoonish, but these reference points make a huge difference in forming a
- [Murder Muffins](https://rebeccaruggles.com/murder-muffins/) - The drawing was inspired by a phrase I heard today when a woman described her cat killing a bird as her "little murder muffin." It made me laugh how we accept violence at the paws of cute things we love but scold the same acts when we have less attachment to the perpetrator.
- [Panda Paper Mache](https://rebeccaruggles.com/panda-paper-mache/) - Now for the second panda skin, brown paper bag paper mache. I discovered this technique from Joni at Ultimate Paper Mache. She uses this on her masks for a quick-dry, strong layer. For the mache paste, I use Tightbond III and a tiny bit of water. Then tear a brown paper store bag into strips.
- [Panda Masking Tape](https://rebeccaruggles.com/panda-masking-tape/) - This entire project is full of unknowns. I'm using techniques I learned from James Lake and Joni at Ultimate Paper Mache. I watched Joni use masking tape over her paper patterns and thought it would be a way to keep the next paper mache layer from sagging into the gaps. Applying the masking tape, I
- [Panda Cardboard Armature](https://rebeccaruggles.com/panda-cardboard-armature/) - I completed the cardboard portion of the Panda head. It took about five boxes worth to get to this point. Each strip is hot glued, and I wanted manageable gaps to support the skin layers going over the top. I'm amazed at how strong it is.
- [Spring Bunny Statue](https://rebeccaruggles.com/spring-bunny-statue/) - I bought this adorable bunny statue at Michael's and planned to augment it into a new composition using Apoxie Sculpt clay. The first task is to cover with a thin skin of textured fur and more pronounced eyebrows. I picture her having big glasses and a little insect on her ear or nose.
- [Artist Date](https://rebeccaruggles.com/artist-date/) - Took the cargo van out as a makeshift mobile studio to do watercolor by the sea.
- [Cardboard Panda](https://rebeccaruggles.com/cardboard-panda/) - This is the sculpture work I've desired to do but have been too scared to try. Large form wall hanging sculpture featuring larger-than-life versions of my whimsical creatures. I've been playing it small and on paper, and I'm tired of stalling. I need to make something large-scale. I started the giant skull and stoped after
- [Painting Owen](https://rebeccaruggles.com/painting-owen/) - Owen was a really chatty cathy when I was painting him, talking to me the whole time about how he wanted these hot pink glasses. Three shades of green dry brushed with my new dearfoot brush blended to make the perfect "aged" turtle skin color. The glasses were painted with dark to light pink layers
- [Owen the Turtle](https://rebeccaruggles.com/owen-the-turtle/) - Owen the Turtle started as a wooden ball armature. Using CosClay, a flexible oven bake polymer clay, I added the square eyes, thinking it would be a little bug. But as I sculpted, I felt it going a different way, so I added a mouth and then a nose, and now it's telling me it's
- [Midnight Garden](https://rebeccaruggles.com/midnight-garden/) - Second painting on the 8" round circles started with a watercolor pencil sketch then outlined with POSCA paint pens. This gave me defined areas to fill in, and I like how the pens separate the colors. Painting in the dark blue background was very satisfying, and the yellow base color made the top colors have
- [Blue Racoon](https://rebeccaruggles.com/blue-racoon/) - I have a pack of these 8" wooden circles I intended for a different project, but then I decided to use them as a canvas because a circle is more interesting than a square. I used a watercolor pencil to draw my design then color-blocked the first layer of colors. I then outlined the entire
- [Venti Vulpe Critter Drawing](https://rebeccaruggles.com/venti-vulpe-critter-drawing/) - You see these critters everywhere, intensely studying their phones and throwing back three shots of espresso. It takes a lot to amuse these content-hungry foxes.
- [Chocolate Doughnut Dingo](https://rebeccaruggles.com/chocolate-doughnut-dingo/) - Quick little critter drawing of a rare dingo. In Procreate on the iPad, I like to start with some shapes from Liza Glanz's kit, then challenge myself to turn them into a critter character. I tried having it hold a coffee mug and a slice of cake, but this one liked the chocolate doughnut best.
- [Quirky Bird Timelapse](https://rebeccaruggles.com/quirky-bird-timelapse/) - Timelapse video of Rebecca Ruggles working on the Quirky Bird paper sculpture. Shows how handpainted papers were cut into individual feathers, then added to the armature in layers with hot glue. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rebecca Ruggles (@rugglesrebecca)
- [Eyes Have It](https://rebeccaruggles.com/eyes-have-it/) - Added more feathers and details to the eyes. All paper is painted before being placed onto the sculpture.
- [Feathers and Beak](https://rebeccaruggles.com/feathers-and-beak/) - I brushed mixed media paper with streaky blues on one side and yellow on the back. Then this painted paper was cut, scored, and folded into individual feathers. Each feather is hot glued in an overlapping shingle pattern to form the plumage. The perfect activity to do inside while it rains and floods outside... until
- [Teacup Pop-Up](https://rebeccaruggles.com/teacup-pop-up/) - Completed the Teacup Pop-Up design, and the printable template is available for download on Popupity.
- [Little Bug Painting](https://rebeccaruggles.com/little-bug-painting/) - I bought a pack of these little 6x6 canvas boards on my art supply birthday shopping spree and decided to do one of my watercolors in an acrylic version. I prefer painting on 3D objects because I can add dimension and texture, but I would like to improve my canvas/board painting skills.
- [Quirky Bird Paper Sculpture](https://rebeccaruggles.com/quirky-bird-paper-sculpture/) - Mimicking James Lake's cardboard sculptures and wanting to explore using paper as a sculpting medium, I cut strips of cardstock and began forming a nest-like structure for the basic shapes of my bird. I found that the glue gun worked best because of its strength and instant grab. The next layer of feathers will be
- [Hummingbird Sculpt](https://rebeccaruggles.com/hummingbird-sculpt/) - At art group this Wednesday, I worked on sculpting a hummingbird. Adding each teardrop in a shingle pattern to the head, then texturing the feather details with a dental tool.
- [Pop-Up Scene Doodle](https://rebeccaruggles.com/pop-up-scene-doodle/) - Been enjoying doodling with layers. Imagining a scene with a background, midground, and foreground. This one was inspired by the road trip we took with puppy Button's this month. Gave me the idea of a pop-up book doodle journal.
- [Sculpting Buttons - Part 3](https://rebeccaruggles.com/sculpting-buttons-part-3/) - CosClay can be painted directly with acrylic paint, and the coverage is very satisfying. For the first coat of paint, my goal is the "cover the canvas". Working quickly to block areas of color and define zones of contrast. The goal is to cover the piece entirely in paint, staying between the lines mostly and
- [Sculpting Buttons - Part 2](https://rebeccaruggles.com/sculpting-buttons-part-2/) - The round plaque was made with a piece of cardboard cut in a circle and covered with rolled sheets of CosClay. I applied bake and bond glue to the cardboard and armatures to ensure a good bond after baking. To keep the plaque flat and avoid air bubbles, I baked it sandwiched between two tiles
- [Sculpting Buttons the Dog - Part 1](https://rebeccaruggles.com/sculpting-buttons-the-dog-part-1/) - I'm sculpting my new 4-month-old Jack Russel Terrier puppy Buttons as a Christmas gift for my beloved Mr. H. I started with a foil ball for the body and a ball of hardened Apoxie Sculpt on a stick for the head. Adding oven-bakeable CosClay over the armatures, I add balls of clay to form the
- [Printable Teacup Pop-Up Card](https://rebeccaruggles.com/printable-teacup-pop-up-card/) - I've turned by teacup pop-up card into a printable DIY project anyone can make with basic paper, scissors, and glue. It takes a lot of time to get this type of pattern and instructions ready so that anyone can have success with it. The printable template is available for a small charge at Popupity.com
- [Tea Cup Pop-Up: Full-Color Draft](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tea-cup-pop-up-full-color-draft/) - After drawing and coloring all the parts in procreate, today was the first time printing and assembling the parts to see how they go together and note any changes along the way. I like how the flowers layer together and the cheerful colors. Lessons from this version: I need a flat bottom on the teacup
- [Tea Cup Details](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tea-cup-details/) - With the paper mechanics worked out today I refined the tea cup design in Procreate. Dainty tea cup with a little bird.
- [Tea Cup Pop-Up : Paper Engineering](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tea-cup-pop-up-paper-engineering/) - Started designing a tea-cup pop-up card for Popupity. In the early stages, it's helpful to work out the folds and layers with paper, then refine it on the iPad with drawing. In this first draft, I learned I need a flat spot on the cup so it will stand and the weight is heavier on
- [Blairsville Courthouse](https://rebeccaruggles.com/blairsville-courthouse/) - Final version of the courthouse illustration.
- [Tucker the Duck](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tucker-the-duck/) - Progress on painting Tucker. Painted dark base color then dry brushed lighter shade next. Colors mimic a mallard duck but with some artistic license. Especially like how the dark green base with teal dry brush over top.
- [Tulip the Duck](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tulip-the-duck/) - Sculpted with oven baked CosClay over a wooden peg. Tulip loves waddling thru the tulip fields. Now that it’s backed, time to paint with arcylic.
- [Blairsville Courthouse Drawing](https://rebeccaruggles.com/blairsville-courthouse-drawing/) - Using a photo from my phone imported into Procreate and traced with black pen I was able to quickly capture the charm of this towns iconic building. While this may be a cheat to some people, I find the drawing experience to be as valuable as free sketching in a book because I observe many
- [Stubby Opossum](https://rebeccaruggles.com/stubby-opossum/) - Drawing in Procreate of a opossum with stubby arms and a round belly. Tried different fur texture and eye colors. Makes him look a little neurotic.
- [Flying Friends](https://rebeccaruggles.com/flying-friends/) - Procreate sketch of bird walking with his flying friend the butterfly. Working on bent legs in motion and adding shadow.
- [Satchel and the Sea Monster](https://rebeccaruggles.com/satchel-and-the-sea-monster/) - Satchel is a tea cup bobber of legend. Holding his spoon tight as he crosses the deep sea with giant monsters below. The paper diorama captures this adventure. Made with Copic markers and paper cuts.
- [Peaches the Fruit Bat](https://rebeccaruggles.com/peaches-the-fruit-bat/) - I sculpted Peaches out of polymer clay over a wooden doll peg and then baked in the oven. I then painted the darkest navy blue and green on the base into the lower areas of the texture. Once the base coat was dry, I then dry brushed two shades of lighter blue to create the
- [Giant Giraffe Paper Sculpture](https://rebeccaruggles.com/giant-giraffe-paper-sculpture/) - Giant giraffe paper sculpture in progress. Using Joni's Ultimate Paper Mache Pattern blown up to 36" and printed by PDF Plotting. I transferred the pattern to sheets of white poster board and followed her instructions to assemble it with packing tape. Will need to add support inside, and then this will be the armature for
- [Procreate with Illustrator](https://rebeccaruggles.com/procreate-with-illustrator/) - Just took a quick online course with Lisa Glanz 'Using Procreate with Illustrator to Enhance Your Vector Drawings'. In the class, I learned how to draw a character in Procreate, then Image Trace in Adobe Illustrator but preserve all the hand-drawn textures. Once the elements of the drawing are vectorized it can be scaled and
- [Making Comics Exercise: ... and then what?](https://rebeccaruggles.com/making-comics-exercise-and-then-what/) - Draw one scene and then draw the next as your answer to what happens next. It's like drawing improv. Reflecting on this comic exercise I see some deeper thinking that's been running thru my mind. Making a kind gesture does not guarantee kindness will be returned. Being generous is a choice one makes every day,
- [Sketch: Far Out Roll](https://rebeccaruggles.com/sketch-far-out-roll/) - Working on characters holding things. Adding the thumb helped in this case.
- [Sketch: Seasons Changed](https://rebeccaruggles.com/sketch-seasons-changed/) - Fall came on in a snap, time to wear my favorite knitted hat with the ear flaps and pom-pom. Bunny it's cold outside.
- [Sketch: Noodle Pot Kitty](https://rebeccaruggles.com/sketch-noodle-pot-kitty/) - Always comforted by a hot steamy bowl of ramen. Working on drawing my critters holding things to help express their personality.
- [Sketch: Early Birds Totem](https://rebeccaruggles.com/sketch-early-birds-totem/) - This is an idea for a totem pole of pigeons drinking their first cup of coffee. I see this developing into a larger wall piece that goes from floor to ceiling. How does a wing hold a coffee cup?
- [Sketch: Queen Flamingo](https://rebeccaruggles.com/sketch-queen-flamingo/) - Working on sketches of birds and character side profiles. This flamingo is inspired by a Ukrainian artist Marli Toys (Etsy / Instagram).
- [Sketch: Slouchy Bird](https://rebeccaruggles.com/sketch-slouchy-bird/) - Working on side profiles in this sketch.
- [Childhood Art Chair Restored](https://rebeccaruggles.com/childhood-art-chair-restored/) - Restored and hand painted my childhood art chair with acrylic paint and POSCA pens.
- [Transfer Paper](https://rebeccaruggles.com/transfer-paper/) - Discovered that graphic paper comes in different colors! Using white transfer paper, I could apply my paper drawing to the chair seat and back. Next step, paint!
- [Bliss Station](https://rebeccaruggles.com/bliss-station/) - Hung my daily doodles up on the wall so I could catch any patterns or ideas, plus I feel like the critters enjoy the view.
- [Chair Template](https://rebeccaruggles.com/chair-template/) - Made a paper template to work out the design for the art chair. Was much easier to think things out on a flat surface and make changes with a pencil.
- [Fresh Air](https://rebeccaruggles.com/fresh-air/) - The magic of a road trip adventure; the wind in your fur and all the new aromas.
- [Sausage & Banana Slug](https://rebeccaruggles.com/sausage-banana-slug/) - Weekend getaway to Trinidad, CA to take in the forest and cool ocean air. Saw my first bright yellow slug and now understand why the locals are such fans.
- [Purple Cow](https://rebeccaruggles.com/purple-cow/) - Making woodblock texture using paint pens and watercolor paper. So bright and opaque. U can layer over colors and block out wats underneath.
- [Stargazer](https://rebeccaruggles.com/stargazer/) - Doodle with watercolor and POSCA Paint Pens. Experimenting with layers and textures.
- [Dapper Badger](https://rebeccaruggles.com/dapper-badger/) - Exploring drawing with my POSCA Paint Pens on watercolor paper. I liked the effect of leaving streaks of the paper showing thru makes it look like a wood block print. Lots of control with the pen tip, and the bright colors dry fast too.
- [Won 2nd Place!](https://rebeccaruggles.com/2nd-place/) - ... at the 2022 California Mid-State Fair for my Steampunk hat entry. First time exhibiting my artwork for so many people. I'm thrilled to have placed with my off-the-wall mechanical angler fish submarine hat.
- [Art Chair Project](https://rebeccaruggles.com/art-chair-project/) - The art group is doing a painted chair session in August, so I'm reviving my little kid's chair I used as a tot. It's had a lot of use over the years and needs surgery before it can be painted. I glued the delaminating wood seat and filled damaged areas with Apoxie sculpt.
- [Polymer Clay Flowers](https://rebeccaruggles.com/polymer-clay-flowers/) - Sculpted flowers with polymer clay as a test idea for my large skull sculpture. Each petal is formed separately, then placed in layers around a center stamen. Baked them hanging upside down in the oven so the petals would not droop. Very happy with the result and will be making more of these.
- [Giant Skull Paper Mache](https://rebeccaruggles.com/giant-skull-paper-mache/) - Adding a layer of paper mache to my giant skull. I enlarged a skull pattern from a template available at UltimatePaperMache.com, then used kraft paper strips and TightBond wood glue to form a rigid shell over the paper template. This will become the armature for a large sculpture I'm dreaming up.
- [Colorful Kookaburra](https://rebeccaruggles.com/colorful-kookaburra/) - First drawing attempt pairing watercolor and POSCA Paint Pens. Brushed the watercolor first, then added outlines and texture with the paint pens. I like the texture dots for the feathers and sunset shadows on the edge of the feathers.
- [POSCA Paint Pens](https://rebeccaruggles.com/posca-paint-pens/) - Making a color chart for my new POSCA Paint Pens (PC-3M) Fine Point. I want to see how the colors look drawn over my watercolor washes. So far, I'm finding these pens to be very rich in color and easy to control.
- [Marshell](https://rebeccaruggles.com/marshell/) - Marshell the French Snail loves dew-dropped ferns and damp musky earth. Bonjour.
- [Deep Space](https://rebeccaruggles.com/deep-space/) - Humanity has achieved the most remarkable achievement, looking deep into space with the most sophisticated telescope in existence to capture the beginning of the universe. We search for the answer to our origin. We filter the infrared light into colors we can understand and see stars being born. Seeing the first five images brought me
- [Midnight Crickets](https://rebeccaruggles.com/midnight-crickets/) - Creatures emerge from the page, and I never know what they will be. Like film development, the life form is already there, I am only the mover of the pencil. Listening for the next detail; a pointy ear, an underbite, big eyes. Time passes, and a creature now sits before me. I talk to it.
- [Fox, Pig, Rabbit](https://rebeccaruggles.com/fox-pig-rabbit/) - Watercolor doodles of three critters inside a round frame. Mason jar lid gang down on the farm. I began by drawing the frame in pencil, a mason jar lid was the trick today. Then starting with three unique face shapes, the creatures emerged. I also played with using mini marker pens, drawing lines and patterns
- [Big Bird](https://rebeccaruggles.com/big-bird/) - Today I experimented with making large-scale art using my iPad, the ShopBot, and acrylic paints: I created a digital doodle on my iPad with Procreate. That artwork file was exported as a PNG into Vcarve, enlarged to 24", and set up the cutting tool paths for the ShopBot. I cut my project on a 5mm
- [Monster Holding Wand](https://rebeccaruggles.com/monster-holding-wand/) - Today I picked up on an UFO (un-finished object) that was starting to speak to me again after sitting on the shelf since September 2021. This Wand Troll, began as a coffee jar and a foil ball for the head. Then, using Apoxie Sculpt, I started forming the head and large ears. The scales were
- [Puffin](https://rebeccaruggles.com/puffin/) - A doodle of this adorable bird with personality to match.
- [Earl Gray](https://rebeccaruggles.com/earl-gray/) - A doodle to capture the wisdom of "a brew will see you through."
- [Boy with Toothache](https://rebeccaruggles.com/boy-with-toothache/) - Doodle of my Mother's painting. It is one of my most treasured things, she speaks to me through it. I was listening to the On Being Podcast Episode (12/17/21) where they discussed the wonderful poem “i’m going back to Minnesota where sadness makes sense,” by Danez Smith: “o California, don’t you know the sun is
- [Raven](https://rebeccaruggles.com/raven/) - Some people call them crows, but Raven is what they prefer. Doodle with Copic markers and flair pens on mixed media paper.
- [Midnight Biscuit](https://rebeccaruggles.com/midnight-biscuit/) - What creatures of the night eat ... biscuits. Something sweet and savory for the witching hour.
- [Space Rocks](https://rebeccaruggles.com/space-rocks/) - A doodle inspired by the movie Don't Look Up!
- [Indifferent](https://rebeccaruggles.com/indifferent/) - A doodle about people who have it all and still can't experience joy.
- [ShopBot](https://rebeccaruggles.com/shopbot/) - The ShopBot has arrived, and it's been exhilarating getting up to speed on how to use it. I plan to use it to refine a prototype of a retail display for eyewear, then hopefully go into production. The computer-controlled router head will cut along shapes I created in Adobe Illustrator. I think of it as
- [The Rugglet](https://rebeccaruggles.com/the-rugglet/) - The Ruggles is an existential comic by Rebecca Ruggles. This comic was inspired by a post from Austin Kleon's blog about "The Pit" that is our phones.
- [Dem Bones](https://rebeccaruggles.com/dem-bones/) - Make a reusable head sculpting form with Jonni Good's printable pattern at UltimatePaperMache.com - follow along as I enlarge her pattern for my next project.
- [Paperman](https://rebeccaruggles.com/paperman/) - I've been inspired to create a sculpture from cardboard after watching James Lake's video on Wired Magazine. Transforming paper card into sculptures.
- [Get Out of the Way](https://rebeccaruggles.com/get-out-of-the-way/) - We are our worst enemy. Who is narrating when our minds relive the past? Do memories stay the same or change over time? I can not connect with the Muse when distracted by the past.
- [The Other Side of the Page](https://rebeccaruggles.com/the-other-side-of-the-page/) - Imagine your drawing paper had life on the other side of it. Draw a portal on the page so the images can come to the surface and visit you.
- [Morning Pages](https://rebeccaruggles.com/morning-pages/) - Daily journaling is where things get flushed out and harvested into new artistic projects. It's been a very healing and productive habit for me, slow and steady wins the race.
- [Floaty Ring](https://rebeccaruggles.com/floaty-ring/) - The sculpture of Bubbles the Scuba-saurus continues to evolve, adding her floaty ring and posing arms out of polymer clay. Rebecca Ruggles daily sculpting blog.
- [Enchanted Woods](https://rebeccaruggles.com/enchanted-woods/) - Using a photo and Procreate I was able to do a trace drawing of a loved one's house. I took a little creative license adding in a pond and woodland animals.
- [Lighting Tracks](https://rebeccaruggles.com/lighting-tracks/) - Painting my DIY studio light track before hanging it on the ceiling. Magnets will hold my lights and cameras to these tracks for easy adjustment.
- [Robot 3-Up](https://rebeccaruggles.com/robot-3-up/) - Painting the same image three times, simultaneously, is a helpful practice to keep the brush moving and not dwell too much on perfection with each stroke.
- [Dino Doodle](https://rebeccaruggles.com/dino-doodle/) - It's helpful to doodle during the sculpting phase when the details are coming faster than my sculpting hands can move. A time-lapse doodle of the Scuba-saurus.
- [Create to Connect](https://rebeccaruggles.com/create-to-connect/) - Artists are not like athletes. We can't win gold, beat other creatives, or come first. Sport is objective; our craft is subjective. Creating to be the best is a waste of energy. Instead, create to connect to the people who need you because they are out there. Create in your way because there is no
- [Scales for Days](https://rebeccaruggles.com/scales-for-days/) - This scale texture is very satisfying and tedious. I begin by making various size balls of clay, pressing them onto the sculpture in a random cobblestone-like pattern. Then, working a small section at a time, I use a needle tool to push in a straight line where the circles overlap—transforming the round edges into geometric
- [Magnets](https://rebeccaruggles.com/magnets/) - Over the years, I've had numerous lighting and camera set-ups, and in all of them, I'm constantly tripping over tripods, stands, and cables. I want to eliminate that clutter on the floor for this new studio set-up, so it feels more like an art studio than a haphazard movie set. My solution is to mount
- [Hands & Scales](https://rebeccaruggles.com/hands-scales/) - Continuing with the Scuba-Saurus I began working on the hands and reptile scales. I experimented with stamping a texture for the scales but decided I wanted a chunkier look. After some trial and error, I discovered smoosh various size balls of clay then came back over it to blend the seams and flatted the curve
- [Baking Painted Polymer Clay?](https://rebeccaruggles.com/baking-painted-polymer-clay/) - My latest sculpture is slowly coming to life as a Scuba-Saurus, a dino with adorable swim gear. Unfortunately, adding the goggles over the eyes will make it incredibly difficult to paint. I usually do all the sculpting, baking, then painting with acrylic. But I have never tied baking AFTER painting. With my Scuba-Saurus; I would
- [Color the Bird Yellow](https://rebeccaruggles.com/color-the-bird-yellow/) - Dry brushing is so satisfying and addictive; the key is to know when to stop. I fear I've gone too far with my yellow cockatiel accents on Maverick crest feathers. I'm asking myself if I'm okay with his head being so different from his body? When I don't have a clear next step, I need
- [Robot 318](https://rebeccaruggles.com/robot-318/) - I wanted to go back in time a little and capture some sculptures I made before starting my daily creative logging commitment. I always learn new things with each sculpting project, and this website is a place to capture those lessons for myself and others. This is a critter I sculpted in December 2020. Found
- [2021 Christmas Card](https://rebeccaruggles.com/2021-christmas-card/) - I decided to design my own Christmas design to showcase the year. Looking back over the months, I still feel the loss of my beloved sausage dog, but I also see growth in myself and my commitment to my art. Thru the year, one thing remained steady, Mooch the Cat and her absolute contempt of
- [Color the Bird Grey](https://rebeccaruggles.com/color-the-bird-grey/) - Continuing my painting of Maverick, I needed him to be able to look at me, so I added pupils to his zombie-looking eyes. So much better, now he can tell me what to do next. I brushed on three tones of grey to the arms, more blue on his jacket, and regal gold details. I
- [4up Painting Practice](https://rebeccaruggles.com/4up-painting-practice/) - Connecting with the image world thru 4up painting.
- [COVID-19 Virus Ornaments](https://rebeccaruggles.com/virus-ornaments/) - I wanted to go back in time a little and capture some sculptures I made before starting my daily creative logging commitment. I always learn new things with each sculpting project, and this website is a place to capture those lessons for myself and others. This is a critter I sculpted in December 2020. What
- [Snail's Tea Party](https://rebeccaruggles.com/snails-tea-party/) - I wanted to go back in time a little and capture some sculptures I made before starting my daily creative logging commitment. I always learn new things with each sculpting project, and this website is a place to capture those lessons for myself and others. This is a critter I sculpted in December 2020. Tea
- [Artemis the Adventure Owl](https://rebeccaruggles.com/artemis-the-adventure-owl/) - I wanted to go back in time a little and capture some sculptures I made before starting my daily creative logging commitment. I always learn new things with each sculpting project, and this website is a place to capture those lessons for myself and others. This is a critter I sculpted in December 2020. Started
- [Navigation Troll](https://rebeccaruggles.com/navigation-troll/) - I wanted to go back in time a little and capture some sculptures I made before starting my daily creative logging commitment. I always learn new things with each sculpting project, and this website is a place to capture those lessons for myself and others. This is a critter I sculpted in November 2020. Navigation
- [Video Production Upgrade](https://rebeccaruggles.com/video-production-upgrade/) - In documenting and sharing my artistic journey with sculpting, I've realized I need a better set-up for making daily videos. I want to be able to walk into my creative space, flick a switch, hit record, and then focus on doing my art (knowing it's being captured on video for me to edit and review
- [Painting Maverick](https://rebeccaruggles.com/painting-maverick/) - Maverick was baked in the oven for 15-minutes at 275 degrees. Now it's time to start painting him. I begin by painting the baked polymer clay with heavy body acrylic paints. I prefer the heavy body tube style paints because they cover better and have richer colors than the Folk Art bottle style craft paints.
- [Time-Traveling Bunny](https://rebeccaruggles.com/time-traveling-bunny/) - I have a love-hate relationship with ceramics. I elected to take zero period ceramics an hour before school started in high school because it was the only way to have an art class in my college-prep curriculum. It was the highlight of my day and my first exposure to making three-dimensional objects. Ceramics is a
- [Clover the Fox](https://rebeccaruggles.com/clover-the-fox/) - Clover the book-loving fox, sculpted in September 2021.
- [Pearl the Mouse](https://rebeccaruggles.com/pearl-the-mouse/) - I wanted to go back in time a little and capture some sculptures I made before starting my daily creative logging commitment. I always learn new things with each sculpting project, and this website is a place to capture those lessons for myself and others. This is a sculpt I did in September 2021. Starting
- [Heading South](https://rebeccaruggles.com/heading-south/) - I wanted to go back in time a little and capture some sculptures I made before starting my daily creative logging commitment. I always learn new things with each sculpting project, and this website is a place to capture those lessons for myself and others. This is a critter I sculpted in August 2021. I
- [Na-Moose-Tay](https://rebeccaruggles.com/na-moose-tay/) - I wanted to go back in time a little and capture some sculptures I made before starting my daily creative logging commitment. I always learn new things with each sculpting project, and this website is a place to capture those lessons for myself and others. Starting with a wooden peg doll as the bulk of
- [More to the Story](https://rebeccaruggles.com/more-to-the-story/) - Covering the neck of the wood finial, I kept wondering if there was more to Amelia's story than a simple bust? I know she needs a scarf that soars in the wind behind her. But how can I have a pilot without seeing her plane? I took several days away to digest my thoughts, sculpting
- [Ready to Bake](https://rebeccaruggles.com/ready-to-bake/) - Time-lapse video of the last touches on Maverick.
- [Classy Bird](https://rebeccaruggles.com/classy-bird/) - Clothes make the bird.
- [Epaulets & Ruffles](https://rebeccaruggles.com/epaulets-and-ruffles/) - Allowing Maverick's personality to rise to the surface.
- [Amelia Drawing with Procreate](https://rebeccaruggles.com/amelia-drawing-with-procreate/) - Picasso had his Blue Period, and I am experiencing an 'Ole Hare Moment.'
- [Signature Stamp](https://rebeccaruggles.com/signature-stamp/) - A signature stamp with a link back to the artist who created it.
- [Helmet Details](https://rebeccaruggles.com/helmet-details/) - Keep moving the clay - the hands know more than your mind.
- [Making Comics](https://rebeccaruggles.com/making-comics/) - We must give our images space to exist and not be so cruel to them.
- [Furry Face](https://rebeccaruggles.com/furry-face/) - Furry texture with dental tools and ball stylus.
- [An Expression of Gratitude](https://rebeccaruggles.com/an-expression-of-gratitude/) - A letter from Vincient van Gogh to all creators about gratitude.
- [Screwed](https://rebeccaruggles.com/screwed/) - A warning sign from the clay gods.
- [Lessons In Cutting](https://rebeccaruggles.com/lessons-in-cutting/) - If at first you don’t succeed, cut, cut, and cut again.
- [We Have Lift Off & Ears](https://rebeccaruggles.com/we-have-lift-off-ears/) - Formed the wire and foil armature for the ear supports and covered with clay.
- [Ear Re-do and Eye Shape](https://rebeccaruggles.com/ear-re-do-and-eye-shape/) - She tells me she does not approve of her "Ren and Stimpy" like Ears.
- [Emergency Carrots](https://rebeccaruggles.com/emergency-carrots/) - Can't Sleep, too many ideas for Ameila. She coming to life.
- [Travel Sketchbook Hacks](https://rebeccaruggles.com/travel-sketchbook-hacks/) - I've always desired to travel and make sketches of the beautiful places along the way.
- [New Sculpt Starting](https://rebeccaruggles.com/new-sculpt-starting/) - Just like improv, you make a move and listen to what the clay says it wants to be. It's not my job to decide if it's good or bad; my role is only to move the clay.
- [Show Your Work](https://rebeccaruggles.com/show-your-work/) - My objective is simple: Make art and share it here for a thousand days (in a row).

## Pages

- [Artwork](https://rebeccaruggles.com/artwork-2/)
- [About](https://rebeccaruggles.com/about/) - Rebecca Ruggles conjures enchanting creatures that captivate and delight audiences of all ages with their whimsical charm. Her artistic approach blends playfulness with sophistication, showcased across a diverse array of mediums—from cardboard and epoxy clay to ceramic, acrylics, digital art, and printmaking. After graduating from the University of Southern California in 2001, Rebecca initially delved
- [Portfolio](https://rebeccaruggles.com/portfolio/)
- [Rebecca Ruggles](https://rebeccaruggles.com/artwork/) - Feb 1 Jan 1 Nov 1 Sep 1 Aug 1 Jul 1 Jun 1 May 1 Apr 1 Mar 6 Mar 1 Feb 29
- [Studio Journal](https://rebeccaruggles.com/studio-journal/) - FebRuary 2025 January 2025 November 2024 September 2024 August 2024 July 2024
- [Newsletter](https://rebeccaruggles.com/newsletter/)
- [Wish](https://rebeccaruggles.com/wish/) - Photos Coming Soon
- [Art](https://rebeccaruggles.com/art/) - Sculpture Free-standing & Wall Sculpture Dioramas Expanded Scene of Cut Layers Doo-Dads Cut-Out Paintings Relief Prints Woodcut & Linocut
- [Stanley](https://rebeccaruggles.com/stanley/) - Stanley Stanley is my first Nuff bird. No matter how many rainbow sprinkle doughnuts he eats, it's still his favorite. Stanley wants you to know that he's a Nuff, and you are too. 37x13 x13 cm (HxWxD) August 2023 Concrete Paper Clay / Wood / Acrylic Paint One-of-a-Kind, Original Sculpture $400 - Pricing Category Small
- [Sculpture](https://rebeccaruggles.com/sculpture/) - SCULPTURE GALLERY Whimsical creatures with vibrant personalities. Stanley View Gallery Wish View Gallery Petunia View Gallery Rigby View Gallery Robin View Gallery Peaches View Gallery
- [Robin](https://rebeccaruggles.com/robin/) - Robin Robin is an early bird. Her favorite thing is a lively chat over a decadent cappuccino. She flutters against the wall and start a conversation every time you walk by. 21x13 x17 cm (HxWxD) April 2024 Epoxy Clay / Acrylic Paint One of a Kind, Original Sculpture SOLD How It Was Made
- [Petunia](https://rebeccaruggles.com/petunia/) - The Purple Panda
- [Send a Message to R. Ruggles](https://rebeccaruggles.com/contact/) - Your name Your email Your Comment / Message

## Categories

- [Drawing](https://rebeccaruggles.com/category/drawing/)
- [Sculpting](https://rebeccaruggles.com/category/sculpting/)
- [Painting](https://rebeccaruggles.com/category/painting/)
- [Scraps](https://rebeccaruggles.com/category/scraps/) - Scraps are ideas, observations, or things I found intriguing and want to save. Scraps are pieces to incorporate into my work, but I don’t quite know where it fits yet.
- [Nerdy](https://rebeccaruggles.com/category/nerdy/)
- [ShopBot](https://rebeccaruggles.com/category/shopbot/)
- [Paper Engineering](https://rebeccaruggles.com/category/paper-engineering/)
- [Photos](https://rebeccaruggles.com/category/photos/)
- [Completed](https://rebeccaruggles.com/category/completed/)
- [Monthly Journal](https://rebeccaruggles.com/category/monthly-journal/)

## Tags

- [polymer clay](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/polymer-clay/)
- [ornaments](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/ornaments/)
- [christmas](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/christmas/)
- [troll](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/troll/)
- [covid](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/covid/)
- [virus](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/virus/)
- [owl](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/owl/)
- [snail](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/snail/)
- [tea](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/tea/)
- [lady bug](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/lady-bug/)
- [Amelia](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/amelia/)
- [Procreate](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/procreate/)
- [Lisa Glanz](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/lisa-glanz/)
- [Bunny](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/bunny/)
- [Armature](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/armature/)
- [Travel Sketching](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/travel-sketching/)
- [Hacks](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/hacks/)
- [Vincent van Gogh](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/vincent-van-gogh/)
- [gratitude](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/gratitude/)
- [Lynda Barry](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/lynda-barry/)
- [Making Comics](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/making-comics/)
- [Stamp](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/stamp/)
- [Maverick](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/maverick/)
- [bird](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/bird/)
- [Sketching Ideas](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/sketching-ideas/)
- [ceramic](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/ceramic/)
- [Painting](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/painting/)
- [First Coat](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/first-coat/)
- [video production](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/video-production/)
- [live-streaming](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/live-streaming/)
- [studio](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/studio/)
- [4up](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/4up/)
- [Gold](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/gold/)
- [Cat](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/cat/)
- [Robot](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/robot/)
- [Found Object](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/found-object/)
- [Scuba-Saurus](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/scuba-saurus/)
- [Lighting](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/lighting/)
- [texture](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/texture/)
- [Practice](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/practice/)
- [Quote](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/quote/)
- [3-Up](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/3-up/)
- [House](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/house/)
- [Drawing](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/drawing/)
- [Foil](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/foil/)
- [journal](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/journal/)
- [feelings](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/feelings/)
- [compost](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/compost/)
- [lessons](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/lessons/)
- [awareness](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/awareness/)
- [comics](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/comics/)
- [James Lake](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/james-lake/)
- [cardboard](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/cardboard/)
- [Paper](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/paper/)
- [Pattern](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/pattern/)
- [shopbot](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/shopbot/)
- [learning](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/learning/)
- [cnc](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/cnc/)
- [The Rugglet](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/the-rugglet/)
- [comic](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/comic/)
- [doodles](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/doodles/)
- [doodle](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/doodle/)
- [monster](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/monster/)
- [apoxie sculpt](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/apoxie-sculpt/)
- [POSCA Pens](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/posca-pens/)
- [Chart](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/chart/)
- [watercolor](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/watercolor/)
- [Skull](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/skull/)
- [Paper Mache](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/paper-mache/)
- [Flowers](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/flowers/)
- [chair](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/chair/)
- [Exhibit](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/exhibit/)
- [Steampunk Hat](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/steampunk-hat/)
- [dog](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/dog/)
- [slug](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/slug/)
- [transfer](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/transfer/)
- [Birds](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/birds/)
- [chopsticks](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/chopsticks/)
- [hooman](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/hooman/)
- [Vector](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/vector/)
- [diorama](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/diorama/)
- [pen & marker](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/pen-marker/)
- [Opossum](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/opossum/)
- [Buildings](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/buildings/)
- [Cosclay](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/cosclay/)
- [acrylic](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/acrylic/)
- [Pop-Up](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/pop-up/)
- [printable](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/printable/)
- [hummingbird](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/hummingbird/)
- [canvas](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/canvas/)
- [bug](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/bug/)
- [Cute](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/cute/)
- [critter](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/critter/)
- [Racoon](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/racoon/)
- [Opposum](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/opposum/)
- [Turtle](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/turtle/)
- [Large](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/large/)
- [Wallart](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/wallart/)
- [Panda](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/panda/)
- [artist date](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/artist-date/)
- [Augmented](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/augmented/)
- [masking tape](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/masking-tape/)
- [Study](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/study/)
- [Clay](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/clay/)
- [magic sculpt](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/magic-sculpt/)
- [epoxy clay](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/epoxy-clay/)
- [color mixing](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/color-mixing/)
- [whale](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/whale/)
- [mouse](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/mouse/)
- [vcarve](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/vcarve/)
- [color tests](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/color-tests/)
- [Spring](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/spring/)
- [Paso Robles](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/paso-robles/)
- [background](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/background/)
- [art group](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/art-group/)
- [organizing](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/organizing/)
- [hardware](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/hardware/)
- [Finished](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/finished/)
- [rabbit](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/rabbit/)
- [MDF](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/mdf/)
- [sketchbook](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/sketchbook/)
- [wall sculpture](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/wall-sculpture/)
- [wall sculoture](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/wall-sculoture/)
- [DIY Clay](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/diy-clay/)
- [concrete paper clay](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/concrete-paper-clay/)
- [forms](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/forms/)
- [alien](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/alien/)
- [gesso](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/gesso/)
- [resin](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/resin/)
- [eva foam](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/eva-foam/)
- [joint compount](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/joint-compount/)
- [gourd](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/gourd/)
- [sanding](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/sanding/)
- [varnish](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/varnish/)
- [doughnut](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/doughnut/)
- [signature](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/signature/)
- [cartoon](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/cartoon/)
- [underpainting](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/underpainting/)
- [french cleat](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/french-cleat/)
- [HiROo](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/hiroo/)
- [Artists](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/artists/)
- [Mentors](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/mentors/)
- [joint compound](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/joint-compound/)
- [mr tibbons](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/mr-tibbons/)
- [fox](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/fox/)
- [paper squishie](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/paper-squishie/)
- [ink](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/ink/)
- [eyes](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/eyes/)
- [flower](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/flower/)
- [Early Bird](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/early-bird/)
- [magnets](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/magnets/)
- [wings](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/wings/)
- [jig](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/jig/)
- [handling](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/handling/)
- [t-nuts](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/t-nuts/)
- [feet](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/feet/)
- [wish](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/wish/)
- [chipboard](https://rebeccaruggles.com/tag/chipboard/)