Hello? Can you see what I'm looking for?

February 19, 2016 8:39 AM

I am in need of a replica of the Lionel Richie clay bust from the "Hello" video. You know the one.

As I need it to be durable, portable, and lightweight if possible, clay is not an option. I thought 3D printing would be the way but I can't find a file. I plan on using it as a tip jar. Any ideas on how to find one or print one?

posted by sourwookie to Media & Arts (10 answers total)

You could get a styrofoam wig form, and cover that with paper maché. And then when it's dry, rip out the styrofoam. Or use a balloon as the head and paper maché over that - you'd have to improvise a neck. The balloon would be easier to remove, of course.
posted by MexicanYenta at 8:52 AM on February 19, 2016

Well, I'm coming up blank as well. I wonder if you'd get anywhere by contacting customer service at Firebox to find the manufacturer of this no-longer-available chocolate Lionel head? I mean, at least they'd have a mold. Not sure where'd you go from there, though. But any company that makes a chocolate Lionel Richie head is a pretty kickass company, and perhaps they've fielded inquiries like yours before. I dunno.
posted by lock sock and barrel at 9:00 AM on February 19, 2016

IIRC, the chocolate one was an April Fool's prank*.



*Unfortunately
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 9:04 AM on February 19, 2016

DAMN IT, MAN.
posted by lock sock and barrel at 9:07 AM on February 19, 2016

Expanding on MexicanYenta's wig form idea, is there perhaps some sort of synthetic modeling compound or moldable plastic that may be easier to work with than paper maché?
posted by sourwookie at 9:42 AM on February 19, 2016

Sculpey is a plasticized clay that can be hardened in your oven. They have a few variations.
posted by Sophont at 10:14 AM on February 19, 2016

Styrofoam head, and oil based animator's clay in skin tone --- you can get from an art retailer like Blick artist materials. I made these for life drawing, and you should see the looks I get when I'm carrying a bag of heads around! The oil based clay takes quite a bit of warmth before it is reworkable.
posted by effluvia at 10:14 AM on February 19, 2016

Paper clay or epoxy clay are pretty light and don't require an oven.
posted by corey flood at 12:28 PM on February 19, 2016

So I contacted someone who makes perfect replicas of them. However, they are $350 a pop--well outside the budget for a tip jar.

After a trip[ to some craft stores and some online research on my DIY options, it look like Celluclay (paper clay) over a hollow plastic head like this may be my best bet.
posted by sourwookie at 12:33 PM on February 19, 2016

I cut this out of a solid block of styrofoam, and then added some details with something that sounds a lot like your Celluclay. Styrofoam is easy to cut and can also be sanded. Have fun!
posted by Too-Ticky at 1:21 PM on February 19, 2016