If you’re looking to create your own art toys, one popular approach is to do it DIY style by creating a sculpt of your character and then casting it yourself in resin to create production pieces. One great source to learn the ins and outs of the process are the Plastik Surgery Handbooks from Lunartik (Matt Jones) who has been making his own toys for quite some time and is best known for his Lunartik In A Cup of Tea figure.
The Level 1 handbook provides step-by-step illustrated instructions on creating a one-part mold which is a good first step to casting your own toys. For those looking to make more complicated toys that are not possible with a one-part model, the Level 2 handbook covers the use of a ‘split tool’ or two-part mold which is a more advanced and flexible technique.
The Plastik Surgery Handbooks are available for purchase as convenient digital downloads (PDF) direct from the Plastik Surgery Workshop site individually (£10/$13.10) or as a set featuring both handbooks (£18/$23.60).
