How can I make a cactus sculpture out of clay?

[lovecavys?]

What shapes should I make?

[Diane B.]

Here are some other lessons and photos of polymer clay used to make cactuses (more of the saguaro type though):

Thumbelina made a 4-5" saguaro cactus with a large sombrero to hold some of her jewelry...her rings hang over it's "arms," and her post earrings fit through holes in the hat brim (figure is top heavy so is created on a base, which could be a bit wider)... made from Model Magic but would be better from polymer clay
...the trunk could be polymer clay formed around a bunch of twisted wires, with each wire bent down to make an arm at the proper height, or you also could tightly wrap aluminum foil around the wire(s) if you want, to save clay... just don't leave air pockets.With an armature inside the saguaro couod be fairly tall and thin because it would be strong ... it might need a reasonably wide base though to compensate for the wide hat so it wouldn't tump over! Diane B.
http://www.craftster.org/pictures/data/500/23760DSCN0238.jpg
....Monterra made a cactus too (white polymer clay, painted)http://www.monterra.suncomet.org/crafts/misc/cactusholder2.jpg

bas relief cactus onlay on a gourd
http://www.afamilyjournal.com/gourdindianbowl45.jpg


HTH,

Diane B.