Playing Around With Characters

If you've followed my blog long enough, you know that the author of the Superman Duffy series of graphic novels—Dawn Ius—sometimes goes to schools to talk about being an author. She does this fun workshop called "Molding Characters"—which is basically about sculpting things out of play dough. I've made a few characters before...

But with the weird weather this summer—can you believe all of the storms?!—I've been looking at things to do inside and since I'm making great progress on my reading goals, I thought it might be time to focus on my writing. The trouble is, I don't have a good character yet.

I've done all of the usual things—looked for inspiration in magazines and on TV show, thought about how I could use some of the traits from people in my family, and even tried to model a character after a dog I met at the park. But it hasn't inspired me to start writing.

So this weekend, I'm making some modelling dough, and I'm going to create a character. Mom even bought me some extra drink crystals so I can make a bunch of different colours. Anyone want to see my neon green sea monster? Just kidding...I haven't made one yet.

Want to make your own?

I've got JUST the recipe.
(Remember, though, play dough is for playing with, not to eat!)

Easy Dough
1 cup flour (250 mL)

1 cup salt (250 mL)

1 Tbsp. canola oil (15 mL)
drink crystals or food colouring for colouring
enough water to form the dough.

Mix flour and salt. Add canola oil. Add drink crystals or food colouring to a couple of teaspoons of water. Then, slowly add water until mixture is pliable (spongy and claylike).

Store in a used margarine tub plastic container. Make more colours.

Easy peasy, right?

Gotta jet! I'm starting to make my colours right now.

~ Chase Superman Duffy