When the torso is finished the way you would like it, bake it to cure it at the recommended temperature (polymer clay) or allow it to air dry (paperclay, air drying clay, epoxy putty). To cure polymer clay, lay it on a bed of polyester quilt batting inside a foil or glass pan in the oven. Use only pans which will not be used for any food purpose.
After baking or drying the torso check to see that the shoulders are firm and the arms can be bent gently into a pose without breaking the shoulder area. Glue the shoulder wires into the sockets if necessary.
An alternative way of making a doll is to form the torso and leave a small channel around the base of the upper arm. The arm and torso are not permanently connected, but the arms are wired to the channel on the torso after the torso has been baked.
After baking polymer clay it can be sanded with fine wet/dry sandpaper (400 or 600 grit) If necessary acetone can be rubbed gently on the clay to clean the surface.
The torso shown here also has it's feet attached (although the wire needs to be straightened) If you intend to attache feet or shoes to the doll you can bake them on to the wires leading from the doll's waist. or bake them and glue or wire them onto the body armature wires at a later date.
