Elf on the shelf DIY ?

Last year I told myself that we would do the elf on the shelf thing the following year. Well that time is fast approaching and I've already seen the combo packs with the elf and video/book. But the thing I said last year was that I was going to make the elf so it was more personal. Well, the other day I started on its head. I noticed then that it was kind of big. The more I think about it the more I agree. So I think I'm going to start over with a smaller head. Also the body doesn't seem like it'll be all that pose able so I think I will look to find a body that might instead of making one. I looked on the infamous pinterest to see other peoples DIY elfs. One just redressed a tinkerbell friend doll. The other made theirs to look like the original elf on the shelf. The second one used a poseable muslin body from hobby lobby. I don't know why I didn't even bother looking in the doll section for this! I'll have to go back and check that aisle out. Actually, looking back, I know why we didn't think of that (mom is making one, too): we were going off a list of instructions to make these steampunk looking dolls. Which are pretty cool looking but I'm thinking they are not going to be that welcoming for the cheery holidays. I'll finish my current elf, but I'm thinking it'll just be decorative. I'll have to get out and go to hobby lobby these next couple of days to get the new right stuff. Now I'm just debating the materials to make the head out of: paper mâché covered with gesso, or polymer clay and sculpt it that way.