Jeanie Hirsch - Clay Modelling for Beginners: An Essential Guide to Getting Started in the Art of Sculpting Clay ~ (Clay Modelling | Clay Modeling | Clay Art)

There are two main categories of clay, oil-based and water-based. Then there are hybrids and non-clay sculpting materials to consider.

Oil-Based Clays : Oil-based clay is referred to as plasticine. This clay contains oil, sometimes mixed with wax or sulphur. It does not dry out like a water-based clay. Animation artists prefer this clay since the finished pieces can be moved and positions adjusted. Plasticine works well for long-term projects.

Plasticine is good for modelling applications only if it does not contain sulphur. A modelling application means the sculpture will be used to make a mold of the piece. Then multiples will be cast with clay slip, resin, or other materials. The clay piece will then be recycled for another modelling application. If the plasticine contains sulphur, the molding process will not work. So if you intend to make molds of your sculpture, be sure to get plasticine without sulphur.

Plasticine can be purchased from any craft store. It can be found in the children's craft section of major box stores. The best deals for plasticine are usually found on-line at discount stores. A 1 lb. block of plasticine retails for under ten dollars.

Water-Based Clays: These clays are known as ceramic and slip clays. They are clay mixed with minerals and water. They are used for large-scale modelling, creation of ceramics such a dinner ware, and slip casting. Slip casting is a process of pouring liquid clay into a mold to produce a hollow form. That form will dry within the mold. Once it is dry, or set, it will be fired at high temperatures in a kiln and then glazed.

These clays tend to dry rapidly and have to be protected from the air. While working with the clay an artist will continuously mist the piece with water. Once the piece is finished and ready to be dried, it will still be wrapped with a damp towel or paper towels to prevent rapid drying. If the piece dries too rapidly, cracks and breaks can occur.

Although this clay can be reused, it is a messy process if the clay dries out completely. The hardened clay will have to be soaked in a bucket of water and broken down gradually. If the clay has been fired in a kiln, it is not possible to recycle it.

Water-based clay can be purchased from art stores and on-line art stores. A 25 lb. box of clay retails for under 20 dollars. Again, look for great deals from on-line and discount art supply stores.

Paper Clay: Paper Clay is water-based clay with fiber added. Typically paper is the fiber of choice hence the name. This clay is used just like normal water-based clays. The main difference is that unfired pieces are stronger than traditional unfired pieces. It is a good medium for creating dolls.

Paper clay is gaining popularity because it does not require the same attention to detail and joining of pieces. If a crack in the structure occurs, it is easily fixed with a slip made of more paper clay. Details are quickly added onto dry pieces as well. These differences make it a better medium for new artists that wish to make the leap from oil-based to water-based clays.

Paper clay can be purchased from art stores and on-line stores. It can also be made by mixing fibers into water-based clay you may have on hand. Paper clay's retail price varies by application purpose. A 5 lb. bucket of Crayola Air Dry Clay retails for under ten dollars. In contrast, a 5 lb. bag of Activa CelluClay retails at just under 30 dollars.

Polymer Clay: This is not really clay at all. It is a type of plastic made of polymer polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and a liquidizer. This sculpting medium is very firm and requires extensive kneading to become pliable. Once pliable, it is a very easy medium to use. The finished piece can be fired in a kitchen oven at low temperatures. Since a commercial kiln is not needed, polymer clays become more affordable to work with on small-scale projects.

Polymer clay has gained popularity for crafts and figurines. It is also popular for making beads for jewelry applications. It comes in a variety of colors and finishes which reduces the need for painting. It can even be purchased in metallic and pearls.