The heron is made with the air dry clay recipe on this site, and Apoxie sculpt.
This is a follow up on the subject of armatures for air dry clay. Here we'll look at how I approach the anatomical aspects of my equine sculptures.
One thing I found is that if you're intending to paint your air dry clay sculpture, like any good artist, you need to prepare your substrate.
I’ve been sculpting with air-dry clays for the past five years, during all this time I’ve accumulated a few tips and tricks to make the process easier and more enjoyable. I’m pretty convinced that air-dry clays are very friendly to beginners and can be pretty magical in the experienced hands. But th
How to make air dry clay - my famous "silky-smooth" DIY recipe has become one of the most popular art recipes on my website. Use it to create permanent, strong, long-lasting sculptures.
I’ve been sculpting with air-dry clays for the past five years, during all this time I’ve accumulated a few tips and tricks to make the process easier and more enjoyable. I’m pretty convinced that air-dry clays are very friendly to beginners and can be pretty magical in the experienced hands. But th
’m sculpting my second ball-jointed doll and I’ve decided to document all the process! A few years ago when I was just trying to understand how ball-jointed dolls actually work, there was almost no information about the topic. Now, people are sharing a little bit more on Instagram or Facebook groups
I have been sculpting dolls with air-dry clay for years now. It is my favorite medium to sculpt fine details and create intricate characters. But I know some people have reservations about air-dry clay. Will it be strong enough? Can I resume sculpting after my sculpture has dried? There are so many
If you worked with air-dry clay before, you probably noticed that sometimes it can be easily damaged. Especially if you’re sculpting very delicate pieces. I’ve been using air-dry clay for almost ten years now, and along the way, I picked up a few techniques that can help strengthen it. Keep on readi
Learning how to make clay is so easy! This homemade clay recipe uses simple ingredients you probably have in your kitchen already, and it's so nice to work with! How to Make Clay - Only 3 Ingredients! Air dry clay is so easy and so inexpensive to make! Why spend tons of money on store bought clay, when learning how to make clay at home is so much cheaper and so much fun?! We tested a few different clay recipes and this one was the BEST! And you only need 3 ingredients - water, cornstarch, and baking soda! You don't
Learn how to create some cute robots with Activa's Plus Clay!
Something a lot of people don't know about me is that my parents are potters and I've spent my entire life around clay. Growing up, my mom and dad ran a successful pottery business from home means I was playing with clay long before I discovered painting! In the weeks and months ahead I have a series of pottery posts in the works that I can't wait to share with you and I am kicking this series off today with a fun clay project. I've had a creative idea floating around in my head (what else is new?) to create some whimsical clay bookends that resembled bronze. While you could use clay that gets fired in a kiln, I thought it would be fun to tackle this project with air dry clay. While air dry clay is much more delicate after it dries, it is readily available at most craft stores and easy to use (no need for a kiln). Once it is dry, it can be painted and even sealed which means there are all kinds of ways to get really creative with it. My idea was to create a whimsical "bust like" statue so I got busy molding and shaping my clay. I used a variety of everyday things for tools (toothpicks, paint brushes, chopsticks) to add details, smooth out the surface and shape and mold the head. The process of tackling a face takes a little time and practice but the best part of working with clay is that you can change things over and over again. I worked and reworked my lump of clay. Here is what the process looked like: After a couple of hours and lots of changes, I achieved what I wanted- a whimsical head with a little bit of soul and a lot of texture. Then I let it dry. Air dry clay actually dries pretty quickly- a couple of days for my clay (it was warm and dry here) which sped up the process. Once it was completely dry, it was time to paint! This was the idea that I had all along- to transform the clay into something that resembled bronze or metal. I used a "hammered bronze" spray paint. Once it was painted all that texture that I tried to hold onto, details, marks and my finger impressions really POPPED which is exactly what I wanted! Using some heavy duty glue, I mounted the head to the top of a piece of scrap wood. I also created a simple bronze heart. I am thrilled with the results and had so much fun getting my hands back into clay! A few TIPS for using air dry clay: Air dry clay can be used with all the traditional pottery techniques- pinching, coiling, rolling stamping, etc. Before you get started, knead your clay until it softens up. If it fees dry or crumbly, add a little bit of water. When attaching pieces or joining two pieces together, use a pin tool (or even a toothpick) to score or roughen up the clay then apply water mixed with a little clay (this is called slip) to the pieces and then press firmly together. Once the clay is dry you can go back and carve with tools. Store air dry clay in an airtight container to keep from drying out.
Easy to make Air Dry Clay projects that will instantly wow you! From supply lists to the full tutorials, these projects are incredible.
The following is a brief walk-through of the process I use when hand-building my unique air dry clay sculptures.
Incredible Air Dry Modeling Clay Ideas from craft projects, creative ideas and simple techniques that will instantly inspire you!
These DIY flower frogs created with air dry clay are pretty on their own and will make your flower arranging tasks a cinch.
Bring the Ocean Home with This Stunning 3D Seashell Sculpture This captivating 3D wall sculpture, titled "3D Fruits of the Sea Wall Sculpture with Hand Picked Seashells - Unicorn Horn or Seagull Shape from different points of view," is hand-crafted with air dry clay and adorned with an array of hand-picked seashells sourced directly from the shores of Portugal, this piece is a stunning testament to the beauty and diversity of the ocean's bounty. As you approach the sculpture, you'll be struck by its mesmerizing textural interplay. The smooth, cool surface of the air dry clay provides a perfect canvas for the intricate patterns and shapes formed by the seashells. Each seashell, unique in its size, shape, and color, tells a story of its own, whispering tales of the waves, the tides, and the hidden wonders of the deep. But what truly sets this sculpture apart is its ability to transform depending on your perspective. From certain angles, it evokes the majestic form of a unicorn's horn, its spiral form reaching towards the heavens with grace and power. From others, it takes on the form of a graceful seagull. A Treasure Trove of Ocean Delights As you examine the sculpture more closely, you'll discover a treasure trove of hidden details. The artist has meticulously arranged the seashells to create patterns that resemble coral reefs, seaweed fronds, and other marine life. Each seashell has been carefully chosen for its unique color, texture, and shape, creating a picture of an underwater world teeming with life. The use of air dry clay adds another layer of dimension and interest to the piece. The clay has been molded and shaped to create a sense of movement and flow of the ocean waves themselves. The contrast between the smooth texture of the clay and the rough, natural beauty of the seashells is both striking and visually appealing. A Focal Point for Any Home This stunning 3D seashell sculpture is more than just a work of art; it's a conversation starter and a focal point for any home. Its unique design and captivating beauty will draw in visitors and leave them mesmerized. It's also a perfect piece for those who love the ocean and want to bring a touch of its natural beauty into their lives. Whether you're looking for a unique piece of art to add to your collection or a special gift for someone who loves the ocean, this 3D seashell sculpture is sure to impress. With its intricate details, captivating beauty, and ability to transform depending on your perspective, it's a piece that will be cherished for years to come.
As technology advances we’ve also advanced artist’ materials: new clays are being developed all the time. Modern air dry clays are now serious contenders in the realm of contemporary sculpture.
When I first started using air dry clay there was nothing more frustrating for me than trying to smooth the surface of my first few sculptures. No matter how
