If you have been thinking of starting your own clay journey you are in the right place!
I use airdry or airdrying clay. It is like a paper pulp that with extra steps. The brand of airdry clay that you use depends on the type of project that you are doing. A softer clay like DAS or Jovi (Both available at your local PNA or on Takealot) would be better for flat and slab work - like making an ashtray! But if you want to have more structural integrity for 3D modeling, I would recommend a firmer clay like the Montmarte brand. You can only find it at PNA. Airdry clay is cheaper than polymer clay - so it is tempting to buy a big pack. If you are just starting out I would suggest getting a smaller pack.
So that is it for clay. What other things do you need? Of course, you can get yourself some proper tools online but it can get expensive. The good news is that I started with stuff I found in the house!
Here is a lekker list of the bare basics:
- Clay
- Toothpicks
- A small and large paintbrush
- Eye pins (the little guys that add a hook to the charms)
- A kitchen sponge
- A full glass of water
That is it!
Oh, and of course you need a clean non porous surface to work on. Before I invested in disposable tear off pallets, I worked on large ziplock baggies and flip files.
Now you are ready to clay!
Use your tools by dipping it in water before touching the clay. This is going to lubricate everything and you will have less cracking. Because the clay is made from paper/wood pulp - it will dissolve in water. So be conservative.
Your brush can be used multiple ways - dip your brush in water to smooth out your clay. Or, flip if over and use the back of the brush to roll out the clay on your kitchen sponge. This is a fondant technique and is grand for botanicals.
Pop in your eye pin to turn what you made into a charm and leave the clay to dry.
Drying happens quicker if you leave it out next to a fan or in the sun, but remember to flip over your creations so that it can dry evenly over a day or two.
If you need more tips and tricks, have a look at my Instagram for tutorials or feel free to send me a message or a comment.
Happy crafting! Tag me if you made something!
Liefdes,
Ansela