Easy Air Dry Clay Models – Home Blog About Sculpture, Air-Dry Clay and Horses | Susie Benes Creative Paper Clay Sculpting: Air Dry Clay Sculpting From Start to Finish
Since there is very little information about air drying clay, I hope my work will help other artists use this amazing medium in their artwork and help art collectors gain a deeper understanding of their work.
Easy Air Dry Clay Models
I use an art grade product made in Japan called Creative Paperclay with a non-toxic paper base. It is strong and dries to a soft wood hardness that can be sanded, carved and painted.
Bohs Foam Clay
After deciding on the pose of my animal, I start making the armature. I usually use aluminum rebar because it bends easily and doesn’t rust. Where the wire meets the other wires I wrap around it and then secure it with glue.
To keep the sculpture strong (not to support excess clay) and light, I detached the armature. For smaller sculptures this is usually done with aluminum foil, for larger sculptures I often use polystyrene and other lightweight materials.
Once I’m happy with the armature, I add my first layer of clay (or epoxy clay, depending on the strength of the sculpture) and make sure it’s completely dry before adding another. This ensures less cracks and a solid base to develop my sculpture on.
This is the stage where the sculpture starts to look like it really does. At this stage, I often work on both sections and layers.
Pepy Premium European Air Dry Modeling Clay White 3 Pack 1.1 Lb Bars, 3.3 Lbs Total, Easy To Use Air-hardening Clay For Classroom And Montessori
After I finish the sculpture, I make sure it is completely dry (maybe up to a week) before moving on to the next step.
I always apply gesso, a painter’s primer or more (just like a painter would use on their canvas) to ensure the clay is sealed and the paint adheres properly. Learn more about priming an air dry clay sculpture.
I use different painting tools for my sculptures. Because I usually work quickly, I use acrylic-based products, as well as raw pigment powder, gold leaf, and other mixed media.
On this particular cat sculpture, I used Holbein’s specially formulated Acryla Gouache paint, which creates wonderful watercolor effects.
Amaco Air Dry Clay, White, 10 Lbs.
Depending on the thickness of the paint, it should be allowed to cure for at least 2 days before proceeding to the final stage.
I like to mix and match types of finishes: even if the sculpture body is matte, I usually varnish the eyes with several coats of high gloss varnish. I find it brings the animal sculptures to life.
Allow the varnish to fully harden in a warm, dust-free environment for at least 3 days. Learn more about Varnish Sculpture.
My air dry clay sculptures are mounted on various bases. Some are mounted on wood, while others simply have a felt bottom to protect them from scratches.
Air-dry Clay Ghost Tealights– Fun And Easy Halloween Decor Idea
Each sculpture is a unique piece, and this is an overview of the basic process of making a sculpture from start to finish. I’ll continue to share my ideas and techniques, so check back soon for fresh inspiration. Inside: The best, prettiest, funnest and easiest air dry clay ideas for adults and kids. Many people will offer handmade gifts or craft ideas for sale.
As a child, there was no technology to catch me. We didn’t even have daytime TV. My mom sat me and my sister at the kitchen table with plastic and some basic tools. We spent hours molding and molding.
As an adult, I still like to mold and sculpt, but this time with air-dry clay, I make beautiful, useful things for the home or as gifts.
Air dry clay is a fantastic affordable material for a variety of design ideas and projects. It is also suitable for children as it is easy to use and non-toxic.
3 Ways To Make Air Dry Clay
Air dry clay looks and feels like traditional clay, but does not require firing or heating in an oven. It cures naturally in the air. Then it can be sanded and painted.
Like traditional clay, it is versatile; It can be shaped, rolled, cut and pressed with texture. It comes in a variety of colors, but most projects use white clay and decorate it with paint. Even the air dry clay version is terracotta in color.
I have selected the best collection of craft projects that use air drying; Most of them are for adults. I am sure kids will also love to try some of these.
At the end of the list I have compiled a series of useful and frequently asked questions and tips for using air dry clay.
The Baby Dino Bros 12 Color Premium Quality Air Dry Modeling Clay Kit For Kids
Learn how to make inexpensive air dry clay buttons that look and feel like the real deal, at a fraction of the cost.
The unique clay and rope bowl is one of Francesca’s many beautiful clay projects. He even wrote a book about air dry clay.
Throw these bombs in the garden and let nature take its course, and spring will bring beautiful wildflowers.
Make a cute little clay bracelet dish with hand-painted accents! These cute treats make a very personalized gift and are easy to make.
47 Easy Air Dry Clay Ideas And Projects Adults Will Want To Make
Say goodbye to plastic Easter eggs. These DIY air dry clay eggs are easy to make for spring decorations!
I combined some lace swatches from the fabric store with air dry clay and voila!, now I have the cutest little container set in the world.
Such a cute phone owner; It’s a fun handmade gift idea or even for sale.
A great starter project for the holidays, it features air dry clay. We love the modern Scandinavian feel of this DIY Christmas village.
Air Dry Clay Tips And Tricks — Gathering Beauty
In less than 24 hours, you’ll receive beautiful custom handcrafted clay gift tags to keep as a memento of the recipient’s day.
DIY magnets are perfect for stylish organization or fun crafts. I love these magnets because you can make them as an adult craft or bring the kids in and make them together
Add drops of your favorite essential oils for a fresh scent diffuser in your home or car – a beautiful homemade gift idea.
I love the simplicity of white clay with modern black lettering. You can choose the words you like, but we were partial to love and XOXO. These sweet jars are the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day.
Not Just Paint: Why You Should Prime Air Dry Clay Sculptures
A fun and easy project! You can create it on bookshelves, trays, coffee tables or shelves anywhere you want to add a lively touch to your decor.
Use your child’s handwriting to create a Bitosi-inspired dish; They make a great keepsake or gift as they capture a moment the size of your child’s hand.
Air dry clay is available in colors other than white. Use terracotta clay to make this boho clock.
Pineapple themed crafts are one of my favorites and these rings look sweet and easy.
How To Make Air Dry Clay Bowls — Gathering Beauty
Simple and cute, Apple Pinch Pots are a great way to use up a little leftover clay and make a fun craft for kids.
Scandinavian-style mountain photographers; A fun mountain themed craft and can also be used as place card holders for weddings and party settings.
These little cats are so cute and use very little air dry clay. They will have a fun chopstick holiday.
Everyone loves a cute mushroom craft and these clay mushrooms fit that brief. They make fun decorations for your houseplants.
4 Easy Air Dry Clay Ideas That You Can Make In 5 Minutes
How to use your small pieces of clay to make a DIY bracelet. The ribbon can be changed according to your dress.
Inspired by the natural beauty of the clay coaster set, this botanical craft uses air-dried clay and leaves. Quick and easy, this coaster is perfect for a thoughtful gift for any occasion. Add gold accents to accentuate the luxury, enhancing their elegant and refined look.
This is a cute bunny craft; The jars are perfect for holding Easter treats like mini chocolate eggs.
Q1: Which brand do you recommend? : There are many brands of air dry clay, but the main ones I use are DAS and Fimoair. Both are available in different colors.
Nara Air-dry Clay (hard & Strong), 500g. (1.1 Lbs.) Block, For Sculpting And Coating
Q2: How long does it take to heal? Air dry clay usually takes 24 to 72 hours, depending on the thickness of the project. Allow to dry naturally in a well-ventilated dry room.
Q3: Should I seal the clay? If you want to make clay products durable and waterproof, you need to seal them. Suitable sealants are acrylic varnish, liquid varnish or Mod Podge.
Q4: Does air drying clay get wet? Untreated rock clay is still porous and absorbs water. Add sealant to make it waterproof. For example, mugs cannot be made from air-dried clay because hot liquid clay will spoil even if it is sealed.
Q5: What can I use to color the clay? You can paint air dry clay with anything from watercolors