Air drying clay is a popular choice for art projects large and small.It's a great way to practice your craft, and even experienced artists enjoy the simplicity of air drying clay.Air drying clay can be used for crafts.Air drying clay doesn't require an oven or kiln to create a beautiful product.After a day or two, air dry clay is usually dry to touch.The thicker the clay is, the longer it will take to dry.It can take as long as 72 hours.
Step 1: Determine the type of project you are using air drying clay for.
There are different types of air drying clay that are suited for different purposes.In order to determine which type of clay is right for you, you need to know what you are using it for.How big is my final product going to be?How heavy is my final product?How much do I spend on clay?Do I want my clay to have a premium feel?
Step 2: Paper-based air drying clay can be used for larger projects.
Paper clay is usually used for larger projects.You'll save money because they require a lot of material.The finished project will be lighter.Paper based clay is light and hard to work with.The paper based clay will break off in the same way as cotton candy.
Step 3: Air drying clay can be used for smaller projects.
When dried, porcelain based clay is much denser and much more similar to baked polymer clay.It is more expensive and heavier.Smaller projects like jewelry or beads can benefit from the "premium" feel of porcelain based clay.The clay will pull apart like fudge or caramel.
Step 4: You should buy your clay.
You will need to buy clay after you have decided what type you want.Don't buy too much, but be sure to buy enough for your project.It can become hard to work with opened clay..You can buy clay at an arts and crafts store.If you still don't know what type of clay to use or want advice on your project, some stores have clerks that can answer your questions.Purchasing your clay online will usually give you better prices and options, but you may have to wait several days for it to arrive.
Step 5: Open the clay.
Work over a clean, nonporous surface.Take the amount of clay you want to use out of the sealed bag.If you need several bags of clay, only open one at a time.A wire or floss can be used to cut chunks of clay.This can be used to measure how much you are using.
Step 6: Make your clay soft by kneading.
Kneading and massaging the clay will make it easier to work with.The clay will be made malleable by the warmth of your hands.Proper use of the clay requires conditioning.If you were going to work with many bags of clay, you should knead them one at a time.After each bag of clay has been warmed and kneaded separately, you can use multiple bags for one piece.Adding a small amount of water to paper based clay will make it softer.The clay can be colored.with paint.
Step 7: You should shape your clay.
Air drying clay makes it easy to make three-dimensional and flat figures.You can use your hands and tools to form and shape the clay you want.You can even make dental picks and equipment.It's useful for creating more complex projects, as you can be more precise with them.If you are making a large project that needs to stand up, make sure that it has a flat base.
Step 8: You can decorate your clay.
You can put beads, yard, or other pieces of clay into your project.If you don't use enough pressure to press your decoration into the clay, you'll end up squashing your project.
Step 9: Store your clay.
Since clay is easy to open, you should have used all of it.leftover clay can be stored in a plastic bag and wrapped in wax paper.It won't be easy to work with or useful afterwards.Sometimes a microwave can be used to warm the clay up.
Step 10: It's time to dry your clay.
You can dry your clay on a smooth, nonporous surface.Don't move or disturb the clay while it dries.To make sure you don't ruin your project, you'll need to be patient.A dry area with low humidity is the best.Air circulation is helpful.It may take even longer for projects over 1 cm to dry.
Step 11: If the clay is wet, check it out.
The clay should be dry after 24 hours, but that doesn't mean it is ready.If your clay project is thick you may want to give it more time.If your clay is ready, there are other ways to look at it.The clay turned darker and more translucent.Paper based clay will be very hard to see.
Step 12: The clay should be removed from the drying area.
Once it is dry, remove the clay from the drying area and bring it back to your work area.Some newspapers or an old sheet can be laid down.The clay may be brittle, so be careful.Drop it and you risk breaking it.
Step 13: Your clay should be decorated.
You can decorate your project further if you want.Dry clay projects can be done with tempera, acrylic, and watercolor paints.Glue can be used to attach beads, fabric, and other fun decorations to your clay project.