Self-hardening clay is a widely used and inexpensive medium for small and large art projects. It is the ideal material for novice artists and crafters who want to practice their skills, but even more experienced ones often appreciate its simplicity. You can use it to make jewelry, ornaments and various DIY projects. Its main advantage is that you don't have to heat it in the oven to get unique and beautiful products. Usually, it dries completely after 24 hours. The thicker it is, the longer it will take to dry, up to a maximum of 72 hours.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing and Buying Clay
Step 1. Determine the type of project you want to carry out
The various types of self-hardening clay are best suited for specific purposes. You need to know what clay to use to choose the best one for you. Here's what you should ask yourself:
- What are the final dimensions of the project?
- How much will the finished product weigh?
- How much is the budget?
- Do you want the clay to have a solid and professional texture (usually because you want to make a jewelry / pendant / bead)?
Step 2. Choose paper-based self-hardening clay for larger projects
Usually, this type of clay is ideal for large projects. As they require a lot of material, you will save money and the finished product will be much lighter.
- Paper-based clay has a spongy texture when you work it, but is strong and light when hardened.
- Paper-based clay is soft and the pieces come apart like cotton candy.
Step 3. Choose resin-based self-curing clay for smaller projects, such as jewelry
As strong as paper-based clay, this type of clay (in some cases called porcelain-based clay) is much denser and when it dries it looks a lot like oven-baked polymer clay. It is a much more expensive and heavier material.
- Smaller projects like jewelry or beads benefit from the firmer consistency of resin-based clay.
- This type of clay is denser and the pieces separate like cream, caramel or toffee.
Step 4. Purchase the clay
Once you've decided what kind of clay to buy, it's time to head to the store. Make sure you have enough for your project, but don't exceed the required quantities too much. Once opened, clay is difficult to store and can easily become hard to work with and unusable. You can purchase clay at a local DIY store or online.
- If you are not sure which type of clay you should use, or if you want some advice for your project, the clerks of some shops will be able to answer your questions and in some cases you will even be able to find courses.
- Buying clay online you will usually find better offers and options, but you will have to wait a few days for delivery.
Part 2 of 3: Modeling the Clay
Step 1. Open the clay
Start working on a clean, smooth and non-porous surface. Open the sealed clay package and peel off the amount of material you want to use. If you want to make a large project and need multiple clay packs, just open one for now.
You can use dental floss or wire to "cut" sections of clay from a block. This method is useful for accurately measuring how much material you are using
Step 2. Work the clay until it is soft
By working and kneading the clay it will become soft and easier to model. The warmth from your hands will diffuse into the material, making it malleable. Preparing clay is essential for using it correctly. If you plan on using multiple packs of clay, work one at a time.
- If you're using multiple packs of clay for a single project, knead the material together after heating and processing each pack separately.
- If you are using paper-based clay, you can add a small amount of water to make it even softer.
- You can soften (and color!) Resin-based clay with acrylic paint.
Step 3. Model the clay
It is easy to make three-dimensional or flat figures with self-hardening clay. Use your hands and tools such as knives, spoons or even wheels to give the material the shape you want.
- Craftsman tools (or even dentist tools!) Can be very useful in creating more complex projects, because they allow you to be more precise.
- If you want to make a large project that needs to stand on its own, like a vase, make sure it has a large flat base.
Step 4. Decorate the clay
You can press beads, colored threads, or other pieces of clay onto your project. Be sure to be careful, as you will need to press hard enough for the decoration to adhere to the clay, without modifying or crushing the original artwork.
Step 5. Store excess clay
Since this material is easily damaged once opened, in theory you should use it all. If not, you can wrap the leftover one in wax paper and store it in a plastic bag. However, in the future it will not be as easy to work with.
In some cases the hardened clay remains can be reused by heating them (carefully) in the microwave
Part 3 of 3: Dry the Clay
Step 1. Dry the clay
Find a clean, smooth, non-porous surface to let the clay sit for 24 hours. Put the material there and do not touch it until it is dry. You have to be patient in order not to risk ruining the project.
- A cool, dry environment (with little humidity) is ideal. Good air circulation also promotes the process.
- Thicker projects (over 1cm) will take longer to dry. Better not take any chances and wait.
Step 2. Check if the clay is dry
After 24 hours the clay should be dry to the touch, but that doesn't mean it's ready. If your project is thick, wait a little longer. There are other ways to visually assess whether the material is ready.
- Resin-based clay becomes darker and more transparent.
- Paper-based clay remains very opaque.
Step 3. Take the clay from where you left it to dry
Once ready, take it carefully and bring it back to the work area. Spread out some newspaper or an old sheet first. Be careful, when the clay has hardened it will be quite brittle. Do not drop it or you risk breaking it.
Step 4. Decorate the clay
If you wish, you can further decorate your project! You can use gouache, acrylic and watercolor paints. You can glue beads, sequins, fabrics and other decorations.
Advice
- Clay shrinks slightly over time, so be careful when making molds.
- Well worked clay is soft and sticky. This is why you should work on a non-porous surface.
- Mix clays of various colors by kneading them together between your fingers. This method works best for light colors.
- Lift the clay off your work surface often, otherwise it may stick.
- Be sure to rinse and then dry the clay, using some paper towels.
- Knead the clay a couple of times before trying to shape it.
Warnings
- Hardened clay is hard but brittle and can break easily.
- Clay is sticky and can stick to furniture, porous surfaces, clothing, and carpets.
