Clay modeling at home: general recommendations for children and beginners, step by step master classes, photo examples

Clay modeling is one of the best options for getting creative experience. In addition to a pleasant activity, it's also a kind of prevention of nervous disorders. Also with modeling develops imagination and flexibility of the fingers.

Clay molding is a great creative activity for both children and adults. With the right skill and diligence you can create great design decorations for the interior.

Dishes can also be made with clay by hand. This is just a small fraction of what can be created from different types of clay for modeling. And the skills are essentially everyone has, since the process of working with clay is very similar to modeling with plasticine.

Types of clay for modeling

In fact, there are only two types of clay: natural and artificial. And already in turn, each of them has its own subspecies.

Each variety of clay has advantages and disadvantages, making it suitable for one kind of work, but absolutely not suitable for another. For example, among the artificial clay are:

• Polymeric;
• Bakeable;
• Self-hardening.

And among the natural most often stands out:

• Pottery;
• Chamotte.

The properties of each type of clay should be dealt with separately.

Polymeric .

The most common variant of clay in stores for creativity. But it can also be prepared at home. This is ideal for starting with modelling clays due to their elasticity.

And the finished products will quickly harden without additional processing. It is about this property is worth remembering when working, and the drying time can increase the addition of latex glue to the polymer clay.

White

A version of clay with high strength after drying. Most often used for pottery. In the store, this clay differs most often in the composition of impurities.

Additives can affect the elasticity, drying rate, the appearance of yellowing, and others. Such clay has a low cost, but it is also possible to create a work of art from it. Yes, and products made of white clay is much easier to give the desired shade.

Self-hardening

Unlike other types of clay, this clay is capable of drying in any condition. By visual and tactile sensations such clay is close to the air plasticine. But unlike plasticine, clay can be soaked and work on. Such clay is used to create crafts with low weight.

Natural

Natural clay can also be called natural clay. It can not only buy, but also find it in nature, almost underfoot. In elasticity and speed of drying it is closest to the simplest plasticine. To create a masterpiece from such clay, you need to have a certain level of skill.

The most common options in stores are fireclay and pottery natural clay. Pottery clay is used to make dishes, and fireclay is more often used in construction work, such as building stoves.

Natural material, unlike artificial, has no chemical impurities, which is a definite plus for allergy sufferers. The biggest disadvantage of natural clay products is that without firing they do not acquire strength.

Yes, and after firing there is no guarantee that the product will be strong enough, because it can remain air bubbles, which make the baked material brittle.

Natural clay is best to make products with thin walls, as in this case there is a greater chance to get rid of air.

Before use, natural clay requires only long stirring until a homogeneous pliable structure is obtained.

Baked

In fact, this type combines all types that require firing or baking products to obtain a strong structure.

This clay is most often used to create sculptures, crockery and jewelry. Since the pure composition of clay when baked is capricious, plasticizers are added to it to obtain a quality result.

How to make clay for molding at home

As written above, the polymer composition is the most common option. But some companies sell it quite expensive. That's why this article presents three of the most affordable ways to make such clay yourself.

The first way, almost edible

This is the simplest and most accessible composition. The necessary ingredients can be found in any kitchen.

The necessary materials:

• a glass of flour;
• a glass of water;
• half a cup of very fine salt.

Workflow:

1. Mix salt and water.
2. Add the flour and knead the dough.
3. When well kneaded, place the dough in a cellophane bag.
4. Place the bag with the dough in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours.
5. If the material is to be colored, you can color it after it has cooled.

Such a composition can be not cooled, but then it will be difficult to form small parts from it.

And even after cooling, proceed to work immediately, rather than waiting for the composition to warm up.

Artificial clay at home

The less components in the artificial clay, the easier it is to work with it. The second method of making it produces about a third of a kilogram of the finished composition.

Materials and tools:

• a cup of PVA glue;
• a glass of corn starch;
• 1 tbsp. petroleum jelly;
• 1 tbsp. of baby cream;
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice;
• enamel pan;
• cutting board;
• glass salad bowl;
• silicone spatula.

Workflow:

1. Mix PVA and starch in a saucepan, until smooth.
2. Pour in the lemon juice and knead everything again.
3. Carefully check the mixture for lumps. There should not be any lumps at all.
4. Transfer the clay to a salad bowl and warm in the microwave for half a minute.
5. After the time has passed, knead again thoroughly and send for another 30 seconds in the microwave.
6. If a dry crust appears, remove it from the surface.
7. Transfer the warmed mixture to a cutting board along with the hand cream. It is better if the board is wooden.
8. Knead the future clay with the cream.
9. If necessary, you can add dye.
10. The clay is ready to use.

Making homemade cold china

An excellent mixture for creating unique jewelry. But it must be remembered that it can only be stored in an airtight package, so that it does not dry out before time.

Necessary materials:

• 150-200 g of PVA glue;
• 150-200 grams of glue torque;
• 150 milligrams of corn starch;
• 1 tsp. citric acid;
• 1 tsp. glycerin;
• 2 tbsp. plasticizer;
• cling film;
• cosmetic cream.

Workflow:

1. Mix glue, glycerin, starch and citric acid until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps.
2. Heat in microwave for a minute. Stir.
3. Microwave again for half a minute. Stir.
4. Microwave for another 15 seconds.
5. Stir together with the cream.
6. Dab the clingfilm with petroleum jelly and wrap the resulting mixture in it.
7. Packed "porcelain" put in the fridge for 24 hours.
8. The material is ready for use.

How to mold with clay: tips

Once you have decided on the material, you can move on to the process of molding. With constant practice and diligence, your skills can quickly reach the professional level. And for better training, read a few tips:

1. Do not allow the clay to lose moisture. If you need to interrupt, throw a damp cloth over the piece.
2. If you wish to make everything quickly and beautifully, use both hands.
3. Before you begin, prepare all the tools you may need.
4. If any cracks appear, moisten the area and smooth them out.
5. Any product begins with a large piece and ends with the smallest one.
6. Because of the properties of clay material to shrink when drying, make sure that there are no foreign objects in your product. Otherwise you will get a cracked and unstable something.
7. If the handicraft involves additional objects, they must be added to the prepared holes after they have dried completely.
8. When working with white clay, it is necessary to work with absolutely clean tools and surfaces. Otherwise the product will have to be painted.
9. When working with different colors of clay, you should start with the darkest and end with the lightest. It is desirable to wash the entire tool with each change of color.

For polymer composition tips can be referred to a separate group:

1. Work only on a perfectly smooth surface.
2. Simple toothpicks can be used as a tool.
3. To avoid leaving unnecessary imprints, work with the polymer should be in thick, well-fitting gloves with a brush.
4. It is better to cut off large parts with a stationery knife.

The more you work with clay, the faster your skills will improve. And the higher your skills, the greater the chance of getting extra income or getting rid of gift searching.

Gradually you will learn even at the planning stage of the craft to determine what material is needed for it. Create and enjoy the results.

Photo ideas of clay crafts