Sculpting

[Sorn]

If you're doing something bigger than the palm of your hand, I recommend getting some wire and foil to make an armature first.

Also, knead thoroughly (ie a few minutes) before doing anything. You need to check if the clay is dried out first since you've had it for a few years.

[maskedmelon]

Originally Posted by Sorn [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

If you're doing something bigger than the palm of your hand, I recommend getting some wire and foil to make an armature first.

Also, knead thoroughly (ie a few minutes) before doing anything. You need to check if the clay is dried out first since you've had it for a few years.

What kind of wire? Any way I can restore my clay if it has dried out? Just add water? Oh makes me wonder, what kind of consistency should it have? Going to dig it out this weekend and YouTube some tuts maybe ^^

[Sorn]

Originally Posted by maskedmelon [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

What kind of wire? Any way I can restore my clay if it has dried out? Just add water? Oh makes me wonder, what kind of consistency should it have? Going to dig it out this weekend and YouTube some tuts maybe ^^

14 or 16 gauge wire of any sort (I use steel) should serve most purposes. You can use needle-nose pliers and wire cutters to manipulate it.

Restoring clay may or may not be possible, depending on type. You'd have to look up specifics. Some might stay good forever until baked/cured (like Sculpey), some might never cure (oil-based clays - used in stop-motion or forensic facial reconstruction), and some might air-dry (water-based clays - common in pottery/ceramics).

Consistency-wise, you're looking for something about as easy to squish as silly putty. Most don't start out this way, which is why you have to knead them.