How to Select a Beginners Sculpting Kit

Trying out a new activity like clay sculpting is an exciting adventure. Some people enthusiastically throw themselves into their new hobby and never look back. They select the materials they need and get to work. Other people may be a little more hesitant and may require more guidance. A beginners sculpting kit, one that contains all the essentials, can be useful for this group of people.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Set a budget for your sculpting supplies before your shop for your kit. The range of clays and tools on the market is very extensive. As with any hobby, it can be easy to get carried away and want to purchase more than you really need.

2. Visit the art department or bookstore of your local college or university. Ask to see what materials are required for an Introduction to Sculpting class. Knowing what the students work with in a beginners class helps you know what to look for in a kit.

3. Select a kit that is appropriate to the age of the person who will be using it. There are many children's clay sculpting kits available that encourage playing with colorful compounds and plastic tools. These may not be suitable for an adult wanting to learn sculpture and needing more durable tools.

4. Choose a kit that supplies you with an ample amount of clay with which to practice basic shaping techniques. Most kits include 3 to 4 blocks or sticks of clay in several colors.

5. Pick a beginners sculpting kit that comes with several different types of sculpting tools. This may include a roller, shaping tools and texture stamps. Some kits include wire for beadmaking.

6. Buy a sculpting set that includes instructions for basic techniques. Some people are more comfortable learning through instruction than just experimenting with the clay.

7. Add household items to your existing sculpting kit. Forks, whisks and other kitchen utensils can provide interesting texture when sculpting, and are inexpensive.

8. Build your own beginners sculpting kit. You may not see any ready-made kits that you like or that fit into your price range. Putting together a kit containing clay and the basic tools needed would make a unique gift for a budding sculptor.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to mark kitchen tools you have used for sculpting and do not reuse them for food. Chemical residue from clay may linger on the tools even after washing and is not safe to ingest.