Steps for Clay Modeling

Clay can be easily manipulate into everything from figurines to pottery

Modeling clay is one of the easiest ways for a beginning sculptor to get started. It's easy to work with, and can be reused if mistakes are made. Modeling clay requires a minimum of tools, and can be used to sculpt everything from miniatures, to large busts or household decorations.

Things You'll Need

• Clay
• Sculpting knife
• Texture tool
• Water

Instructions

1. Open your package of clay and begin working it in your hands. Polymer clay works best (sculpting clay). It comes in various size packages, and colors, and can be picked up at a hobby store. Work with the clay by twisting, squeezing and pulling on it. The clay will be soft already, but manipulating it in this way will make it easier to work with.

2. Form the clay into a general shape of what it is you want to make. Use your thumbs and fingers to form the clay, pushing and flattening it until the general shape begins to take form.

3. Sculpt the edges of your basic shape with a small sculpting knife to refine the edges of your sculpture. Hold the sculpting knife at an upward, or downward angle. Move it along the outer edges of your sculpture to cut away thin layers of clay until your sculpture is shaped.

4. Wet your clay by dipping your fingers into a bowl of water and smoothing it over the clay. This will help remove the rough edges left behind by your sculpting tool. After the clay dries, you can use a texturizing tool (if needed) for hair definition or fur. The texturizing tools come in a variety of textures, depending upon the effect you're after.

References

• Desiree's Desired Creations: How to Make Polymer Clay Hands
• Polymer Clay Central: Sculpt a Face